2nd Connect forum event highlights Iran’s expertise, innovation
The second Connect Forum event, focusing on meetings with Iranian experts in electronics, computer science, e-commerce, and related fields, was held on July 1, 2024, coinciding with the 27th International Elecomp Exhibition.
The event took place at the Iran House of Innovation and Technology (iHiT), with over 50 participants from the Connect+ program and academic elites.
The event began with a speech by Seyyed Ali Hosseini, Deputy of the Office for Scientific Relations Development and Human Capital, who also manages the Connect platform.
Hosseini emphasized the significant potential of Iranian experts abroad and stated that the Connect program aims to link domestic specialists with their overseas counterparts, which would add considerable value to the country.
He mentioned that the Connect Forum, a side event of the Connect program, has been held alongside international exhibitions in Iran since last year.
This forum invites professionals with overseas education and work experience to share their insights with participants.
Three industry professionals in electronics, computer science, and artificial intelligence presented their views during the event.
Masoumeh Jabbarifar, a PhD graduate in computer engineering from Polytechnique Montréal and Chairperson and Research Director at Chabokfa Company, highlighted the shortage of skilled human resources in Iran and the need for prototypes to attract investors.
Hossein Joshaqani, an economics PhD from the University of Chicago and co-founder and CEO of Saabe Malek Company, discussed the importance of investment in high-inflation countries to preserve asset value and achieve real returns, noting the Connect platform’s role in connecting specialists and companies to address industry challenges.
The final speaker, Mohammad Shokoohi-Yekta, a PhD graduate in computer science from the University of California and Chief AI Officer at Snapp Company, spoke on the differences between industry and academia.
He emphasized that a good idea doesn’t have to be complex but should meet user needs and add value.
