Iran Launches National AI Initiative to Develop Indigenous Large Language Model and Digital Maturity Assessment Framework

TEHRAN, June 2026 — Iran has launched a new national initiative to develop an indigenous large language model (LLM) and establish a framework for measuring digital maturity across public and private sector organizations, as the country seeks to expand its artificial intelligence capabilities and accelerate digital transformation efforts.

The initiative was announced following the signing of two strategic cooperation agreements by the country's Information Technology Organization with the Iran Information Technology Organization, the Research Institute for Information and Communication Technology, and the Industrial Management Organization. The agreements establish a collaborative framework for the development of a domestic AI language model built on national infrastructure and the creation of a system to assess and rank the digital readiness of industries and digital platforms.

Officials said the project aims to strengthen Iran's technological self-sufficiency by developing advanced Persian-language artificial intelligence capabilities within the country's own digital ecosystem. The large language model is expected to support local language processing, knowledge management, and AI-powered services while reducing dependence on foreign AI platforms.

The initiative forms part of broader national efforts to build domestic AI infrastructure and improve the availability of advanced language technologies for Persian-speaking users. Iranian research institutions and technology organizations have increasingly prioritized the development of local AI models in recent years as demand for generative AI applications grows globally.

Alongside the AI project, authorities will introduce a comprehensive digital maturity assessment framework designed to evaluate the technological readiness of both government agencies and private-sector organizations. The framework is expected to provide standardized benchmarks for measuring digital capabilities, identifying gaps in technology adoption, and guiding future investment in digital transformation initiatives.

The assessment system will examine organizational preparedness for emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, data analytics, cloud infrastructure, and digital service delivery. Officials say the resulting rankings could help policymakers prioritize support programs and encourage greater adoption of digital technologies across key sectors of the economy.

The agreements build on a series of recent efforts by Iranian institutions to expand domestic AI research and development. Previous initiatives have included collaborations between universities, research institutes, and private technology firms to create Persian-language large language models and other AI systems tailored to local needs.

Technology experts note that the development of national language models has become a strategic priority for many countries seeking greater control over AI infrastructure, language resources, and data governance. For nations with less globally represented languages, locally developed AI models can help improve performance in natural language processing tasks while supporting cultural and linguistic preservation.

The new partnerships are expected to bring together government agencies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders in an effort to establish a stronger foundation for AI innovation and digital modernization.

While officials have not yet disclosed a timeline for the completion of the language model or the rollout of the digital maturity framework, the agreements signal a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence as a pillar of Iran's digital development strategy.

https://www.irna.ir/news/86169761/آغاز-همکاری-برای-توسعه-مدل-زبانی-بزرگ-بومی-و-سنجش-بلوغ-دیجیتال