Iran is preparing to launch a specialized Artificial Intelligence (AI) Park, a strategic initiative intended to serve as a central hub for R&D, advanced AI project incubation, and startup development. The plan was officially announced by Mohammad Nabi Shahiki Tash, the Deputy Minister of Science for Technology and Innovation. The facility is currently in the process of securing its operational license, signaling a major state-backed push to integrate AI into the national technology ecosystem.
The creation of the AI Park underscores Iran’s ambition to position AI as a foundational part of its knowledge economy, moving beyond treating it as merely a peripheral tool. Officials stress that the park’s function will be to transform traditional supportive entities into the anchor point for digital transformation. This involves developing smart tools for market analysis, accelerating R&D processes, managing projects, and empowering startups across various stages of their lifecycle, leveraging tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) and intelligent decision-support systems.
This strategic move is vital for Iran as it seeks to overcome constraints imposed by international sanctions, which limit access to global AI resources and advanced hardware. By developing indigenous infrastructure and fostering a local talent pool (supported by strong academic institutions like Sharif University), the AI Park aims to bolster the country’s technological sovereignty and enhance its regional competitiveness in AI development.
