Venezuela launches first Nanotechnology Olympiad for students

The national phase of the first Venezuelan Nanotechnology Olympiad 2026 has commenced, part of the National Scientific Seedlings Program promoted by the Ministry of Popular Power for Science and Technology (Mincyt). The competition aims to foster early scientific vocations in cutting-edge technological fields.

Out of an initial 3,893 participants in the preliminary stages, 100 students have advanced to this decisive phase. Participants have engaged in theoretical evaluations and the formulation of practical projects focused on nanotechnology applications.

As part of the training, students participated in a practical laboratory session at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IDEA) titled ‘Biotechnological Route: from leaf to nanoparticle’. Using green chemistry methods, students learned to process plant extracts to act as reducing and stabilizing agents for obtaining metallic nanoparticles, converting vegetal material into functional nanomaterials.