From Scientific Capacity to Industrial and Export Advantage
Compiled and prepared by: Dr. Nader Salek
Shahrivar 1405 (August–September 2026)
Abstract
Over the past more than two decades, Iran has moved beyond the research stage in nanotechnology and, in some fields, has reached industrial production and market entry; however, this maturity is not uniform across all branches.
Today’s issue is not merely the development of nanoscience; rather, it is identifying technologies that have the potential to become products, markets, industrial advantages, and exports.
The latest official market report, related to the year 1403 (2024–2025), shows that nanocomposites, nanocoatings, and nanocatalysts are among the fields with a real market; in contrast, some advanced membranes, industrial sensors, and complex water and environmental technologies still require development and technology transfer.
The main question is: Where does Iran have production capacity, where should technology be imported and localized, and in which fields is investment more justified?
Introduction: The Issue Is Not “Having Technology”
Iran today possesses scientific infrastructure, knowledge-based companies, and nano products. However, nanotechnology is not a single industry, and the maturity level of technologies varies.
Therefore, a distinction must be made between four levels:
- Research
- Technical knowledge and prototype
- Industrial production and sales
- Exportable product
For economic decision-making, the main criterion is not the number of articles or companies; rather, it is the ability to convert technology into a product and a product into a market.
1. Fields with Production Capacity
Nanocomposites, especially in the polymer sector, are among the more established fields and are used in masterbatch, compound, rubber, and industrial parts.
Nanocoatings have also reached the market; however, the main opportunity lies in engineered coatings with specific performance, such as resistance to corrosion and wear.
Nanocatalysts are also highly important due to their connection with oil, gas, and petrochemicals and have a specific industrial market in the country; however, entering this field requires technical knowledge and performance validation.
2. Water, Wastewater, and Nanobubbles
Water is one of the most important potential markets for nanotechnology in Iran; however, investment should be based on measurable results such as reduced water and energy consumption and treatment costs.
Advanced membranes, nanoadsorbents, and specialized coatings are among the fields that can be examined.
Nanobubbles have also found applications in water, wastewater, agriculture, and aquaculture and are an example of technologies that can move from selling a substance to providing a “complete solution.”
3. Nano Agriculture
Controlled-release fertilizers, seed coatings, soil and plant sensors, and technologies related to water management are among the most important fields.
However, economic value is created when technology can reduce water and input consumption, increase productivity, or lower production costs.
4. Technologies That Still Need Development
Industrial nanosensors, some next-generation membranes, and complex environmental technologies are among the fields where the gap between research and industrial production is still significant.
For these sectors, three paths should be examined simultaneously:
- Domestic development;
- Technology transfer and localization;
- Joint production with foreign technology owners.
The goal is not self-sufficiency in all technologies; the goal is rapid and economical achievement of industrial capacity.
5. Investment Priorities
Considering the market, maturity, and export potential, these fields can be prioritized:
First: Water, wastewater, and agriculture
Second: Advanced materials and nanocomposites
Third: Nanocatalysts
Fourth: Sensors and smart monitoring
Advanced health and pharmaceutical technologies also have high added value, but they require more specialized capital and infrastructure.
6. Export: From Product to Solution
Iran has previously demonstrated the ability to export nano products; according to the official report, nano exports in the year 1401 (2022–2023) were announced at about 69.1 million dollars to 50 countries. This figure relates to 1401 and should not be considered as the current figure.
To increase exports, the focus should shift from selling raw materials to exporting industrial products, equipment, technical knowledge, engineering services, and complete solutions.
Regional markets can also be suitable destinations due to geographical proximity, competitive prices, and the possibility of after-sales services.
Conclusion
Iran has moved beyond the research stage in nanotechnology, but it has not reached industrial maturity in all branches.
In nanocomposites, nanocoatings, and nanocatalysts, production capacity and market have been formed; in water, agriculture, and nanobubbles, there are also developable opportunities. In contrast, some advanced technologies still require technology transfer, investment, and industrialization.
Therefore, the appropriate strategy is not “producing everything domestically”; rather, it is selecting technology based on advantage, market, and export capability.
Technology with a market should be developed and exported; technology with a market but with a technical gap should be localized; and advanced and strategic technologies can be introduced through technology transfer and joint investment.
Iran’s main problem is not a lack of nanotechnology knowledge; the problem is converting knowledge into product, product into industry, and industry into market and exports.
Compiled and prepared by: Dr. Nader Salek
Shahrivar 1405 (August–September 2026)
