The 108th meeting of the Board of Directors of the Iranian Venture Capital Association was held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, hosted by Dr. Bagheri. The session focused on field analysis of legal challenges, exchange of operational experiences, and follow-up on structural reforms within the innovation financing ecosystem.
At the outset of the meeting, Dr. Behrooz presented a report on the Association’s recent activities. The report covered data collection from companies and financial institutions, analysis of the gathered information, organization of expert meetings, and other related activities in monitoring and evaluating the innovation financing ecosystem. Additionally, an update was provided on the organization of the National Award for Technology and Innovation Financing in Iran, including coordination on its date and venue. Following a discussion on the report, the Board members emphasized the importance of continuing these processes to enhance the monitoring system and analytical capabilities.
Subsequently, Mr. Navabpour and Mr. Joghataei, the Chair and Member of the Commission for Research and Technology Funds, presented a report on the eight meetings held by the Commission. The report reviewed key issues and challenges raised in previous sessions. It was decided that a draft bylaw would be prepared to define the Commission’s scope of authority, enabling more coherent and transparent decision-making.
The final segment of the session was dedicated to a dialogue with Dr. Mohammad Rostami, Member of Parliament representing Nishapur. Dr. Rostami addressed the concerns of stakeholders in the innovation financing sector and reviewed proposed reforms in the Law on Production and Infrastructure Finance. This discussion served as an opportunity for Board members to present detailed challenges and offer expert-driven solutions.
Regular examination of key issues and policies impacting the innovation financing ecosystem is a central pillar of the Association’s board meetings. These sessions provide a collaborative platform for key players in the innovation landscape to share experiences and reach consensus on strategic matters. Identifying legal and structural gaps in financing innovative and knowledge-based enterprises remains a standing agenda item. Given the shifts in national macro policies—especially in taxation, support regulations, and the role of public non-governmental institutions—this matter has gained added importance. In this regard, targeted engagement with members of parliament has become a strategic approach for the Association to communicate the ecosystem’s concerns effectively and coherently to higher-level decision-makers.
The participation of Dr. Mohammad Rostami in the recent meeting exemplified this purposeful engagement, designed as a productive dialogue aimed at accurately conveying challenges and offering practical solutions. Beyond reviewing legislative details, the session enabled the presentation of proposals to enhance the effectiveness of legal instruments supporting innovation financing. Structurally, these meetings allow the Association to play a pivotal role as a specialized, cross-sectoral body bridging government, parliament, financial institutions, and the private sector. Through documentation of experiences, problem identification, and formulation of policy recommendations, these meetings provide meaningful feedback to policymakers and regulators.
Continuing such meetings not only promotes institutional coherence within the country’s innovation ecosystem but also helps bridge the gap between policymakers and field actors, ultimately improving the quality of supportive and regulatory policies.
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