Iran’s AI potential in sports valued at $20bn by 2030

Iran’s Vice President for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Hossein Afshin, says artificial intelligence (AI) in the country’s sports industry is projected to reach a value of $20 billion by 2030.

According to the Communications and Information Center of the vice presidency, Afshin made the remarks on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the “Hamta” Innovation Center, dedicated to AI, blockchain, and metaverse technologies in sports, with the support of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology.

Afshin highlighted Iran’s competitive position in AI applications, stating that the country is not far behind global leaders and can achieve top-tier status.

He emphasized that nearly all sports disciplines will soon utilize data science and AI, transforming areas such as athlete performance analysis, talent identification, and equipment design.

He also said AI can optimize the aerodynamics of sports equipment like footballs, swimming caps, and equestrian helmets, enhancing athlete performance. AI-driven data analysis also enables personalized training programs tailored to individual athletes’ physical conditions.

Afshin also announced plans to launch a second innovation hub in sports at the Azadi Complex, in Tehran, focusing on data collection and analysis across various federations.

He stressed that advancements in sports technology not only drive economic value but also foster national pride and societal well-being.