VP Afshin Outlines Strategic Role of National Techmart Network

The Vice President for Scientific, Technological and Knowledge-Based Economy Affairs emphasized the pivotal role of Techmarts in bridging technology supply and demand during the 25th National Techmarts Conference. The event also included the recognition of top-performing regional and specialized Techmarts and the unveiling of a major matchmaking contract.

Hossein Afshin, the Vice President, stated that Techmarts are key players in building a knowledge-based economy. He clarified that his office does not seek a governmental structure for them but views private-sector Techmarts as its essential arm for technology matchmaking.

Afshin urged Techmarts to go beyond addressing immediate needs and proactively identify deeper industrial challenges to boost productivity. He also pointed them to support packages available for knowledge-based companies.

Mohammad Saleh Khaleghi, Secretary of the Iran National Techmart Network, reported significant achievements: over 30 trillion Rials (approx. $71.4 million*) worth of supply and demand was matched in the past Iranian year (ended March 2024). The network has registered around 20,000 knowledge-based products online and currently has 93 active technology trade brokers.

Three regional Techmarts (Fars, Isfahan, Qazvin) and one specialized Mining Techmart were honored as top performers. The conference also featured success stories from brokers in mining, Gilan, and Kermanshah, focusing on domestic and international technology transfer.

The third Technology Trade Conference is scheduled for Spring 2026 in Isfahan.

*Based on an approximate exchange rate for calculation purposes.