Why it matters:
The event underscores Iran’s progress in homegrown innovation and the government’s efforts to integrate advanced technologies into urban management — despite sanctions and Western restrictions on access to global tech markets.
The big picture:
The national event runs from November 4 to 6 at Imam Khomeini Mosalla, marking World Cities Day.
It aims to promote innovation, expand smart city infrastructure, and foster collaboration among academia, industry, and government.
The exhibition features broad participation from government bodies, municipalities, universities, research centers, and knowledge-based companies.
What they’re saying:
Alaeddin Rafi’Zadeh, Vice President and head of Iran’s Administrative and Recruitment Organization, inaugurated the event, stressing the role of technology in improving governance efficiency and citizen services.
The Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology is hosting a dedicated pavilion featuring 35 tech enterprises and innovation units.
Organizers say the event reflects Iran’s determination to develop “smart governance” models rooted in local expertise.
Key points:
- The exhibition is divided into two main sections: an exhibition zone for startups and innovators, and a conference segment for policy dialogue and research exchange.
- The Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc) serves as the event’s scientific secretariat.
- Panels focus on AI integration in city management, data governance, and national digital infrastructure strategies.
Go deeper:
Domestic universities and startups are increasingly leading applied AI projects, from traffic management systems to smart public services.
Mojtaba Darabi - seyed mohammad kazemi
