On Monday, January 1st, 2024, a meeting took place between the Young Scientists Festival (YSF) members, Dr. Mahdi Elyasi, the Deputy Head for Policy and Development at the Iranian Vice Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, and the winners of the 7th YSF. The meeting was held at the Economy House of the Zarrin Industrial and Minerals Group.
In attendance at the meeting were Eng. Ebrahim Jamili- the President of the YSF Policy-making Council, Dr. Mahdi Elyasi- the Deputy for Policy and Development of the Vice President’s Office of Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Dr. Soroush Moaddab- the YSF Executive Manager, Elham Moeini Fard- the CEO at Zminetech accelerator, as well as some of the festival winners who were present both in person and online.
During the meeting, the winners of the 7th YSF expressed their gratitude to the YSF organizers and introduced their products and ideas. They also discussed the challenges they faced in commercializing their ideas.
Responding to the winners’ request for assistance in finding business partners, Dr. Elyasi mentioned that there are both good and bad business partners. He highlighted that successful knowledge-based companies often attract investors at the beginning of their journey. Dr. Elyasi further explained that knowledge-based companies can be categorized into three types: startups, technological and innovative companies. He mentioned that startup companies are exempt from taxes and that academicians’ companies receive support from both the private and government sectors in terms of legislation and tax exemptions.
Dr. Elyasi expressed his commitment to making the necessary arrangements to provide additional support to the 7th YSF winners through the Scientific Vice President’s office.
Eng. Jamili, the President of the YSF Policy-making Council, announced plans to establish a company for the top-ranked applications from the 7th YSF and facilitate their commercialization. He advised the creators to find suitable business partners.
The President of the YSF Policy-making Council explained that the purpose of organizing the YSF is to guide participants towards earning money and achieving success. He also outlined several measures to assist the winners, including promoting their ideas and products on the Internet TV network of the University of Tehran and, if possible, on IRIB Amoozesh. Other support measures involved helping the winners establish their companies, accessing bank loans ranging from 200 to 300 million toman, consulting with universities to provide laboratory facilities, providing marketing management and specialized mentoring, arranging for participation in exhibitions, offering legal, insurance, and tax advice, and assisting with obtaining necessary permits. Lastly, he emphasized the importance of fostering communication between the Young Scientists Festival and industries in upcoming programs.
In conclusion, the President of the YSF Policy-making Council expressed the team’s dedication to addressing common issues and expressed hope that all the winners of the 7th YSF would succeed with the support and planning provided.
