TEHRAN - Medical nanotechnology and pharmaceutical nanotechnology are currently being taught in over 15 universities of the country to postgraduate students, the deputy health minister for education, has said.

The situation of nanotechnology in the country has improved over the past few years and is hoped to be improved even more, IRNA quoted Abolfazl Bagherifard as saying on Wednesday.

He went on to say that some 20 percent of the 350 nanotechnology companies operating across the country are related to the field of health, and around 200 health products are manufactured using nanotechnology.

Bagherifard made the remarks while visiting the 14th International Nanotechnology Exhibition (Iran Nano 2023) which was held in Tehran from November 4-7.

"Iran is one of the top 10 countries in the world in the field of nanotechnology,” he highlighted.

Referring to the quality and quantity of products produced in the country using nanotechnology, he added, "The use of nanotechnology in the production of knowledge-based products makes them more effective, reduces their side effects, and competes with manufactured foreign products.

“We have seen the production of quality and functional products in all fields, from industry to medicine, and at all levels, from schools to universities.

Iran Nano 2023

Trade delegations and knowledge-based companies from seven countries participated in the 14th International Nanotechnology Festival and Exhibition (Iran Nano 2023)  held in Tehran from November 4-7.

Indonesia, Cuba, and Venezuela were some of the participants in this edition of the exhibition, IRNA reported.

Achievements of the country in the field of nanotechnology were showcased to representatives of these seven countries in a meeting titled ‘Nano-tech for Society’ which was held in Tehran.

“This meeting was attended by diplomatic representatives of different countries that have had a history of cooperation with Iran in the field of nanotechnology,” ISNA quoted Afshin Ramzi, the director of the exhibition for international affairs, as saying.

“The purpose of this meeting is to familiarize the diplomatic representatives with our latest achievements and products in the field of nanotechnology, which are capable of being exported to these countries,” he added.

58 countries import Iran’s nano-tech products

Iranian nanotechnology companies export their products, equipment, and services to 58 countries.

The exports increased by 53 percent in the Iranian calendar year 1400 (March 2021-March 2022) compared to the preceding year, ISNA reported.

In the Iranian calendar year 1398 (March 2019-March 2020), the lowest share (7 percent) of nanotechnology products in the country’s nanotechnology market was recorded.

The expansion of export programs, especially in recent years, has led to the entry of Iranian nanotechnology products, equipment, and services into global markets.

The three countries of Iraq, Turkey, and Lebanon were the most important destinations for Iranian nanotechnology products with $21.5 million, $12.4 million, and $9.3 million of imports, respectively.

By the end of the year 1400 (March 2022), a total of 280 companies were active in the nanotechnology field, and the total revenue amounted to 203 trillion rials (almost $407 million).

In the same year, exports of nanotechnology equipment and services rose by 59 percent and 108 percent, respectively.

MT/MG