The National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company has signed contracts with knowledge-based firms in the fields of robotics and smart equipment in Tehran on Thursday, director of the state-run company said.
“Devising smart systems for fuel production and distribution in the key oil sector tops NIORDC’s priority list,” Jalil Salari was also quoted as saying by the Oil Ministry’s news service.
Elaborating on the agreement, he noted that the deal is signed with five local startups, namely Takin Microsystem Company, Ideh Kavan Sanat Pardis Company, Yazd Hamgaman Yavar Company, Pergas Mabdaa Parto Company and the Sharif University of Technology.
“As per the contract, the startups are obliged not only to develop smart equipment to be used in gas and CNG stations, but also to produce ultra-efficient light sources and robotic firefighting vehicles,” he said.
“The Oil Ministry wants to create opportunities for startups and knowledge-based companies so that they can help improve different sectors of the oil industry.”
Startups are expected to propose creative ideas with a focus on reducing production costs and boosting productivity. The ministry’s Research and Technology Department is tasked with facilitating their activity.
Designing and manufacturing turbine blades are among recent projects undertaken by a subsidiary of the ministry in collaboration with a knowledge-based firm.
According to Mohsen Khojastehmehr, the head of National Iranian Oil Company, agreements worth $700 million will be signed with knowledge-based companies in the near future to enhance the production of 750 oil and gas wells across the country.
Salari noted that NIOC is determined to create opportunities for startups and pave the way for knowledge-based firms so that they can bolster different sectors of the oil and gas industry, especially those active in manufacturing pipes, turbines and compressors.
“Deals worth $100 million were clinched with universities and technology-driven business owners in 2021 and more contracts will be drawn up soon,” he added.
NIOC has completed the construction of a new technology park in Shahr-e Rey in southern Tehran, indicating that it plans to support startups and university-based firms in oil-related industries.
State-of-the-Art Technology
The technology park is aimed at injecting state-of-the-art technology into the domestic petroleum industry and enriching the industry with the know-how generated by universities and research institutes.
It plans to host and support knowledge-based companies and startups for developing smart ideas to upgrade petroleum technologies, develop markets, create jobs and boost their capacities in the key sector.
Tech teams entering the park can enjoy legal and tax exemptions, and receive up to $30,000 of seed money supplied by the Iran National Innovation Fund, affiliated with the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology.
Of the 5,700 knowledge-based companies in Iran, 1,418 are involved in information and communications technologies, 1,267 in machinery and equipment and 1,111 in electronic products.
Salari said the government is planning to offer tax and customs exemptions to high-tech firms, ease the cumbersome process of issuing commercial licenses, cut social security insurance costs, reduce the obligatory military service duration [for tech enthusiasts] and help empower innovative business.
According to Iran’s Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, affiliated with the Oil Ministry, two knowledge-based companies signed contracts in February with RIPI to inject new technologies in the petrochemical sector.
The institute is planning to work with Azma Sanj Pishro Company (ASP) in Tehran to transfer the knowledge of water- and oil-based nanofluid production.
RIPI, in return, is committed to provide technical consultation and support, commercialize ASP’s petrochemical products, make research and development investments and expand the tech firm’s market.
The second contract was signed with Toftech Company based in Isfahan, the institution said.
Toftech’s major mission is the manufacture of advanced scientific devices used in laboratories, including mass and ion-mobility spectrometers.
“Another knowledge-based company, based in Fars Province, has produced a special composite wrap to repair old oil, water and gas pipelines without taking them out of service,” Ali Elhamian, a member of the board of directors at Faratec Novin Parseh Company, a subsidiary of Farassan Manufacturing and Industrial Company, said.
“The new fiber-reinforced polymer [FRP] composite is a permanent, cost-effective pipeline repair technology, suitable for defects such as pits, dents, gouges and external corrosion. The FRP composite can extend the lifespan of pipelines to 50 years.”
