NAICS 541713 Quarterly Industry Report
Research and Development in Nanotechnology
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 541713Sector: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (54)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This report covers NAICS 541713: Research and Development in Nanotechnology based on the 2022 NAICS classification from the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Information comes from Census Bureau[6] classification data, SBA[7] size standards, and National Nanotechnology Coordination Office publications. Additional data is drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics[8].. All industry data reflects Fair Market Value assessments based on federal statistical sources.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the research and development in nanotechnology industry.
NAICS Sector
54
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Research and Development in Nanotechnology (NAICS 541713) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in conducting laboratory research and experimental development activities focused on nanoscale materials and devices. These companies work at the molecular and atomic level to create new materials with fundamentally different properties and behaviors than their bulk counterparts. Per Census Bureau[5] data, this industry classification captures specialized work in nanoscience laboratories. The field represents a critical intersection of physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering.
Establishments conduct primary research activities including nanomaterial synthesis, nanoparticle characterization, nanodevice design, and experimental studies aimed at understanding nanoscale phenomena. This sector excludes economic research, nonphysical research, computer programming, and commercial laboratory testing. Federal investment through the National Nanotechnology Initiative totals $45 billion through fiscal year 2025, creating roughly 100 major research centers and user facilities nationwide. Funding from NSF and other agencies has enabled breakthrough discoveries.
Applications span semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical delivery systems, renewable energy, and advanced composite materials. Nanotechnology research enables continued miniaturization of electronic devices, with transistors now reaching sub-10 nanometer dimensions. Both defense and commercial sectors drive growing demand for nanoscale materials research and development services. Private venture capital and corporate R&D spending supplement federal investment, particularly in commercial applications including pharmaceutical delivery systems and electronic device manufacturing.
What's Included in This Industry
- Nanoparticle research and development laboratories
- Nanomaterial synthesis and characterization activities
- Nanodevice and nanoelectronics development
- Nanostructured material design and testing
- Nanoscale surface modification research
- Experimental studies in nanoscale physics and chemistry
- Development of nanofabrication techniques
- Quantum dots and nanocrystal research
- Nanofiber and nanotube development
- Nanobiotechnology research (non-medical applications)
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 54 |
| Subsector | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 541 |
| Industry Group | Scientific Research and Development Services | 5417 |
| NAICS Industry | Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences | 54171 |
| National Industry | Research and Development in Nanotechnology | 541713 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 541714 | Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) | Research and Development in Biotechnology conducts genetic engineering and biological research using advanced techniques, representing a parallel but distinct R&D discipline from nanotechnology. |
| 541715 | Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) | Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences covers conventional R&D in agriculture, electronics, biology, and chemistry, excluding nanotechnology-specific research activities. |
| 325411 | Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing | Medicinal and Botanical Manufacturing produces pharmaceutical compounds that may incorporate nanotechnology-based delivery systems developed through 541713 research establishments. |
| 334413 | Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing | Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing creates microelectronic components using advanced nanoscale fabrication processes that emerge from nanotechnology research programs. |
| 541330 | Engineering Services | Engineering Services applies nanotechnology research findings to commercial product design and industrial applications, translating laboratory discoveries into practical engineering solutions. |
| 541380 | Testing Laboratories and Services | Testing Laboratories provides analytical testing and characterization services that support nanotechnology research, including materials analysis and quality verification at nanoscale dimensions. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 17.2% | 391 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6.8% | 155 |
| 3 | Texas | 6.6% | 150 |
| 4 | Florida | 5.6% | 128 |
| 5 | New York | 5.2% | 118 |
| 6 | Virginia | 4.1% | 94 |
| 7 | Maryland | 3.9% | 89 |
| 8 | Ohio | 3.5% | 80 |
| 9 | Pennsylvania | 3.3% | 75 |
| 10 | North Carolina | 3.0% | 68 |
% Of Establishments
0%
17%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
32
Total SBA Loans
$6.3M
Total Loan Volume
$197K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.44%
Average Interest Rate
472
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: Businesses classified under NAICS 541713 must meet the SBA[7] small business size standard of 1,000 employees. Companies at or below this threshold qualify as small businesses for federal contracting purposes and may be eligible for SBA financing programs, government contracting opportunities, and other small business support services. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[9] for working capital, equipment, and acquisition financing, while 504 loans[10] support major fixed-asset purchases including real estate and heavy machinery.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northeast Bank | 16 | $4.7M | $294K |
| 2 | Readycap Lending, LLC | 16 | $1.6M | $100K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What does NAICS 541713 include?
NAICS 541713 covers establishments conducting laboratory research and experimental development of nanoscale materials, devices, and phenomena, including nanoparticle synthesis, nanomaterial characterization, and nanodevice development. Census Bureau NAICS 541713[6]
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 541713?
The SBA[7] size standard is 1,000 employees. Firms at or below this threshold qualify as small businesses for federal contracting and SBA loan programs.
How does 541713 differ from 541714 and 541715?
NAICS 541713 focuses on nanotechnology research at nanoscale dimensions. NAICS 541714 covers biotechnology research excluding nanobiotechnology, while 541715 includes physical, engineering, and life sciences research excluding both nanotechnology and biotechnology. Census Bureau classifications[11]
What activities are excluded from NAICS 541713?
Excluded activities include economic research, educational research, nonphysical research, computer programming, software development, data processing, commercial laboratory testing, and medical research not focused on nanoscale phenomena.
How much federal funding supports nanotechnology research?
The National Nanotechnology Initiative has directed $45 billion in federal investment through fiscal year 2025, creating roughly 100 major research centers and user facilities. National Nanotechnology Initiative[12]
What industries benefit from nanotechnology research?
Semiconductor, electronics, pharmaceutical, renewable energy, and advanced materials sectors all benefit from nanotechnology research. Applications include nanoelectronics, drug delivery systems, lightweight composites, water purification, and solar cell development. NNI Applications[13]
What is the employment situation in nanotechnology R&D?
Federal agencies estimate between 5,000 to 6,000 new R&D positions could be created, with additional roles in commercialization and manufacturing of nanotechnology products across related sectors.
How does nanotechnology support semiconductor manufacturing?
Nanotechnology research enables continued miniaturization of semiconductor devices, allowing transistors to reach sub-10 nanometer dimensions. These advances drive improvements in computing power and energy efficiency across the electronics industry.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Census Bureau data.census.gov
- [6]Census Bureau census.gov
- [7]SBA sba.gov
- [8]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [9]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [10]504 loans sba.gov
- [11]Census Bureau classifications census.gov
- [12]National Nanotechnology Initiative nano.gov
- [13]NNI Applications nano.gov
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