Tehran – Participants from 20 countries participated in the first International Nanotechnology Olympiad (INO) for high school students, held online on September 29th.
The event attracted students (ages 16-19) from various countries, including Germany, Bangladesh, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, UK, USA, Venezuela, India, Australia, Australia, Australia, and other countries.
The results of the Olympiad will be announced in a week, Borna News Agency said it cites INO secretary Afshin Ramzi.
The Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC) launched its first National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Student Olympiad in 1389 (2010-March 2011) in Iranian Year (2010-2011). The initiative followed a series of successful nanoeducational programs held at schools across the country, combining theoretical exams and practical lab projects.
Following the 16th national event, bringing together 113,667 high school students from all over the country, INIC has decided to hold the event on a global level.
The initiative aims to promote global scientific engagement in cutting-edge technology among young people to challenge knowledge, creativity and talent in international science fields.
As a unique scientific competition, we also aim to identify and nurture science elites in the field of nanotechnology.
INO 2025 presented a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the world of nanotechnology and explore the possibilities of addressing its environmental challenges. The competition was made up of two main parts.
In the early stages, participants were assessed to grasp the basic concepts in nanotechnology and its environmental applications. To support their preparation, participants will have access to nine educational films and a comprehensive booklet available on the official website. Additionally, they receive four specialized educational films and a targeted booklet focusing on nanotechnology applications, particularly in the environment. This accounted for 70% of the overall score.
Generating ideas and submitting films was the second stage of the competition. In this creative segment, participants were challenged to devise innovative solutions to global problems that could be addressed through nanotechnology. They had to create short films that effectively communicated their ideas and proposed solutions. This part accounted for the remaining 30% of the total score.
Overall, Olympiad emphasized the fusion of theoretical knowledge and practical creativity. By combining rigorous assessments with creative project work, competition aims to provide a deeper understanding of the potential for nanotechnology transformation in addressing global challenges.
*******Nanotechnology is making a leap
Iran has made significant advances in nanotechnology over the past year (August – August 2024), with over 100% increase in nanotechnology products exports, indexing 10,860 articles in the Web of Science (WOS), ranking sixth in the publication of nanotech articles.
Iran’s activities in nanotechnology began in 2001. Two years later, the headquarters of Nanotechnology was established to promote knowledge in this field. The first national strategic plan, titled “Future Strategic Document,” was developed in 2005 and aims to place Iran in the top 15 countries on the ground, focusing on the continuous improvement of the country’s position to generate wealth and improve the quality of life for its people.
The organization was subsequently renamed “Nano and Microtechnology Headquarters” to follow up missions and tasks in both areas.
Over the past year, from August 22, 2024 to August 23, 2025, important measures have been taken to improve existing industries and expand and manage sustainable export and nanoproduct markets at national, regional and global levels.
Iranian nanotechnology products from various industries are divided into 13 major categories, including civil engineering and construction. Optics, electronics, and photonics. Oil and petrochemists; medicines, health, and happiness. Home appliances; Power and energy; Raw materials; Chemicals; Textiles and clothing; Equipment; Automotive industry and transportation. Industrial machinery; data released by the Vice President of Science and Technology shows agriculture, animal care and water.
According to data released by the National Headquarters for the development of nanotechnology, approximately 89.6% of Iran’s nanotechnology products are exported to Asian countries.
Europe, Africa, America and Australia are the next destinations, with 6.8%, 2.5% and 1% of imports, respectively.
Data related to Iranian calendar year 1402 (March to March 2023) also indicates that neighboring countries are major export destinations for Iranian nanotechnology products.
Iraq, Türkiye and Afghanistan are the top three importers, holding 23.1%, 6.9% and 6.5% of imports.
Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, China and India rank below.
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