INOTEX 2026 Crowns Top 14 Startups After Nationwide Scouting Initiative

During an interview at the Iran International Innovation & Technology Exhibition (INOTEX), Keramati-Fard outlined the year-round process designed to identify and support early-stage startups across Iran's provinces. According to the INOTEX 2026 News Center, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between remote innovators and the central tech ecosystem.

Key operational phases and program highlights include:

• Provincial Scouting: Collaborating with local innovation centers, universities, and accelerators to host one-day events, selecting the top two teams from each province based on standardized INOTEX criteria.
• Final Competition Format: The 14 finalists, spanning sectors like health tech and agriculture, deliver 7-minute pitches. The top eight advance to a head-to-head "battle" stage, culminating in the selection of the top three teams.
• Financial Rewards: The top three teams receive cash prizes of 700 million, 500 million, and 300 million IRR, respectively, alongside access to a combined 15 billion IRR investment and facilitation package.
• Nationwide Reach: The initiative has historically engaged 4,000 to 5,000 participants across 11 cities, successfully elevating teams from remote areas (e.g., Sistan and Baluchestan) to the national stage, with past alumni now operating in fintech and insurance.

Keramati-Fard concluded that INOTEX 2026’s dedicated focus on small businesses provides a critical platform for young talents to gain visibility, forge essential ecosystem connections, and secure vital growth capital.

CMS Hashtags: #INOTEX2026 #StartupAcceleration #TechTalent #InnovationEcosystem #VentureCapital