According to the public relations of the university: Qom University of Technology, as the secretariat of Nanotechnology Week, welcomed the event during a meeting attended by Dr. Mohammadi, the head of provincial affairs at the National Nanotechnology Initiative, and the heads of various executive departments and organizations.
Dr. Khoshnavisan, the president of Qom University of Technology and head of the Nanotechnology Week secretariat for this province, also mentioned in this meeting the importance of entrepreneurship and converting knowledge and science into wealth, adding: Given the current conditions of the country, achieving this goal is easier through electronics, ICT, and especially nanotechnology.
He assessed the role of knowledge-based companies as significant in this regard and added: These companies, with a broad range of functions, produce various materials and transform them into consumer products needed by society in the market.
The president of Qom University of Technology stated that there are not many problems in establishing knowledge-based companies and producing products; however, poor marketing and lack of customer attraction are among the foremost challenges these companies face and the main reasons for their closure and instability.
He noted the presence of four faculty members of Qom University of Technology at the Tehran Nanotechnology Exhibition, adding: The Nanotechnology Headquarters has been established at Qom University of Technology for quite some time, and with the responsibility of the Nanotechnology Week secretariat assigned to this university, we hope to witness fruitful activities in this field.
He emphasized that the development of nanotechnology, as one of the modern and advanced technologies in the world, began in the country in 2000, and a special committee for the development of nanotechnology was formed in 2003 to pursue the advancement of this technology, with a 10-year strategic nanotechnology plan approved by the government in August 2005.
In addition, Dr. Mohammadi Yazdi, the head of provincial affairs at the National Nanotechnology Initiative, mentioned the allocation of appropriate budgets by the Planning and Budget Organization for the development of nanotechnology, stating: The government of Hope and Prudence has a very positive approach toward nanotechnology, which has significantly impacted the advancement of this technology in the country.
He stated that the Nanotechnology Headquarters operates under the supervision of the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, adding: Currently, Iran ranks sixth in the world in terms of the number of articles and scientific growth in the field of nanotechnology, and although product ranking has not been officially published, based on assessments and evaluations conducted and Iranian products participating in reputable nanotechnology exhibitions in Europe and countries such as Russia and Japan, Iran holds a relatively favorable position in the production of nanotechnology products worldwide.
Dr. Mohammadi Yazdi mentioned that the number of nanotechnology products approved by the Central Nanotechnology Headquarters is 330 products and added: More than 200 knowledge-based companies are also active in this field.
He stressed that the policy of developing and expanding nanotechnology continues in the second 10-year plan for this technology in the country, which began in 2016, and stated: All actors in this field are determined to increase the export of nanotechnology products to various countries.
He noted: To date, nanomaterials produced in Iran, especially in textiles and nanofiber production devices, have been exported to 15 countries, including Australia, Malaysia, China, and South Korea, as well as several European countries such as the UK and Denmark.
He stated that, according to the policy of developing and expanding nanotechnology in the country, the Nanotechnology Headquarters has established close communication with the governorships of various provinces, adding: Since the beginning of 2015, this headquarters has held special programs for Nanotechnology Week in several provinces, including Qazvin, Yazd, Semnan, Fars, Razavi Khorasan, Ardabil, and West Azerbaijan, at three levels: school, university, and industry. Following this week, from November 20 to 27, the special programs for Nanotechnology Week will be held in East Azerbaijan, and from December 1 to 4, as well as December 13 to 18 of this year, the same will take place in Qom and Bushehr provinces, respectively.
Dr. Mohammadi Yazdi stated that, given the unique circumstances in Qom due to the existence of seminaries, in addition to the three mentioned levels, programs for this week are also planned for the seminarian and clerical sectors with the efforts of Al-Mustafa International University or Mofid University, although this is still a proposal and not yet confirmed.
He mentioned that the Nanotechnology Week Headquarters in Qom and other provinces of the country is formed under the leadership of the governor and the secretarial role of the president of Qom University of Technology and announced the preparation of more than 40 programs for Nanotechnology Week in Qom, adding: These programs will include various seminars, commercialization workshops, introduction to different courses, photo exhibitions, and brainstorming sessions. After these events, a report will be submitted to the provincial authorities to form a committee or special scientific headquarters with a focus on nanotechnology, laying the necessary foundation for further strengthening this technology in Qom.
