Iran Propels AI Education Forward: National Competitions Ignite Student Innovation

Sci & Tech

Iran’s Scientific Vice President Champions Ongoing Support for AI Education Development

September 23, 2025September 23, 2025

The Iranian vice president for science recently announced exciting developments in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) education for students, emphasizing the ongoing support and competitions designed to engage young learners throughout the year. This initiative aims to foster a new generation of creative minds capable of navigating and contributing to the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

According to the Communications and Information Center of the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Hossein Afshin, the Vice President for Science, stated, “We are at the beginning of the journey. Although the registration of over 440,000 students and the participation of 33,000 in competitions is a remarkable figure, this is only a starting point, and the path of supporting AI education will continue.”

Afshin highlighted the importance of AI as a driving force in today’s world, noting that it requires a generation equipped with creativity and innovative thinking. The Vice Presidency has recognized the significance of this transition and has made it a priority to train the future leaders in AI. Under the “Digital Iran” plan, more than two million students are set to receive free AI education, which is a significant step toward enhancing programming skills across the nation.

The educational approach is designed to make learning about AI engaging and enjoyable. Afshin mentioned that lessons incorporate games and fun activities, transforming complex concepts into practical experiences for children and teenagers. This method encourages students to explore the world of AI through play and competition, effectively learning how to turn their ideas into reality.

Key highlights from Afshin’s announcement include:

Over 440,000 students have registered for the AI education program.
More than 20,000 teachers are collaborating to advance programming and AI skills.
A dedicated platform has been established for teacher education, with contributions from Sharif University of Technology.
The initiative will continue until next summer, with ongoing support for top participants.

In addition to the educational framework, Afshin reported the success of the National AI Competition, which was held online and attracted remarkable participation. With 33,000 students engaging on a public platform, this competition marked a historic achievement in the realm of student contests in the country, both in terms of scale and geographical diversity.

Notably, Afshin shared that a total of 33,043 participants came from 398 cities and 653 educational districts, showcasing the widespread interest in AI education. Among the participants, there were 20,218 girls and 12,822 boys, indicating a commendable level of female participation in the competition.

Afshin, who also serves as the President of the National Elites Foundation, emphasized the significant involvement of secondary school students, noting the statistics of participation: 6,658 primary school students and 26,382 secondary school students. The provinces with the highest participation included Tehran, Khuzestan, Khorasan Razavi, Fars, and Hormozgan, reflecting an unprecedented level of engagement across the nation.

He described this competition as the largest programming and AI contest in both the country and the region due to its scale, nationwide reach, and prize value. This highlights the commitment to fostering talent in the field of AI and programming among young students.

In addition to the National AI Competition, other competitions are also being held to encourage student participation in various areas of science and technology. For instance:

The Computer Student Olympiad has around 7,000 registrants.
The Mathematics Student Olympiad has about 14,000 participants.
The programming section of the Khwarizmi Youth Festival has approximately 4,000 participants.
The programming section of the Khwarizmi Young Adults Festival has fewer than 1,000 participants.

Overall, these initiatives not only aim to enhance educational opportunities in AI but also seek to cultivate a generation of innovators who will shape the future of technology. The commitment to supporting students and educators alike sets a strong foundation for advancing AI literacy and skills across Iran.

Sci & Tech

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