Dr. Khiatian: The Technology and Innovation Financing Award as a Platform for Synergy among the Country’s Financial Institutions

Dr. Mohammad Sadegh Khayatian, President of the Presidential Innovation and Prosperity Fund, elaborated on the formation and development of Iran’s innovation financing system in a speech delivered as part of the programs related to the Iran National Technology and Innovation Financing Award (INTIFA).

According to Dr. Khayatian, the innovation financing system in Iran officially emerged in the early 2000s, following the adoption of the Third Development Plan Law. In this process, Research and Technology Funds began operating as the main drivers of the financing system and have achieved significant growth to date.

Highlighting the remarkable expansion of these funds, he stated that more than 90 funds are currently active nationwide under three categories: “Comprehensive,” “Specialized,” and “Corporate Venture Capital (CVC).” These funds have so far attracted over 130 trillion rials in capital and have played a key role in supporting technology-based and knowledge-based companies, thereby advancing innovation.

One of the points emphasized by the President of the Innovation and Prosperity Fund was the equitable distribution of these funds across the country, including in less-developed regions. He noted that this approach has paved the way for balanced technological development and the strengthening of the innovation ecosystem in all provinces.

Dr. Khayatian also described the Iran National Technology and Innovation Financing Award as an effective tool for achieving the following objectives:

• Fostering synergy among financial institutions, including banks, the stock exchange, funds, and other innovation ecosystem stakeholders;
• Promoting the culture of venture investment in the field of technology;
• Introducing innovative financing instruments to support startups.

As the main organizer of the event, the Iran Venture Capital Association, in collaboration with the Innovation and Prosperity Fund, provides a platform within the framework of INTIFA to explain the formation and growth of the national innovation financing system.