In a ground-breaking move, Iran's first center dedicated to artificial intelligence, metaverse, and blockchain in sports, named "Hamta," has been inaugurated at the Sharif University. This initiative is set to accelerate the expansion of the sports industry among young talent athletes.

Why it matters:

The launch of "Hamta" represents a significant advancement in integrating cutting-edge technology with sports. It aims to transform training methods, competitions, and fan engagement while nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy athletes. This development positions Iran as a leader in digital sports innovation.

 

The big picture:

The development is part of a broader national strategy to integrate modern technologies across traditional sectors. By harnessing AI, the metaverse, and blockchain, Iran is preparing for a future where even major events like the Olympics could evolve into entirely new formats, reshaping the global sports landscape.

 

What he’s saying:

Hossein Afshar, Vice President for Scientific, Technological, and Knowledge-Based Economy, emphasized the transformative potential of AI in sports. He predicted that shortly, all sporting disciplines will harness data science and artificial intelligence, and even the Olympics might eventually be held in an AI-driven format, paving the way for entirely new sports.

 

Key points:

  • “Hamta” is Iran’s first center that combines artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse, and blockchain technology with the sports industry. 
  • The center’s goal is to enhance the sports sector and develop young talent by integrating advanced technologies. 
  • The inauguration event was attended by the Minister of Sports and Youth, Ahmad Donyamali, and  Abbas Mousavi, the President of Sharif University. 

Go deeper:

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