From Scientific Capacity to Industrial and Export Advantage
Compiled and Edited by: Dr. Nader Salek
September 2026 (Shahrivar 1405)
Abstract
Over the past two decades, Iran has moved beyond the research phase in nanotechnology and, in some areas, has reached industrial production and the market. However, this maturity is not uniform across all fields.
The issue today is not merely the development of nanoscience; rather, it is identifying the technologies that have the potential to become products, markets, industrial advantages, and exports.
The latest official market report, related to the year 2024 (1403), indicates that nanocomposites, nanocoatings, and nanocatalysts are among the fields with a tangible market. In contrast, some advanced membranes, industrial sensors, and complex water and environmental technologies still require development and technology transfer.
The key question is: Where does Iran have production capability, where should technology be imported and localized, and in which areas is investment more justifiable?
Introduction; The Issue is Not ‘Having the Technology’
Today, Iran possesses the scientific infrastructure, knowledge-based companies, and nano-products. However, nanotechnology is not a single industry, and the technological maturity levels vary.
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 primary criterion is not the number of papers or companies, but the ability to convert technology into a product and a product into a market.
1. Fields with Production Capability
Nanocomposites, particularly in the polymer sector, are among the more established fields, with applications in masterbatches, compounds, rubber, and industrial components.
Nanocoatings have also reached the market; however, the primary opportunity lies in engineering coatings with specific performance characteristics, such as resistance to corrosion and wear.
Nanocatalysts are also of great importance due to their connection with oil, gas, and petrochemicals, and they have a clear industrial market in the country, although entering this field requires technical expertise and performance validation.
2. Water, Wastewater, and Nanobubbles
Water represents one of the most significant potential nano-markets in Iran. However, investment should be based on measurable outcomes, such as reducing water consumption, energy usage, and treatment costs.
Advanced membranes, nano-adsorbents, and specialized coatings are among the areas worth exploring.
Nanobubbles have also found applications in water, wastewater, agriculture, and aquaculture, representing an example of technologies that can move from selling a material 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 the technology can reduce water and input consumption, increase productivity, or lower production costs.
4. Technologies Still Requiring Development
Industrial nanosensors, some next-generation membranes, and complex environmental technologies are areas where the gap between research and industrial production remains significant.
For these sectors, three pathways should be considered 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 to achieve industrial capability quickly and economically.
5. Investment Priorities
Considering the market, maturity, and export potential, the following 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 require more capital and specialized infrastructure.
6. Exports; From Product to Solution
Iran has previously demonstrated the ability to export nano-products. According to an official report, nano-exports in 2022 (1401) were valued at approximately $69.1 million, exported to 50 countries. This figure relates to 2022 and should not be considered the current figure.
To increase exports, the focus should shift from selling raw materials towards exporting industrial products, equipment, technical knowledge, engineering services, and complete solutions.
Regional markets, due to geographical proximity, competitive pricing, and the possibility of after-sales services, can also be suitable destinations.
Conclusion
Iran has moved beyond the research phase in nanotechnology but has not reached industrial maturity in all fields.
In nanocomposites, nanocoatings, and nanocatalysts, production capacity and market formation exist; in water, agriculture, and nanobubbles, there are developable opportunities. In contrast, some advanced technologies still require technology transfer, investment, and industrialization.
Therefore, the appropriate strategy is not ‘producing everything domestically,’ but rather selecting technology based on advantage, market, and export capability.
Technology with a market should be developed and exported; technology with a market but a technical gap should be localized; and advanced, strategic technologies can be introduced through technology transfer and joint investment.
Iran’s main issue is not a lack of nanoscience; the issue is converting knowledge into products, products into industry, and industry into markets and exports.
Compiled and Edited by: Dr. Nader Salek
September 2026 (Shahrivar 1405)
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