Significant Investment Needed to Boost Iran's IT and AI Sectors

Speaking on April 17th, 2025, Mohammad Mohsen Sadr, Deputy Minister of Communications and Head of the Information Technology Organization of Iran stated that the future of Iran's economy hinges on the development of IT. “Artificial intelligence today, not only in Iran but worldwide, is recognized as a strategic and pivotal technology. We must generate employment and wealth creation through appropriate investment in this field,” he stated.
Highlighting Kerman's economic potential, Sadr suggested, "If only a portion of the accumulated profits of the province's large mining and industrial companies were channeled into supporting technology companies, it would trigger a significant transformation in the regional and national economy."
Deputy Minister of Communications also announced the Ministry of Communications' readiness to support the activation of the province's long-delayed data center, emphasizing its potential role in developing digital infrastructure in Kerman.
Financial facilities will be provided to technology companies in Kerman, according to the Deputy Minister. "Special facilities will be allocated to these companies if they submit specific plans within the next month. In addition, the Innovation Fund is ready to invest in ten active companies in the field of artificial intelligence."
Sadr highlighted the implementation of the national "Energy Imbalance Mitigation Program," stating that the involvement of large mining companies in Kerman in this project would lead to energy efficiency, job creation, and wealth generation.
He further mentioned a national call for the identification of companies active in the field of AI, revealing that "483 companies have been identified in nine different fields, and Kerman must also play its part in this ecosystem."
During the meeting, Azadeh Tajeddini, Head of the General Directorate of Communications and Information Technology of Kerman, emphasized the need to utilize the province's ICT capabilities and support knowledge-based companies.
Shahbaz Hassanpour, the representative of Kerman and Raver in the Islamic Consultative Assembly, called for the Ministry of Communications to pay special attention to the province's technological infrastructure.
Finally, a group of representatives from knowledge-based companies in the province expressed their concerns and demands, calling for government support in the areas of financing, streamlining administrative processes, and developing markets for .technology products