We report for the first time the synthesis of niobium dioxide nanowires on a sapphire substrate by chemical vapor transport method. We identified single crystalline nature of as-synthesized nanowires by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Niobium dioxide nanowires with their large surface-to-volume ratio and high activities can be employed for electrochemical catalysts and immunosensors. The Raman spectrum of niobium dioxide nanowires also confirmed their identity.