A science and technology park was inaugurated on Oct. 16 near Urmia in West Azarbaijan, as part of plans to boost the province’s technological development.
Built at a cost of 25 billion rials ($178,600) and covering 3,500 square meters, the park will house 84 knowledge-based companies, IRNA reported.
Setting up technology parks with the aim of supporting startups and knowledge-based firms has been on the agenda of the Rouhani administration since it first took office in 2013. In recent years, 42 science and technology parks have opened in Iran, mostly in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Yazd.
The government is moving ahead with plans to expand the scale and scope of the parks and similar centers are also being constructed in less developed areas.
West Azarbaijan Tech Park Director Hassan Heidari says it was high time for the establishment of such a park in the province. The existence of tech parks can help the province have a bigger share of the domestic technology market.
Prior to the official opening, the park hosted several events, including startup weekends. During the events, knowledge-based companies and startups pitched their ideas and business plans, from which, 40 firms were selected. These companies will be provided with working space, along with technical and financial support by the tech park. The firms will make gadgets and products with the park’s assistance.
Among the products are a smart system for optimizing household power consumption, a bio-fuel-additive that can help curb emissions from gasoline-powered cars and a locally-designed air purifier machine which can be used in homes and offices.
West Azarbaijan borders with the Republic of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Iraq. Officials of the technology park are hopeful that they would be able to attract foreign investment and tap the market in neighboring countries.
According to the park’s website (msrt.ir), the center aims to facilitate relationships between universities, R&D institutions, startups, and knowledge-based companies.
Contributing to economic growth and enhancing the quality of life with new services are on the park’s agenda.
