Nanoteq (Pty)

What Nanoteq (Pty) does

Nanoteq (Pty) Ltd was a South African proprietary company founded in 1988 and headquartered in Centurion (Irene, Pretoria), specializing in the design and development of high-assurance cryptographic products for defense and industrial customers. Its core offerings comprised four pillars: custom cryptographic algorithms, secure communication and data-protection protocols, hardware- and software-based tamper detection mechanisms, and end-to-end integrated cryptographic systems (including hardware security modules, encryption systems, and key management infrastructure). The company positioned its portfolio around the concept of "cryptographic autonomy" — delivering tailor-made solutions calibrated to varying client security requirements and strategic objectives rather than off-the-shelf products.

The company's primary customer segments were defense and aerospace (including military vehicle navigation and situational awareness systems, exemplified by the CheetahNAV product) and enterprise/government cybersecurity. Secondary verticals included mining and industrial (OT/ICS protection) and rail (signaling and communications security). The company operated a quote-based, project-centric B2B sales model, engaging directly with defense ministries, government agencies, and large industrial enterprises; pricing was not publicly disclosed. Distribution combined direct enterprise field sales with presence at international defense exhibitions such as IDEX2025 in Abu Dhabi, alongside marketing through Reunert's corporate channels.

Nanoteq was acquired by Reunert (JSE-listed industrial conglomerate) in 2016 to anchor the Applied Electronics Segment's cybersecurity build-out. On 1 October 2024, Nanoteq merged with the Reunert-owned Etion Create (formerly Parsec, acquired 2022) and ceased to operate as a separate entity; the consolidated business now trades under the Etion Create brand, with Nanoteq's specialist workforce retained. The merged entity continues to serve defense, cybersecurity, mining/industrial, and rail customers in South Africa and the Middle East.

Name

Nanoteq (Pty)

Legal name

Nanoteq (Pty) Ltd

Website

https://nanoteq.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1988

Operating status

Acquired

Short description

Nanoteq (Pty) Ltd was a South African cryptographic engineering firm founded in 1988 that designed custom algorithms, secure protocols, tamper detection, and full cryptographic systems for defense, cybersecurity, mining/industrial, and rail clients. Acquired by Reunert in 2016, it merged into Etion Create on 1 October 2024.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cryptographic Security Systems

NAICS

Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621), Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (3341)

SIC

Communications Equipment, Nec (3669)

akta.pro primary industry

Quantum-Safe Cryptographic Algorithms & Protocols (PQC) (HDAGAGAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Confidential Computing & Hardware-backed Protection (TEE/HSM) (HDADAFAJ), Secure Elements & Trusted Execution Processors (TPM/TEE/Crypto MCUs) (HDAHAJAK)

Keywords

• Cryptographic systems
• Tamper detection
• Secure communications
• Defense cybersecurity
• Cryptographic protocols

Headquarters

HQ city

Centurion

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels2 records

Core offering

Nanoteq (Pty) specialized in the design and development of high-level cryptographic products, including custom cryptographic algorithms, secure communication protocols, hardware- and software-based tamper detection mechanisms, and end-to-end full cryptographic systems. The company delivered tailored solutions providing clients a pathway to cryptographic autonomy across defense, mining, industrial, rail, and enterprise cybersecurity sectors.

Product overview

Nanoteq provides a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity and cryptographic solutions centered on four core offerings: cryptographic algorithms, cryptographic protocols, tamper detection mechanisms, and full cryptographic systems. The company focuses on delivering tailored solutions that provide a pathway to cryptographic autonomy for clients, offering options to suit varying levels of security requirements and strategic objectives. Nanoteq's expertise in cryptographic solutions complements Etion Create's broader cybersecurity portfolio, enabling the merged entity to offer comprehensive security capabilities across defense, industrial, and enterprise sectors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Nanoteq (Pty)