Nanotechnology is the art and science of building with the tiniest Lego bricks imaginable—structures between one and 100 nanometers, or about one-hundred-thousandth the width of a human hair. At this scale atoms arrange themselves in ways that defy everyday intuition: silver becomes a potent antimicrobial, carbon sheets become graphene that is lighter than aluminum yet stronger than steel, and bland drug crystals dissolve so quickly they can slip through biological barriers. The U.S. National Nanotechnology Initiative defines it as “the understanding and control of matter at the nanoscale,” because the goal is not just to observe small things but to deliberately engineer them for new functions.
In this report, we highlight the top nanotechnology stocks to watch—curated for pure-play exposure to breakthroughs in nanomedicine, advanced nanomaterials, nanoelectronics, and nanomanufacturing.
Why nanotech, why now?
Today, the nanoscale is no longer hypothetical terrain. It’s where some of today’s biggest industrial, health, and climate challenges are being solved, atom by atom. Three forces have converged:
- First, the market is catching up to the science. Analysts peg the global nanotechnology sector at roughly $8.8 billion in 2025 and project it to soar past $115 billion by 2034, an annual growth rate north of 30 percent.
- Second, the regulatory and funding environment has matured. The FDA issued detailed guidance on how nano-enabled drugs will be evaluated, giving developers a clearer runway to approval, while the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act is pouring more than $50 billion into advanced semiconductor R&D, much of it aimed at nanoscale manufacturing tools.
- Third, headline breakthroughs are translating into real products. A two-nanometer-thick quantum sensor reported this spring points toward room-temperature quantum devices, and the world’s first self-amplifying mRNA vaccine—delivered in a lipid nanoparticle only 100 nanometers wide—won European approval in February 2025.
Add the demand for lighter EV batteries, AI chips that cram billions of transistors onto a fingernail, and medical therapies that target disease at the cellular level, and nanotechnology is moving from laboratory curiosity to economic engine.
Nanomedicine
Nanomedicine uses engineered particles smaller than a virus to diagnose, treat, or prevent disease. Tiny lipid spheres slip drugs through cell walls; magnetic nanoparticles heat tumors from within; self-amplifying mRNA vaccines teach immune cells faster. After decades in the lab, several nano-drugs and vaccines now have regulatory green lights and early sales. For investors, nanotechnology stocks here blend biotech-style upside with multiple shots on goal across cancer, infections, and rare disorders.
Nanobiotix S.A. (NASDAQ: NBTX)
HQ: France; Uses nanoparticles to boost the efficacy of radiation therapy.
Nanobiotix is a biotech that uses nanotechnology to fight cancer. Its lead product, NBTXR3, consists of tiny inert nanoparticles injected directly into tumors to make radiation therapy far more effective. In simple terms, it’s like planting microscopic amplifiers in the tumor: when X-rays hit them, they release extra energy that destroys cancer cells without additional harm to healthy tissue. This first-of-its-kind “radioenhancer” aims to improve outcomes in tough cancers such as head and neck tumors, where better options are badly needed.
Aside from groundbreaking science, Nanobiotix also has a major partnership with Johnson & Johnson. In 2023, J&J paid $30 million upfront for rights to NBTXR3 and committed up to $2.7 billion in milestone payments – a strong vote of confidence from a pharma giant. That deal also means J&J is now funding most of the Phase 3 trial in head and neck cancer, giving Nanobiotix financial breathing room to reach pivotal data. If NBTXR3’s late-stage results confirm its promise, Nanobiotix could have a platform technology to roll out across many tumor types. With pivotal trial readouts on the horizon, success could lead to regulatory approvals and a broad adoption of this nano-radioenhancer in cancer care.
Liquidia Corp (NASDAQ: LQDA)
HQ: USA; Delivers inhaled drugs with precision-made nano-particles.
Liquidia is a biotech leveraging nanotechnology to improve drug delivery. The company’s PRINT® technology (“Particle Replication in Non-wetting Templates”) allows it to manufacture drug particles that are extremely precise and uniform in size and shape. In practice, this means Liquidia can create inhalable medicines with particles optimized for deep lung delivery. Its lead product Yutrepia is a dry-powder inhaler form of treprostinil (a drug for pulmonary hypertension) delivered via a palm-sized device instead of a bulky nebulizer. For patients with life-threatening lung diseases PAH and PH-ILD, Yutrepia offers a much more convenient, portable treatment without sacrificing efficacy.
The thesis for Liquidia centers on Yutrepia’s commercial opportunity and the platform’s broader potential. After years of patent battles with a competitor, Liquidia finally secured FDA approval in May 2025 for Yutrepia in PAH and PH-ILD. Now launching in the U.S., Yutrepia is positioned to challenge a rival inhaled therapy (United Therapeutics’ Tyvaso) in a market measured in the hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Liquidia’s tiny, custom-engineered particles gave Yutrepia a technical edge – and they could enable more drugs (or improved versions of existing drugs) in the future. With a first product hitting the market and its PRINT technology validated by that success, Liquidia offers potential as both a drug developer and a drug delivery platform.
Arcturus Therapeutics (NASDAQ: ARCT)
HQ: USA; Develops next-gen mRNA vaccines and therapies using nanoscale lipid carriers.
Arcturus is at the forefront of nanomedicine with its next-generation mRNA technology. Unlike first-wave mRNA players, Arcturus specializes in self-amplifying mRNA – a clever design that lets the injected mRNA replicate itself inside cells, producing more protein and potentially a stronger or longer-lasting effect. In partnership with global pharma CSL, Arcturus created the first approved self-amplifying mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (marketed as KOSTAIVE®). That vaccine has been launched overseas (approved in Europe and Japan), validating Arcturus’s platform on a world stage. The company’s proprietary LUNAR® lipid nanoparticle delivery system and STARR™ mRNA tech can be applied beyond COVID, from influenza vaccines to rare disease treatments.
For investors, Arcturus presents a strategic long-term play on mRNA beyond the pandemic. The CSL partnership provides significant resources and global reach. For example, CSL is co-developing a self-amplifying flu shot with Arcturus and distributing COVID vaccines, reducing Arcturus’s risk and cost. Meanwhile, Arcturus retains a pipeline of its own: it is advancing mRNA therapies for ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) deficiency and cystic fibrosis. With over 400 patents protecting its platform and a proven ability to strike major deals, Arcturus is evolving from an R&D outfit into a commercial company.
Advanced Nanomaterials
Advanced nanomaterials turn chemistry into circuitry. Graphene sheets make plastics stronger and lighter; nano-engineered lithium-iron-phosphate powders cut battery costs; antimicrobial coatings fight hospital infections. Demand comes from electric vehicles, renewable power, and lightweight transport—markets measured in trillions. Because production capacity is still scarce, companies that master scalable processes can earn margins. Nanotechnology stocks in this arena offer exposure to the material building blocks of clean-tech, aerospace, and health-care.
Zentek Ltd. (NASDAQ: ZTEK)
HQ: Canada; Creates graphene-based coatings for health and clean tech.
Zentek is a nanotechnology venture turning advanced materials into practical products. The company’s core innovation is a proprietary graphene-based coating called ZenGUARD, which can be applied to masks and air filters to neutralize germs. During the pandemic, ZenGUARD-coated surgical masks proved they could trap and kill 99%+ of bacteria and viruses, significantly boosting filtration efficiency. Beyond healthcare, Zentek has a pipeline of nanotech projects: it launched a subsidiary (Triera Biosciences) to develop DNA-based “aptamer” therapeutics and diagnostics, and it’s creating nano-engineered additives like ZenARMOR pigments for anti-corrosion paints and ice-repelling coatings.
As a young company, Zentek offers multiple shots on goal within the nanomaterials space. One near-term catalyst is the commercialization of ZenGUARD. For example, distribution deals in Canada are underway, and U.S. regulatory clearance could open a large new market in hospitals and public facilities. At the same time, Zentek’s collaboration with Pattern Energy to test its graphene-based icephobic coating on wind turbines highlights the breadth of its opportunities. If even one of these applications achieves wide adoption, it could transform Zentek’s revenue. With patented graphene technology and support from industry partners, Zentek is strategically positioned at the intersection of healthcare and cleantech, giving investors exposure to multiple high-growth nanotech niches.
Nano One Materials (OTC: NNOMF)
HQ: Canada; Simplifies battery material production with nano-engineered processes.
Nano One is a clean technology company tackling a critical piece of the electric vehicle supply chain: the battery materials. Specifically, Nano One has invented a better way to manufacture cathodes, the nano-structured powders (like lithium iron phosphate, or LFP) that store energy in lithium batteries. Traditional cathode production is multi-step, costly, and wasteful, but Nano One’s patented “One-Pot” process can produce these materials in a single step with fewer emissions and lower cost. In other words, they’ve streamlined a complex chemical process into one “pot,” making battery ingredients cheaper and greener to produce.
Compared to other nanotech stocks, Nano One’s prospects are particularly tied to the growth of EVs and the push to localize battery supply chains. The company is already partnering with industry heavyweights, including automakers and battery suppliers. For example, it’s working with Michigan-based Our Next Energy to qualify Nano One’s LFP for future battery cells. Governments in Canada and the U.S. have also supported Nano One with funding as they seek domestic battery capacity. If Nano One’s technology becomes a new standard for making EV battery materials, the upside could be significant via joint ventures, licensing deals, or its own production.
NanoXplore Inc. (OTC: NNXPF)
HQ: Canada; Scales up graphene to strengthen plastics and boost batteries.
NanoXplore is a leader in graphene, a nanomaterial renowned for its strength and conductivity. The company operates one of the world’s largest graphene production facilities – currently capable of 4,000 tons per year, with plans to expand to 10,000 tons. NanoXplore doesn’t just sell graphene powder; it also integrates graphene into value-added products like plastics and composites. For example, it supplies graphene-enhanced plastic parts to automotive and industrial clients, offering lighter and stronger components (the company recently secured multi-year contracts worth over $17 million annually for such parts). In essence, NanoXplore is building the supply chain for graphene-enhanced materials across multiple sectors.
NanoXplore and its partners are betting on graphene’s role in next-generation batteries. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary VoltaXplore, it’s developing lithium-ion batteries that use graphene-enhanced anodes for higher performance. Plans are underway for a battery gigafactory by 2026, and a major commercial vehicle OEM has already agreed to buy 1 GWh of these graphene-enhanced cells per year for a decade. This mix of established revenue (from the composites business) and blue-sky potential (in batteries) makes NanoXplore compelling. As graphene adoption grows in electric vehicles, electronics, and green technologies, NanoXplore stands to benefit as a vertically integrated graphene supplier with real manufacturing scale.
Nanoelectronics & Semiconductors
Nanoelectronics pushes Moore’s Law forward through atom-level engineering. Ultra-thin silicon layers boost transistor speed; resistive memory switches in billionths; spintronic sensors read magnetic ripples smaller than dust motes. These breakthroughs feed an insatiable appetite for AI, edge computing, and 5G. Capital intensity deters copycats, so small firms with protected IP can punch above their weight. Nanotechnology stocks here give investors a leveraged play on the future of computing hardware.
Atomera Inc. (NASDAQ: ATOM)
HQ: USA; Improves chip performance with ultra-thin silicon layers.
Atomera is a semiconductor materials innovator with a technology called MST® (Mears Silicon Technology). MST is an extremely thin film – only a few atoms thick – that can be embedded in a chip’s silicon to dramatically improve its performance and energy efficiency. By engineering the silicon crystal at the nanoscale, MST reduces electron leakage and boosts drive current, which means transistors can run faster or use less power. Importantly, MST is designed to be added into existing chip manufacturing processes with minimal disruption, making it a drop-in upgrade for chip foundries.
The case for Atomera hinges on the potential industry-wide adoption of MST. After years of R&D, the company is on the cusp of commercialization: multiple semiconductor manufacturers have evaluated MST in their fabs, and Atomera recently struck a partnership with a leading chip equipment maker to help roll MST into cutting-edge production lines. This collaboration positions MST as a key enabler for next-generation chips used in AI, 5G, and advanced computing. If a major foundry or integrated device manufacturer adopts MST for volume production, Atomera would earn royalty revenues per wafer, which could scale quickly. With about 300 patents protecting its tech, Atomera has built a strong IP moat.
NVE Corporation (NASDAQ: NVEC)
HQ: USA; Makes magnetic sensors for rugged, low-power electronics.
NVE Corporation is a unique player at the intersection of nanotechnology and electronics. The company specializes in “spintronics,” which exploits the spin of electrons (a quantum property) in devices like magnetic sensors and isolators. In essence, NVE makes tiny chips that use magnets instead of just electricity to sense and transmit information. These components – for example, sensors that can detect magnetic fields or couplers that send data across an electrical isolation barrier – are critical in industrial and medical systems where reliability and safety are paramount. NVE’s products are already used in factory automation and implantable medical devices, and they’re known for ultra-low power consumption and durability in harsh environments.
What makes NVE worth watching is its combination of steady profitability and cutting-edge niche. Unlike many nanotech startups, NVE has been consistently profitable and even pays dividends (it returned over $19 million to shareholders last year). Its core business of spintronic sensors and couplers is growing alongside trends like the industrial Internet of Things (more sensors in factories) and advanced medical implants. Meanwhile, the company is quietly innovating for the future by investing in next-generation magnetoresistive memory, ultra-sensitive sensors, and even researching how spintronics could enable neuromorphic (brain-like) computing. NVE’s recent expansion of its manufacturing capacity shows confidence in demand ahead.
Weebit Nano (OTC: WBTNF)
HQ: Israel; Builds faster, low-energy memory chips with new nano tech.
Weebit Nano is a semiconductor company developing a new kind of memory called ReRAM (Resistive RAM). ReRAM stores data by changing the electrical resistance of tiny memory cells, unlike traditional flash memory which stores electric charge. The result is non-volatile memory that can be faster, more energy-efficient, and longer-lasting than flash. Weebit’s ReRAM cells are also simple and small, making them attractive for embedding inside microcontrollers and IoT chips. In collaboration with French research institute CEA-Leti, Weebit has already demonstrated that its ReRAM technology meets performance targets on modern semiconductor processes (like 28nm nodes).
After years of R&D, Weebit is now on the cusp of commercial success. It has signed its first commercial licensing deals with chip manufacturers. For example, SkyWater Technology in the U.S. and DB HiTek in South Korea are integrating Weebit’s embedded ReRAM into their production fabs. Weebit has even recorded its first licensing revenue, a key validation of its business model. The next milestone will be customer chips entering volume production with Weebit’s memory IP. If ReRAM gains traction as a go-to memory solution in the era of IoT and AI (where devices demand faster and low-power memory), Weebit Nano could capture a meaningful slice of a multibillion-dollar market.
Nanomanufacturing & Tools
Nanomanufacturing and its toolmakers are the pick-and-shovel suppliers of the nanoscale age. They build the inspection microscopes, deposition reactors, and metrology software that let chip and materials companies work reliably at billionth-meter tolerances. Tool spending rises with every new semiconductor fab and advanced-packaging line. Revenue is recurring and margins resilient, making these nanotechnology stocks a steadier way to ride the sector.
Onto Innovation (NYSE: ONTO)
HQ: USA; Supplies tools that keep chipmaking precise at the atomic level.
Onto Innovation is a key picks-and-shovels supplier for making advanced computer chips. Onto’s equipment and software help semiconductor manufacturers inspect and measure their wafers at the nanometer scale. For example, its optical scanners can spot microscopic defects on a silicon wafer, and its metrology tools verify that each layer of circuitry is precisely aligned and within specs. As chips have become more densely packed (and now even stacked in 3D packages), such inspection and measurement is mission-critical. That’s Onto’s specialty.
Onto has been riding strong industry tailwinds, and its recent financial results reflect that. The company posted record revenues in 2024 (up 21% year-on-year) driven largely by demand from cutting-edge chip fabs and advanced packaging facilities. Notably, sales related to AI chip packaging surged 180% as tech giants adopted new “chiplet” and 3D stacking techniques (which require meticulous inspection). Onto has also rolled out new tools to serve emerging needs like next-generation gate-all-around transistors and the inspection of compound semiconductor wafers. In the long run, the push for more powerful AI hardware, finer chip geometries, and innovative packaging formats all play to Onto’s strengths. The company’s broad product portfolio (spanning front-end lithography, optical metrology, and data analytics) positions it well at the intersection of nanotechnology and manufacturing.
Veeco Instruments (NASDAQ: VECO)
HQ: USA; Builds equipment for chips, lasers, and next-gen displays.
Veeco Instruments makes tools that are used to build advanced electronic and optoelectronic devices – things like LED displays, laser sensors, power electronics for electric vehicles, and cutting-edge logic chips. Veeco is a world leader in MOCVD systems (machines that lay down semiconductor layers atom-by-atom for LEDs, laser diodes, and GaN power chips) and also provides equipment for wafer lithography, laser annealing, and advanced packaging. In essence, Veeco’s portfolio enables manufacturers to work with new materials and 3D device structures that go beyond traditional silicon chips.
Veeco’s prospects are tied to several high-tech trends. In 2024, its semiconductor segment hit record revenues and outpaced the broader chip equipment market for the fourth year in a row. Key drivers included strong demand for its laser spike annealing systems (used in making cutting-edge logic like AI processors and high-bandwidth memory) and for its advanced packaging equipment supporting AI chip production. At the same time, Veeco is poised to capitalize on the rise of compound semiconductors: its deposition tools are in demand for gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) devices essential to 5G networks and electric vehicles, and it has introduced new MOCVD platforms geared towards microLED display manufacturing. As these markets ramp up, Veeco stands to benefit as a key enabling supplier.
AIXTRON SE (OTC: AIXXF)
HQ: Germany; Makes machines for power chips and microLEDs.
AIXTRON is a German-based manufacturer of nanotechnology equipment and a direct peer to Veeco. AIXTRON dominates the market for MOCVD tools used in making LEDs, laser diodes, and the new generation of power chips. In 2024, AIXTRON’s revenues were stable at around €633 million, with about 55% of equipment sales coming from GaN and SiC power electronics, 28% from display LEDs (including microLEDs), and the rest from other optoelectronics. The company is highly bullish on microLED displays – it reported “high double-digit million euro” revenue from microLED tool sales in 2024 and expects big orders in 2026 as customers prepare for production ramps. Likewise, EVs are driving demand for its silicon carbide and gallium nitride deposition systems.
AIXTRON has a record order backlog fueled by megatrends: the electrification of transportation (requiring SiC/GaN power devices), the rollout of 5G and advanced datacenters (driving laser and amplifier production), and the imminent emergence of microLED screens in consumer devices. AIXTRON’s strong profitability and market leadership—often commanding over 50% share in its niches—provide stability, while its exposure to future tech like microLED and power electronics offers growth. As more industries adopt compound semiconductor solutions for efficiency and performance, AIXTRON is positioned to supply the essential tools, making it a strategic holding for the nanotechnology theme.