AI and IoT Innovation Center opens in Tabriz with VP in attendance

Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin, along with local officials including Governor Bahram Sarmast, has inaugurated a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) Innovation Center in East Azarbaijan Province. The center, part of the provincial Science and Technology Park, aims to support knowledge-based companies and advance AI applications across industries. Speaking at the ceremony, Afshin underlined the need for centralized AI infrastructure. 

He pointed to high costs of dispersed setups and announced the unveiling of a centralized graphical service backed by his office. 

Afshin also said AI hardware projects will receive financial support, which will cover up to 50% of required investment. 

The vice president highlighted Iran’s scientific progress in AI, saying, “In terms of research, our global ranking is between 14th and 18th, but in practical applications, we are ranked between 70th and 75th”.