International Technology Olympics Set to Attract Global Talent in Tehran
TEHRAN – The second International Technology Olympics will welcome over 1,100 participants from 65 countries, including Pakistan, Oman, Vietnam, and India. The event is scheduled to take place from October 27 to 30 at Pardis Technology Park in Tehran.
Last year’s event drew more than 6,300 participants, and this year, the number of elite Iranian students joining has surged to over 11,000, according to Hossein Afshin, the vice president for science, technology, and the knowledge-based economy.
Participants will compete in five exciting categories: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, programming, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Each category includes various leagues that focus on specialized areas.
In the programming league, contestants can participate in areas such as Front-end development, Python/Django, Algorithms, and Golang. The AI section will cover text processing, data processing, and image processing challenges.
The IoT segment will tackle issues like smart system design and optimizing energy use. Robotics will feature competitions across lightweight and heavyweight categories, while the drone section includes contests for autonomous missions and group flying.
Afshin highlighted that the aim of the event is to discover talented individuals, prepare them for the workforce, and assist them in finding job opportunities both nationally and internationally.
Iran’s Global Ranking in Technology and Innovation
In a recent report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Iran has been ranked 72nd out of 166 nations in technology and innovation, placing it among upper middle-income countries. Notably, Iran has improved its position by one spot compared to 2022.
The report identifies 17 types of transformative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data, and renewable energy sources. The focus of the 2025 Technology and Innovation Report is on creating inclusive AI that benefits everyone, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, data, and skill development.
While Iran ranks 35th globally in research and development, its positions in financial readiness have improved from 62nd to 56th. However, it’s worth noting that the country’s ranking in areas like skills and information technology has seen a decline.
The report aims to help policymakers shape technological advancements that promote sustainable growth and development.
