A technology tower called BonTech has been inaugurated as an extension of Sharif Innovation Zone in the north-central part of Tehran (District 2), increasing the zone's support capacity for startups.
Specializing in the development of communication software, the tower is the first project fully developed with private investments, the Vice Presidential Office for Science and Technology reported on its website Isti.ir.
The tower has already started supporting tech teams, such that 150 professionals are working there on smart broadcasting technologies, developing Video on Demand and live-streaming services.
The inaugural event, held late last week, was attended by Vice President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari, Tehran Mayor Pirouz Hanachi, a member of Tehran City Council, Shahrbanou Amani, and the mayor of Tehran District 2, Rasoul Keshtpour.
Speaking at the event, Sattari said the tech zone is under the direct management of Sharif University of Technology, calling it a successful example of academia spearheading tech-related projects.
“Private investments should be further stimulated for further expansion of the tech zone,” he added.
Sattari noted that interactions between the academic centers and the society are crucial.
“Through these interactions, graduates become involved with real-life problems and devise solutions. Tech experts in universities make changes in their immediate vicinity and gradually expand their influence further. The general public is already experiencing the impact of startups and tech firms in their lives.”
In addition to motivating talented students to set up technology teams and introduce new business models, Sharif Innovation Zone is able to attract knowledge-based firms operating in and around Tehran
Noting that Sharif Tech Zone can also be considered an urban development plan, Sattari said the project can be employed for the restoration of old urban textures in the capital.
"This is only feasible if the efforts of young talented people are valued and supported, and the impediments in their ways are obviated," he said.
Acknowledging the efforts of the vice presidential office in backing fledgling startups and tech units, Tehran’s mayor said such projects rely on talented human resources and their huge potentials.
"The municipality is also planning to strengthen the role of knowledge-based companies and tech teams in converting the capital into a smart city," he added.
Hanachi noted that the concept of smart city goes beyond offering urban services with the help of ICTs.
"Converting Tehran into a smart city involves upgrading the economy, transportation, environment, infrastructure, management and life using new technologies. Tehran Municipality is investing in such projects,” he said.
Sharif Innovation Zone
Sharif University of Technology joined hands with TM in January 2019to develop the innovation zone in central Tehran to house startups and emerging technology firms.
The zone encompassed over 250 hectares that incorporate the prestigious center of higher learning and its Science and Technology Park to assist startups, knowledge-based firms and tech companies.
Soon after, details of the project were made available by university officials to the press.
At the unveiling ceremony held on Jan. 15, 2019, guidelines were published to introduce the zone's advantages and investment potentials to private firms.
To help boost the zone's status and effectiveness, Sattari, Hanachi and Sharif University signed agreements.
"In addition to motivating talented students to set up technology teams and introduce new business models, Sharif Innovation Zone is able to attract knowledge-based firms operating in and around Tehran," Majid Dehbidipour, the director of Sharif Science and Technology Park, said at the time.
“In light of the economic challenges facing the country [due to the new US sanctions], we need to tap into the vast potential of our young and talented entrepreneurs. With such potentials, our erudite generation can develop new business models and contribute to economic development,” he added.
Nationwide Efforts
Extending support to new startups and technology firms has been on the government's agenda since 2013 when President Hassan Rouhani started his first tenure.
Over the past few years, numerous tech parks and innovation factories have been established throughout the country to offer shared workspaces and other facilities to tech units.
Currently, there are seven tech parks in Tehran Province, most of which are backed by major Iranian universities, including Tarbiat Modares University, University of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University and Islamic Azad University.
These tech parks carry the name of universities backing them.
Innovation factories in Tehran, such as Azadi and Highway, have also attracted numerous tech teams and startups.
Azadi Innovation Factory was launched in August 2018 at an abandoned chemicals factory near Azadi Square, west of Tehran. The center is backed by the Vice Presidential Office for Science and Technology and is managed by Sharif University of Technology.
Highway, the capital's second innovation factory, is under construction. The factory is being established in an old building near Nobonyad Square on the northeastern flank of Tehran.
Tehran is not alone in its push for establishing innovation factories and tech parks. Numerous centers have also been launched across Iran.
The vice presidential office is developing innovation factories in Iranian metropolises like Isfahan, Shiraz, Mashhad, Tabriz, Arak, Karaj and Yazd to expand the startup and knowledge-based ecosystems.
At the innovation factories, startups and knowledge-based companies find legal, technical and financial support to develop their activities.
With the extension of infrastructural and financial support, those who are active in the tech ecosystem are propelling Iran’s domestic production to end the economy’s oil dependency and help overcome sanctions.
