An embodiment is a transistor for non-volatile memory that combines nanocrystal and nanotube paradigm shifts. In particular an embodiment is a transistor-based non-volatile memory element that utilizes a carbon nanotube channel region and nanocrystal charge storage regions. Such a combination enables a combination of low power, low read and write voltages, high charge retention, and high bit density. An embodiment further exhibits a large memory window and a single-electron drain current.