Silicon Persia: Iran Pushes Ahead with AI Ambitions

Iran is accelerating its push to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence, as the government has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding the country’s AI sector. Backed by a $115 million investment in research and development, Tehran is seeking to strengthen its technological position despite ongoing sanctions and infrastructure constraints.
 

As part of this strategy, Iran has taken steps to build a national AI ecosystem. In 2024, the government established the National AI Organisation under presidential supervision, aiming to place the country among the world’s top AI powers within the next decade. In March 2025, officials unveiled a prototype of a national AI platform, with a full version expected within a year. Plans are also underway to establish a dedicated AI park in Tehran to support innovation and startups.

Iran’s AI ambitions are supported by a strong academic foundation, with institutions such as Sharif University of Technology, University of Tehran, and Amirkabir University of Technology playing a central role in research and talent development. The country ranks among the top in the region for AI-related scientific output and has seen rapid growth in AI startups across sectors including healthcare, agriculture, e-commerce, and security.
At the regional level, Tehran is also pursuing cooperation. 

Restrictions linked to international sanctions have limited access to global markets, prompting the country to invest in domestic solutions such as the National Information Network—an independent internet infrastructure designed to support digital operations, including AI development, even under external constraints.