As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen research activities, foster the regional innovation ecosystem, and plan future technology-driven initiatives, a provincial research meeting of the University of Applied Science and Technology centers was held on July 7. The meeting brought together Mr. Rostami, Provincial Research Director; Mr. Amini from the University of Applied Science and Technology affiliated with the Law Enforcement Organization; Ms. Jafarian from the Industrial Management Institute; and Dr. Haydari, Acting Director of the Jahan Foulad Gharb University of Applied Science and Technology.
During the meeting, the research performance of the province’s University of Applied Science and Technology centers was evaluated across three key focus areas. In the first session, representatives from each center presented reports outlining their research activities, achievements, and recent accomplishments.
Dr. Haydari highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Jahan Foulad Gharb University of Applied Science and Technology, including the successful organization of research events and a Technology Tour held in June. She also presented an overview of the University’s Career Services Office, reporting on its performance and the number of employment opportunities registered through the institution’s job placement system.
The second session focused on planning a Technology Tour in collaboration with the Provincial Science and Technology Park, which is scheduled to take place in late July. According to the decisions reached during the meeting, the University’s Innovation Officer, Research and Development (R&D) Manager, Business Technology instructor, members of the Scientific Associations, and the Acting Director of the Jahan Foulad Gharb University of Applied Science and Technology will participate in the event.
The program will also showcase the capabilities of knowledge-based companies and startups based at the Science and Technology Park, while introducing the support services, innovation resources, and facilities available to entrepreneurial teams, innovators, and emerging technology ventures.
The third session focused on reviewing the guidelines for organizing this year’s startup events. According to the approved plan, each event will be preceded by a pre-event workshop led by experienced mentors to evaluate submitted ideas, identify the most promising concepts, and facilitate team formation.
During the main startup event, the selected ideas will be presented, and up to ten projects will compete for evaluation. From these, the top three ideas will be selected to receive ongoing support from the University’s Innovation Office, enabling their further development, refinement, and commercialization.
The meeting also emphasized the vital role of industry sponsors in the success of startup initiatives. It was agreed that organizations featured as official event sponsors would continue supporting the selected teams beyond the competition by assisting them through product development, commercialization, and market entry. This long-term partnership is expected to foster innovative ideas, encourage the growth of knowledge-based enterprises, and strengthen the province’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
