From Tech Product Launches to AI Debates: Highlights of INOTEX 2025 Day One

Tehran, May 9, 2025 – The 14th edition of the Iran International Innovation & Technology Exhibition (INOTEX) 2025 launched today with 454 technology companies and innovators, featuring product unveilings, AI and IoT discussions, and key governance forums on its opening day.

The first day of INOTEX 2025 was packed with significant events, including the second National Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) held in morning and afternoon sessions, the opening ceremony of the Governance and Legislation Forum, and the “Future Station” event. A highlight was the unveiling of five cutting-edge technological products at the second Pioneers Festival.

The official opening ceremony at 2 PM featured Abdolhossein Khosropanah, Secretary of the Supreme Council of Cultural Revolution, and Mehdi Safari-Nia, President of Pardis Technology Park (PTP), alongside representatives from the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation. Notable visitors included Hasan Salarieh, Head of Iran’s Space Agency, Ruhollah Najabat and Ruhollah Motafakker Azad, parliamentary representatives, Ehsan Azimi Rad, spokesperson for the Education Committee, Noureddin Ahi, Presidential Advisor, and Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam, D-8 Secretary-General.

• Iran-Pakistan Agricultural MoU Signed at INOTEX 2025
  During his visit, D-8 Secretary-General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam praised the focus on technology and innovation at INOTEX 2025, expressing amazement at Iran’s infrastructure. He welcomed the participation of Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on agriculture between Pakistan and Iran, hoping for broader D-8 member involvement in future events.
• National AI and IoT Conference Insights
  Key speakers at the National AI and IoT Conference included Alireza Firouzfar, President of Islamic Azad University of Tehran, Mohammad Mehdi Zahedi, Head of the National AI Association, and Mohammad Ali Akbari, Deputy for Science, Engineering, and Agriculture at Islamic Azad University. A specialized panel on “Innovation in Payments with AI and Blockchain” was also held.

Firouzfar emphasized universities’ role in social impact and building a “Smart Iran,” noting, “The National Data Management Law, approved two years ago, remains unimplemented. We hope the formation of an AI parliamentary faction will expedite this process.” He also highlighted data transfer challenges, stressing the need for a complete fiber optic network to achieve smart governance.

Zahedi predicted a major leap in IoT by 2025, a $100 billion AI healthcare market, and 40 billion connected devices by 2032. He foresaw a quantum sensor revolution in security and encryption within 2-3 years. Akbari addressed the AI hype in Iran, urging specialized policy-making groups and a strong strategic AI institution.

• Digital Wallet Innovation in Payments Panel
  The AI and Blockchain Payments Panel discussed the importance of digital rial, smart contracts in banking transformation, and the need for integrated IoT infrastructure. A Central Bank advisor revealed plans for the first open-loop digital wallet for digital currency under the digital rial project, envisioning a shift to decentralized, intelligent payment systems.
• Governance and Legislation Forum Inaugurated
  The INOTEX 2025 Governance and Legislation Forum brought together government, parliament, private sector, and knowledge-based company representatives to explore innovation and emerging technologies’ role in enhancing governance and future-oriented legislation.

Babak Negahdari, Head of the Parliamentary Research Center, discussed a draft AI law under review in the Industries Committee, hoping its approval would address governance needs for big data access and transparency. He also introduced the “Vision of Future Iran” co-creation project, stressing the necessity of transitioning from traditional to modern governance for a successful future. Negahdari noted participation from 13-14 private companies, 10 government managers, 9 MPs, and 12 specialized groups from the Parliamentary Research Center across 9 panels with 55 panelists.

• PTP President on Iran’s Tech Governance Success
  Mehdi Safari-Nia, President of PTP, highlighted Iran’s success in integrating technology with law and governance, noting that 27 international exhibitors from 15 countries are present at INOTEX, with some expressing interest in adopting Iran’s tech governance model through training and workshops.
• Private Sector’s Role in Governance
  Amirabbas Akhtaraei, Chairman of the Iranian Industrial Equipment Manufacturers Association, emphasized industrial associations’ role in legislation, stating, “Organized, scientific, and persistent private sector groups can influence national law-making. The new law on utilizing domestic capabilities symbolizes private sector success in governance.”
• AI Infrastructure Center Launch Announced
  Ehsan Azimi Rad, Education Committee spokesperson, announced the upcoming launch of a major AI processing infrastructure center within 2-3 months, to be inaugurated by the President.
• Opening Ceremony: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
  At the opening, Abdolhossein Khosropanah praised INOTEX 2025 as a platform for ideation and tech commercialization, stating, “This year’s exhibition is more vibrant than ever, forging a novel link between tradition and modernity, wisdom and governance.”
• Executive Secretary on Entrepreneur-Investor Interactions
  Sajjad Rajabi, Executive Secretary of INOTEX, highlighted PTP’s achievements, the participation of 454 companies, and the focus on networking and investment. He noted 24 events, including the “Mentorship Pavilion” and “Reverse Pitch,” designed to connect large industries with knowledge-based firms.
• Quantum Computing and AI at Future Station
  At the “Future Station” event, Pouria Haddad, founder of Filager, discussed quantum computing’s impact on AI, explaining, “Quantum computers process multiple data states simultaneously via qubits, unlike traditional bit-based systems, offering superior processing power. However, they require time and algorithm development for practical use, alongside stable qubits supported by data, brainware, and processing power.”
• INOTEX Stage Discussions
  Ali Hazaveh, Deputy for Technology at PTP, spoke at the INOTEX Stage, noting PTP’s upgraded status to an Innovation District following last year’s resolution. He emphasized successful entrepreneurs’ role in inspiring youth and called for a larger, more mature ecosystem.

Reza Ghiabi, Content Secretary of INOTEX, discussed emerging technologies’ impact on startups like Snapp and Digikala, highlighting Iran’s high potential for foreign investment. He stressed the need for proper infrastructure and negotiation skills to unlock new opportunities, noting young innovators’ ability to drive progress even without economic support.