Iran has been working hard to expand its tech infrastructure to help boost startups and knowledge-based companies over the past several years.
In line with this initiative, the government placed the establishment of tech parks high on its agenda. These parks foster innovation, along with the development and commercialization of technology, by bringing together the relevant government agency, universities and private companies.
These parks also aim to bring together people who assist the developers of technology to bring their work to commercial fruition.
They attract university students who may interact with prospective employers and find sufficient incentive to remain in the local area.
The Iranian government is optimistic that widening the technology ecosystem and supporting knowledge-based companies and tech firms can help curb the country’s reliance on oil-based revenues and foreign resources.
Currently, 43 science and technology parks around the country are working in the fields of information technology, pharmaceuticals, science and engineering, marine industries, new energies, biotechnology and agriculture.
At the parks, tech teams benefit from their peers’ experience, the presence of professional mentors and legal consultants, along with the government’s financial assistance to develop their activity and flourish it to become small- and medium-sized businesses.
Officials believe the potentials of knowledge-based firms and tech teams should be tapped to upgrade conventional businesses and industries by using cutting-edge technologies and smart ideas, especially by putting a cap on limitations caused by US sanctions against Iran.
Since last summer when US President Donald Trump reimposed sanctions against the country, a large number of international companies cut their business relations with Iran, which created numerous restrictions and hurdles.
Iran’s rial lost some 70% of its value against the hard currencies and the price of almost all commodities and products tripled. However, by relying on its indigenous capabilities, Iran’s economy focused on strengthening its tech-based structure and moving toward self-sufficiency.
This agenda has been supported by the strong role of knowledge-based companies and tech firms.
Tech Parks in Tehran
Extending support to new startups and technology firms has been on the government's agenda since 2013 when President Hassan Rouhani began his first term in office.
Over the past few years, numerous tech parks have been established throughout the country.
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.
Pardis Technology Park in eastern Tehran also has strong ties with the academia.
Innovation Factories
The establishment of innovations factories in Iran is also witnessing a rising trend.
The first such center dubbed 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 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.
As per an agreement between the vice presidential office and Tehran Municipality, abandoned buildings will be transformed into tech hubs for fostering innovative ideas.
Widespread Efforts
Tehran is not alone in its push for establishing innovation factories and tech parks. Numerous centers have also been launched across Iran.
Innovation factories are to be inaugurated in Iranian metropolises by the vice presidential office to expand the startup and knowledge-based ecosystems.
According to Esmaeil Qaderifar, an official with the office, innovation factory projects in the provinces of Khorasan Razavi and East Azarbaijan are almost complete and will become operational in the coming months.
“Tabriz in East Azarbaijan will get its third innovation factory when a construction project is completed,” Qaderifar said.
"Feasibility studies are underway in Fars, Isfahan and Yazd provinces for introducing similar projects."
Earlier in October 2019, four new sections were inaugurated and added to already active sections of the science and technology park in the southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan.
In early February, an innovation center called Khayyam was officially inaugurated in the holy city of Mashhad in Khorasan Razavi Province.
The center has five sections for consultation, acceleration, finance and a workplace for startups and tech units.
Neighboring the capital, Alborz Province will soon be home to its first innovation factory, as officials have identified the best location and started the project.
The factory, an underdeveloped building in Hesar District, east of the city, is spread over 1.5 hectares.
The 10-year-old building, which is 80% complete, was intended to become a firefighting school. But with a change in plans, the project managers abandoned the repurposing plan.
In addition, Amirkabir University of Technology's Garmsar branch in Semnan Province is planning to establish a science and technology park in Garmsar Special Economic Zone.
The project is being organized in collaboration with GSEZ managers.
At the innovation factories, startups and knowledge-based companies find specialized legal, technical and financial support to expand their activities.
