Tehran Innovation District: A Multidimensional Urban Development Opportunity

The Launch of Tehran Innovation District

The Tehran Innovation District, a multidimensional urban development project, has been launched. The public relations office of the University of Tehran Science and Technology Park (UTSTP) reports that this initiative is a collaborative effort between UTSTP, the Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and the Economy of the Presidential Office, the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology, the Tehran Municipality, and the University of Tehran. The launch event took place in June 2023 at the UTSTP’s premises.

The Structure of Tehran Innovation District

Dr. Ali Asadi, the head of UTSTP, outlined the vision of the Tehran Innovation District. The district aims to establish the Tehran Technology Ecosystem, promote technology clustering, mitigate risks, facilitate the establishment of innovative businesses, and boost the city's economy. The district's main players include startups, accelerators, companies, experts, investors, students, and local residents. The district's slogan is "Sustainable, green, and smart living". The shift from science and technology parks to innovation districts represents a move from a single objective of economic development to multiple objectives, including economic, cultural, and social development.

Features of the Tehran Innovation District

The Tehran Innovation District has several features. These include enhancing the quantity and quality of university research and innovation, creating synergy among knowledge-based companies, enabling urban economic development, creating entrepreneurial and innovative spaces, and providing the necessary infrastructure for the growth of teams and companies with minimal government support. The district spans over 700 hectares, allowing for the expansion of business space, the creation of an open technology and innovation ecosystem, and the establishment of knowledge-based companies and accelerators. Currently, there are 600 knowledge-based companies in the Innovation District, with the potential to employ approximately 18,000 graduates.