Systems and methods are described for individually electrically addressable carbon nanofibers on insulating substrates. An apparatus includes an electrically conductive interconnect formed on at least a part of an insulating surface on a substrate; and at least one vertically aligned carbon nanofiber coupled to the electrically conductive interconnect. A kit includes a substrate having an insulating surface; an electrically conductive interconnect formed on at least a part of the insulating surface; and at least one vertically aligned carbon nanofiber coupled to the electrically conductive interconnect.