The International Nano Olympiad (INO) is a prestigious global competition focused on nanotechnology, initiated by the Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC) in 2014. The event brings together teams from around the world to compete in various aspects of nanotechnology, including science, innovation, and business. Participants engage in educational workshops, technical visits, and presentations, aiming to foster entrepreneurship and innovation in the field of nanotechnology. The concept of the INO was first proposed in 2014 by INIC experts and officially approved in 2015. After extensive feasibility studies and planning, the structure of the Olympiad was modeled after other international competitions. The first INO meeting, attended by stakeholders from Iran, Taiwan, Thailand, Russia, Malaysia, South Korea, and the Asia Nano Forum (ANF), was held in Tehran, Iran, in May 2016. During this meeting, the initial regulations and objectives for the Olympiad were established.

The first INO was held in the spring of 2018 in Tehran, attracting nine teams from various countries including Iran, Taiwan, Malaysia, South Korea, Russia, and the European Union. The competition spanned five days, from April 10th to 15th, and included educational workshops on topics such as safety, environmental considerations, patents, business models, and creativity. The main theme of the first INO was waste water management. The teams presented their technical and business ideas, with prizes awarded to the top teams in science and technology, innovation, and business categories. The overall winner received a prize of €3000.

The second INO is set to be a significant part of the Nano Kebangsaan 2024, scheduled from October 7th to 11th at the Bangi Resort Hotel in Selangor, Malaysia. This event will feature various satellite programs, including the ISAMN Conference, the NanoSym Conference, the ANF Commercialization Workshop, and the 7th EU-Asia Dialogue. The competitors will participate in three main categories related to nanotechnology, with the central theme focusing on alternative energies. The Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC) will serve as the permanent secretariat, while Malaysia will act as the executive secretariat for this prestigious event.

Key activities during the INO include an opening ceremony, technical visits, pitching sessions, and judging meetings. The competition will culminate in a closing ceremony, and participants will have the opportunity to engage in a Putrajaya city tour. As nanotechnology continues to shape the future, the INO stands at the forefront, fostering international cooperation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.