Creativity Takes Flight – Drone Finals Begin at IIID

At the Iran International Innovation District (IIID), the second Technology Olympiad’s drone competition has taken off, bringing together student teams and knowledge-based companies to compete in four categories: smart flight, flight algorithm simulation, FPV piloting, and drone combat — merging technical skill, intelligent algorithms, and innovative creativity.

Mohammad Razavi Fard, secretary of the drone competition, said teams are in the training and preparation phase, with initial testing underway before official matches begin in all four categories.

The smart flight category hosts 15 teams, simulation features 5 teams of two to five members, and FPV piloting and combat events involve individual competitors. The public can register as visitors or participants in the combat section.

Razavi Fard highlighted a parallel drone exhibition and workshops, including smart flight simulation (six hours daily) and alternating four-hour sessions in piloting and drone assembly, running until October 30, 2025.

A special highlight of this edition is the drone combat event, where competitors face off in pairs using 10 small drones inside a flight cage to demonstrate piloting and control skills. This is expected to be one of the most exciting and most-watched competitions of the year.

Most competitors are undergraduate to PhD students, though private company teams are also present. Ages range from 18 to 32. Competitions run until 5 p.m., with possible delays due to severe winds or communication issues.