Iran aims to turn Pardis Technology Park into advanced tech hub of West Asia

Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, Hossein Afshin, announced plans to transform Pardis Technology Park into a leading hub for advanced technologies in West Asia.

Speaking at the 23rd Annual Pardis Technology Park Summit on Tuesday, Afshin said the focus will be on emerging fields shaping the future, including artificial intelligence, quantum science, microelectronics, cryogenics, biotechnology, financial technologies, and clean energy.

“We did not choose these fields; they chose us, because the future will be written with them,” he remarked.

Afshin described Pardis as having evolved from a technology park into “Iran’s international innovation region,” emphasizing its role as a platform for startups and scaling companies.

He highlighted the government’s new role as a facilitator rather than regulator, pointing to tax incentives, venture financing, stock market access, and investment funds designed to support knowledge-based firms.

The Vice President also stressed the importance of decentralization, noting efforts to retain talent in provinces, activate regional foundations, and launch the Iran Elites Club.

He said programs such as “Connect” aim to link expatriate Iranian experts back to domestic innovation networks, turning Iran into a destination for talent rather than a place of departure.