Innovation continues at great pace in and around nanotechnology, with the scope of its potential usefulness coming ever more clearly into focus.
For nations across Europe, Asia and the world, ongoing advancements in the use of nanomaterials and nanotech could not be more timely, according to Ovik Mkrtchyan, founder of Technano Innovation and a specialist in industrial innovation.
Demand for nanomaterials across industries
In essence, nanomaterials are ultrafine, solid particles of rare metals (measured in nanometres) which, once they’re successfully manufactured, boast very particular physical and chemical qualities due to their extremely high surface to area volume ratios. Those qualities include high reactivity, incredible strength and durability, as well as special kinds of optical and magnetic properties. These properties are translating into tangible industrial demand across multiple high-value sectors.
In electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, nanopowders are enabling further miniaturisation of components, improved thermal management, and higher processing efficiency — all critical for next-generation computing and AI infrastructure.
In energy systems, nanomaterials are used to enhance battery density, improve charging cycles, and increase the efficiency of hydrogen storage and fuel cells.
In aerospace and advanced manufacturing, they contribute to lighter, stronger composite materials, improving both performance and fuel efficiency.
Meanwhile, in healthcare, nanotechnology is increasingly applied in targeted drug delivery systems, where precision at the molecular level allows for more effective and less invasive treatments.
“There has long been enormous demand among manufacturers for materials that enable enhancements in speed, power, energy efficiency and durability,” explains Ovik Mkrtchyan. “That tendency has created a need for components to become ever more miniaturised, with nanotechnology and nanomaterials therefore becoming increasingly central to pioneering developments within the associated industries.”
Little wonder then, perhaps, that billions of dollars are being invested annually into R&D linked to nanotech, with many nations continuing to recognise the industry (as they have now for several decades in many cases) as a strategically important one.
Demand for nanomaterials across the world
Companies and research institutions have been exploring the industrial potential of nanotech for many years and governments globally have been taking the science behind it all very seriously since at least the early 2000s. However, awareness and appreciation of the true potential value of nanotech innovation is on course for a further uptick, believes Ovik Mkrtchyan.
Globally, the nanomaterials market was reportedly worth around US$16.3 billion in 2025, with estimates suggesting its overall value could top $50 billion within the next decade. Much of that demand is expected to be driven by further advances in the realms of electronics, with consumers and device makers alike likely to remain endlessly eager for smaller, more powerful, more durable technology.
Asia Pacific countries currently dominate the nanomaterials market worldwide and accounted for around 40 per cent of all activity in the industry last year. However, there is high and rising demand too for nanopowders and tiny technologies in Europe, the US and many other countries besides.
Geopolitical dynamics and the push for technological sovereignty are further accelerating investment, as governments seek to reduce dependency on external supply chains and secure access to critical materials and technologies.
Underlying innovation
In addition to the enormous scope for innovation around how nanomaterials are used once they’ve been created, there is evolution happening too in terms of how those materials are initially manufactured. Indeed, if the industry grows as anticipated over the next few years and beyond, greater attention will inevitably be paid to how nanopowders are being produced at scale and what the potential impacts of those processes might be.
“We’ve been innovating in this context for a long time and working towards production methods that deliver extremely pure nanopowders, while limiting energy consumption and eliminating harmful byproducts,” says Ovik Mkrtchyan. “There’s massive potential for the nanomaterials market to expand globally but it’s critical to ensure that the underlying production processes are as clean, safe, affordable and effective as they possibly can be.”
“It’s now up to nations and major industrial operators to set the right course where they can, to commit resources in support of the associated innovations and to encourage collaboration where relevant to deliver outcomes that make a tangible difference for the better. There’s every reason to be optimistic about that possibility.”
Small but mighty powerful
Small though they are, the stage is clearly set for nanotechnologies to have a huge impact on how advanced economies respond to the challenges they face and build for the future.
“In my view, nanotechnology will become ever more deeply embedded into the foundations and the essential building blocks of the modern world,” adds Ovik Mkrtchyan. “From an innovator’s point of view and as someone who believes very strongly in the potential of nanotech, it’s an exciting time.
“While the US and China will continue to lead globally in nanotech, in terms of patents and scales of investment, Europe’s position in the field is strong as well.
“Perhaps now is the perfect time, therefore, to invest and to innovate more around nanotech. The capabilities are certainly there, and so too are the potential advantages and opportunities for science in the space to have a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the prospects for industrial growth across the world.”
