Islamic Azad University and Martyrs and Veterans Affairs Foundation have launched an initiative to support startups active in agricultural technologies (AgriTech) and expand Iran’s startup ecosystem.
During a meeting on Sunday, Mohammad Javad Sadri, the head of commercialization affairs at IAU’s tech park, and Yaser Abdi, the head of Kosar Holding Company, affiliated with the foundation, also signed a collaboration deal to establish a startup accelerator specialized in AgriTech, Tasnim News Agency reported.
The agreement also envisages the implementation of joint research projects on food safety and the establishment of a research and innovation fund.
Speaking at the event, Sadri said the deal will help introduce new technologies into agricultural industries, commercialize innovative ideas developed by tech teams and generate knowledge.
“We expect to hire mentors and start startup acceleration process soon. By using the state’s financial resources, we plan to support tech teams active in the sector. Hopefully, we will be able to extend support to at least 30 startups by the end of the current Iranian year [March 20],” he added.
The official noted that the university owns around 17 hectares of greenhouses in its 235 branches across the country, which can be used as laboratories by startups, which area is planned to expand to 50 hectares.
“AgriTech and food safety are strongly intertwined. Involving the technology ecosystem in the farming sector can help develop both sectors and create added-value,” he said.
Sadri said universities have a lot of empty seats in agriculture majors, adding that the lack of human resources in the sector has overshadowed water shortage problems, threatening the productivity of the domestic food industry.
“By using the potentials of tech units, we could make more people interested in the field,” Sadri said.
Successful Samples
The public and private sectors’ support for technology ecosystem has increased the use of technology in farming.
Last year, a private knowledge-based company announced the indigenization of drones for assisting farmers.
“Sabokbal Helia Aseman Company designs and manufactures agricultural drones used in farms,” the company’s managing director, Mohsen Siadatnejad, said.
“Buying drones from other countries is costly while domestic knowledge-based firms manufacture small aircraft at lower costs.”
Speaking about the high potential for exporting drones, Siadatnejad said, “We are in talks with neighboring states but have not yet reached the export stage.”
An agricultural drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle used by farmers to help increase crop production and monitor crop growth. Sensors and digital imaging capabilities give farmers a clearer picture of their fields. The information can also be useful in improving crop yield and farm efficiency.
Agricultural drones let farmers see their fields from the sky. The bird's eye view can reveal many issues such as irrigation problems, soil variation and pest and fungal infestations.
Multispectral images show a near-infrared view as well as a visual spectrum view. They show differences between healthy and unhealthy plants, a difference not always clearly visible to the naked eye, which can help assess crop growth and production.
Data provided to farmers can also help cut the use of pesticides and water consumption.
The other successful startup, now growing into a powerful business, is Keshmoon, which was established in 2017 and provides customers with an opportunity to directly purchase quality organic crops from experienced growers.
Based in South Khorasan Province, Keshmoon intends to provide a reliable source of income for farmers, according to the firm's directors.
The startup’s directors believe that the current distribution network does not do justice to conscientious farmers, with consumers unable to differentiate from profiteering dealers.
“Keshmoon is aimed at providing customers with quality products at a lower price and increasing the farmers' profit margin over time,” Mohammad Qaempanah, one of the company’s partners, said.
In Keshmoon, farmers need to avoid using chemical fertilizers and follow water-saving policies, he added.
Competitions
In mid-December 2020, the best innovative ideas and startup plans related to agriculture technologies were honored during the Second Iranian Festival of Innovative Agricultural Ideas held in Tehran.
The festival accepted innovative ideas from Aug. 20 to Sept. 26 and the winners were rewarded in the closing ceremony, attended by Vice President for Science and Technology Sorena Sattari and Agriculture Minister Kazem Khavazi, the vice presidential office’s website reported.
Organized by the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, the event focused on new technologies in greenhouses, complementary industries in agriculture, biotechnology and plant medicine, livestock, poultry and veterinary medicine, agricultural mechanization and machinery, and tech-based educational methods.
During the event, five out of 22 finalists were announced winners.
The festival promised financial, legal, technical and commercial support to winners, helping them convert their ideas into successful businesses.
Researchers working on subjects, such as food security and crop-based quality studies, were also honored.
Similar Event
To incorporate modern technologies in the field of agriculture, the vice presidential office and its affiliate Iran National Innovation Fund launched an online event in August 2020.
The two-day festival was aimed at bridging the technological gaps in domestic agriculture sectors with the help of knowledge-based companies and tech firms working in the field.
Agricultural and livestock breeding, mechanization, irrigation, fertilizers, seeds and pesticides were discussed with the heads of tech firms in online sessions.
Experts also discussed the weaknesses of knowledge-based companies and startups in the field, one of the most important of which is interaction with customers in agriculture sectors.
The online sessions also covered support services offered to fledgling startups and tech firms, such as workshops and consultancy.
