TEHRAN – In the past year (March 2024-March 2025) in Iran, a total of 1,735 nanotechnology products received nanoscale certificates from the Iranian Nanotechnology Innovation Council and were commercialized by 201 companies.
Total sales of these products amounted to 973 trillion rials (equivalent to $973 million) in Iran in 1403, representing a 57% increase compared to the previous year and a 72% increase compared to 200 trillion rials ($200 million) in the previous four years. This growth rate is about 31 percent higher than the country’s average annual inflation rate, IRNA quoted Emad Ahmadvand, secretary general of the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council Headquarters, as saying.
The official made the remarks in a meeting with reporters on the sidelines of the 16th Iranian Nanotechnology Exhibition, which will be held in Tehran from November 2 to 5.
Exports of these nanoproducts account for 10% of sales, or about $183 million, the official added.
Ahmadwand further pointed out that sales of domestically manufactured nanotech products in the past year are estimated to be approximately $1.8 million based on the average daily dollar exchange rate.
The official went on to say that three major industry sectors each accounted for the highest share of the market, including transportation, civil engineering, and nanomaterials.
He added that more than a quarter of the secondary market for nanotechnology products in the country is related to the automotive and transportation sector.
Achievements of nanotechnology
Iran’s achievements in nanotechnology are noteworthy. The country’s investments in nanotechnology research and development, increasing scientific publications and sales of nanotechnology products prove that Iran has emerged as a global leader in this field, producing and exporting products to various countries around the world.
Access to domestic resources, competitive prices compared to Western countries, and high production of raw material nanomaterials, nanocatalysts, and advanced equipment, as well as geographic proximity to target markets in neighboring countries, reduced transportation costs, and political and trade ties have made Iran a major manufacturer of nanotechnology products in the region and some global markets.
Iran’s nanotechnology activities began in 2001. Two years later, the Nanotechnology Headquarters was established to promote knowledge in this field. The first national strategic plan entitled “Future Strategic Document” was developed in 2005 and focused on the continuous improvement of the country’s position in creating wealth and improving the quality of life of its people, with the aim of placing Iran among the top 15 countries in this field.
Later, the organization’s name was changed to “Nano and Microtechnology Headquarters” to fulfill its mission and tasks in both fields.
From August 22, 2024 to August 23, 2025, important measures were taken aimed at improving existing industries, expanding and managing sustainable export and nanoproduct markets at national, regional and global levels, promoting Iranian-made products in regional markets, promoting innovation with new technologies with significant economic and social impact, maintaining the country’s scientific status and improving its prestige in nanoscience.
Iranian nanotechnology products in various industries are divided into 13 main categories, including civil engineering and construction. optics, electronics, photonics. petroleum and petrochemicals; medicines, health and well-being; Home appliances. power and energy. raw materials; chemicals; textiles and clothing. Equipment; Automotive industry and transportation. Industrial machinery; Agriculture, livestock, water, according to data released by the Vice President for Science and Technology.
According to data released by the National Nanotechnology Development Headquarters, about 89.6 percent of Iran’s nanotechnology products are exported to Asian countries.
Europe, Africa, America, and Australia are next at 6.8%, 2.5%, and 1% of imports, respectively.
This data is for Iranian calendar year 1402 (March 2023-March 2024) and also shows that neighboring countries are the main export destinations for Iranian nanotechnology products.
Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan are the top three importing countries, accounting for 23.1 percent, 6.9 percent, and 6.5 percent shares of imports.
Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, China and India are next in the ranking.
MT/MG