Iranian Innovators Shine at SCO Youth Forum: Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
In recent weeks, two young Iranian entrepreneurs made headlines by participating in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Youth Forum, aiming to create new pathways in innovative and technological sectors such as artificial intelligence and the digital economy. This significant event took place in Omsk, Russia, from August 19 to 23, and attracted over 350 participants from ten diverse countries including China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, and Russia, as reported by TV BRICS.
As part of the international acceleration program known as the ‘SCO Business Incubator’, the forum was designed to unite young entrepreneurs and industry experts to explore methods for entering foreign markets and attracting investment. Participants engaged in:
- Lectures led by industry experts
- Practical workshops focusing on real-world applications
- Intensive educational sessions featuring over a hundred mentors
Among those representing Iran were Parisa Rooydel and Ali Hemati, according to Mehr news agency. They participated in business-to-business meetings with representatives from other member states, discussing opportunities to enhance cooperation in various fields, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- The food industry
- The digital economy
Additionally, they explored potential collaborations for joint research projects, technology sharing, and accessing new export markets alongside regional partners. This collaborative spirit culminated in a signed agreement among representatives from ten countries, focusing on long-term cooperation aimed at advancing international youth entrepreneurship.
The Mentors and Investors Club, a significant component of the forum, emphasizes:
- Networking and experience sharing
- Joint investments ranging from startup pitching to monetary contributions
- International partnerships through business missions to SCO countries
- Educational development through master classes, case analyses, and workshops
In a broader context, Iran’s current administration is prioritizing scientific diplomacy with its neighboring countries. An official from the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology stated in May that:
“The high capacities of the neighboring countries, on one hand, and their need to import Iran’s science and technology, on the other hand, will lay the basis for the expansion of relations.”
This statement, made by Farhad Yazdandoost, emphasizes Iran’s commitment to promoting science, technology, and higher education since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The country has made significant strides in these areas, which are reflected in its collaborations with universities worldwide. The accomplishments of Iranian scientific elites and their established reputations abroad serve as a testament to this progress.
Under the leadership of President Masoud Pezeshkian, the administration aims to revitalize and encourage collaborative efforts with nations that prioritize scientific development. Yazdandoost elaborated:
“We are strengthening scientific and international partnerships with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. We are also planning to develop ties with some non-neighboring countries that rely on external scientific support, and import scientific knowledge to share our expertise with them.”
The official highlighted the importance of engaging with leading Asian countries in science, such as China and South Korea, as well as nations in Africa and South America. This collaboration is expected to familiarize these countries with Iran’s scientific capabilities, ultimately leading to favorable outcomes.
In conclusion, the participation of Iranian entrepreneurs in the SCO Youth Forum underscores a significant step toward international collaboration in key technological fields. The forum not only serves as a platform for networking and partnerships but also aligns with Iran’s broader strategy of enhancing its scientific outreach and collaboration with neighboring and beyond countries. With ongoing efforts to strengthen these ties, there is potential for substantial advancements in both technology and economic growth for Iran and its partners.
