IRIS Center Champions International Collaboration at the 19th Sheikh Bahai National Technopreneurship Festival

The 19th Sheikh Bahai National Technopreneurship Festival was held in May 2025 in Isfahan, bringing together a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, technologists, and innovation leaders from across Iran and beyond. As one of the country’s most prominent entrepreneurship events, the festival provided a dynamic platform for showcasing innovative projects, exchanging expertise, and fostering technology-driven partnerships.

The IRIS Center played a central role in this year’s festival as a key supporter and strategic partner. In line with its mission to promote international scientific and technological cooperation, IRIS curated and hosted the festival’s international segment: the “Horizon Panel – Scientific and Technological Cooperation between Iran and the World.” Held on the opening morning, the Horizon Panel introduced global guests to Iran’s latest technological achievements and created a space for cross-border dialogue and collaboration.

The panel welcomed representatives from UN-affiliated organizations in Tehran—including FAO, UNESCO, UNDP, UNICEF, and WFP—alongside delegates from BRICS-China’s science and technology sector, a leading Chinese edtech company, and several ambassadors and international organizations. This diverse presence enabled Iranian companies to present their capabilities and explore direct engagement with global markets and institutions.

A major milestone of the Horizon Panel was the signing of a cooperation agreement between IRIS and the Beijing International Exchange Association (BIEA). This agreement opens the door for Iranian startups, festival awardees, and companies based in the Isfahan Science and Technology Town to participate in China’s prestigious Susong Cup Entrepreneurship Competition—offering a unique opportunity for international exposure and investment.

Beyond its international efforts, IRIS also organized targeted B2B sessions during the festival, facilitating direct negotiations between innovators and investors. These sessions were widely welcomed and contributed to the festival’s goal of accelerating commercialization and investment readiness.

The festival featured a rich program including a technology exhibition, expert panels on entrepreneurship, and educational workshops led by renowned scholars and innovation leaders. Once again, Isfahan affirmed its role not only as a cultural capital but also as a thriving hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Iran.

IRIS Center’s active engagement and strategic initiatives significantly enhanced the quality, impact, and global reach of the 19th Sheikh Bahai Festival—reinforcing its commitment to innovation diplomacy and international tech cooperation.