A novel approach to needleless electrospinning of nanofibers has been developed to increase the productivity of nanofibers. Multiple jets were observed to form on the edges of the stepped pyramid-shaped spinneret simultaneously. Compared with the traditional needle based electrospinning, nanofibers produced by the stepped pyramid-shaped spinneret were finer and an enhancement of more than 100 times over the traditionally obtained nanofibers productivity was obtained. The finite element analysis of electric field revealed a strong electric field gradient around the edges of the spinneret. The effect of applied voltage on nanofiber diameter and productivity were also explored. This novel design instrument avoids the possibility of clogging and will benefit to the development of needleless electrospinning. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.