Gov’t-Private Sector Coop. to Help Foster Startup Ecosystem

Iran’s Vice Presidential Office for Science and Technology is planning to launch innovation houses in all provinces in collaboration with private investors to promote the startup ecosystem. 
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Parviz Karami, an official with the vice presidential office, said the innovation houses will support entrepreneurs whose businesses are not classified as knowledge-based, IRNA reported. 
“Many startups are innovation-based but their business does not require high technology and their final product is also simple compared to specialized knowledge-based companies. These innovative teams and startups don’t receive adequate state support. The initiative aims to cover the gap and financially back such startups,” Karami said.
Out of over 6,000 tech units active in the country, 1,096 are innovative teams working on e-commerce, audiovisual industries, tourism, entertainment, design, architecture and herbal medicine, he added. 
The innovative houses are mandated to provide mentorship, investment and consultation to entrepreneurs for boosting their activities.