Mark Your Calendars: The Inaugural International AI Exhibition Kicks Off This January!
Tehran is set to host the inaugural AIX Expo, an international exhibition dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI). Scheduled from January 12 to 15, 2026, this significant event will take place at the Tehran Permanent International Fairgrounds, attracting over 50 leading knowledge-based companies from the AI and technology sectors. Supported by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), this exhibition aims to enhance collaboration among innovation ecosystems and industry leaders.
The AIX Expo promises to be a landmark event that will highlight the latest advancements and innovations in AI on both national and global stages. Here’s what attendees can expect:
- Showcasing Innovations: The exhibition will feature cutting-edge technologies and breakthroughs in AI.
- Specialized Panels: Interactive discussions will cover AI applications across various industries, including:
- Healthcare
- Energy
- Urban Development
- Finance
- Manufacturing
- Workshops and Networking: Hands-on educational workshops will provide a platform for sharing expertise and fostering business collaborations through B2B and B2G networking opportunities.
With the rapid rise of AI startups and tech-driven industries in Iran, the AIX Expo 2026 is anticipated to catalyze significant investments and facilitate the export of homegrown AI technologies.
Iran’s Advancements in AI Research
According to the Nature Index, Iran’s standing in scientific production in the field of Artificial Intelligence has improved, moving from 33rd to 30th place. This positions the nation among the top 50 leaders in AI research globally. As reported by Hossein Afshin, an official from the vice-presidency of science and technology, Iran’s regional ranking fluctuates between 14th and 17th, primarily due to a strong emphasis on quality.
Afshin expressed optimism about enhancing the country’s scientific position over the next two years. He noted ongoing efforts to develop AI infrastructure, including an AI platform and AI assistant, which are expected to be launched soon.
Government AI Readiness
The latest report from the Oxford Insights index, which assesses government readiness for AI implementation in public services, ranks Iran 91st out of 188 countries. This marks an improvement of three positions from 94th in 2023. The report emphasizes the critical role of AI in enhancing government efficiency and service delivery.
The Government AI Readiness Index is recognized as a valuable resource for policymakers, serving as a benchmark for national governments. This year, the index evaluates 188 countries amidst an increasingly complex landscape of citizen needs, economic uncertainties, climate risks, and rising inequalities.
The 2024 index analyzes 40 indicators across three main pillars:
- Government
- Technology Sector
- Data & Infrastructure
This comprehensive analysis aims to highlight progress, identify gaps, and provide actionable insights for policymakers striving to integrate AI into public service delivery. At its core, the index seeks to answer the vital question: How prepared are governments to implement AI in public services? By addressing this question, it aims to equip policymakers with a practical tool to enhance decision-making and leverage AI’s potential to better serve citizens worldwide.
In the latest findings, Iran’s strongest performance is noted in the Data and Infrastructure pillar, with a rating of 66.29, showing improvement from the previous year’s score of 55.88. This pillar encompasses various indicators such as:
- Infrastructure: 70
- Data Availability: 43
- Data Representativeness: 121
As the AIX Expo approaches, it is evident that Iran is making significant strides in the realm of AI, positioning itself as a growing player in the global technology landscape. This exhibition not only signifies the nation’s commitment to advancing AI but also highlights the collaborative spirit among industry leaders and innovators.
