Iran’s journey in promoting nanotechnology education began in earnest in 2010 (1389 in the Persian calendar), when the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC) launched the first National Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Student Olympiad. This initiative followed a series of successful nano-education programs held in schools across the country and combined a theoretical exam with a hands-on laboratory project.
Over the course of 16 consecutive years, this national event has attracted 113,667 high school students from across Iran. Today, the Olympiad is organized by the National Organization for the Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET) with the support of the INIC and is officially recognized by the Iranian National Elites Foundation.
The Olympiad is conducted in three stages:
Stage 1 & 2 – Written theoretical exams
Stage 3 – A two-week experimental and practical training camp hosted at one of Iran's top educational or research institutions
During the final stage, 40 top students are invited to participate in an intensive hands-on competition. While learning advanced nanoscience concepts, they design and conduct experimental projects, analyze results, and ultimately earn their medals based on both performance and creativity.
Previous host institutions for the practical stage include:
Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI)
Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)
Institute for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Iran
Sharif University of Technology
Imam Khomeini International University (Qazvin)
Iran University of Medical Sciences
Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan
Medalists and participants of the National Nanotechnology Olympiad have gone on to study at top universities in Iran and abroad. Many have published peer-reviewed research papers in prestigious journals, while others have launched nanotechnology-based startups as university students.
Outstanding students become members of the Nano Talents Club, an initiative designed to maintain their engagement with the scientific community, provide mentorship, and foster collaboration. Members receive guidance on innovative ideas, and often partner with one another or with the INIC on educational and research projects.
Thanks to its rich experience and successful model, Iran is proud to host the first Global Nanotechnology Olympiad for High School Students in 2025.
It is worth mentioning that Iran has also played a leading role in the Global Nanotechnology Olympiad at the university level, contributing significantly to two successful editions held in Iran and Malaysia.
