Iran to Support 500 Knowledge-Based Companies in Commercialization by 2026
According to the Economic Desk of Webangah News Agency, Mojtaba Khorasandi announced plans to support 500 knowledge-based and technology companies in their commercialization efforts and equity participation during 2026. This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the Basij Cooperative Foundation.
Khorasandi, speaking at the closing ceremony of the national “Ta Soraya” event, explained that these events are organized to establish role models and foster momentum across Iran’s provinces. He highlighted that the “Ta Soraya” initiative has been instrumental in strengthening the innovation and technology ecosystem nationwide.
He noted that a key gap identified within the Basij scientific community since 2015 was the insufficient support for commercializing ideas and final products. While support existed for laboratory and industrial prototypes (TRL levels one to five), the crucial stage of commercialization and market entry had not received adequate backing.
The “Ta Soraya” National Award aims to bridge this gap, according to Khorasandi. By pooling resources and expertise from scientific and technological organizations, the pathway for ideas to become market-ready products has been significantly enhanced.
The National “Ta Soraya” Award president further stated that this event has created a comprehensive support package within the country’s technology ecosystem. He announced that 11 applied researchers were recognized with valuable awards at the event, made possible through the cooperation and support of Sharif University of Technology, Islamic Azad University, and Mehr Iran Housing Bank, all of which played vital roles in the financial backing and support of the initiative.
This year, over 300 companies participated in the evaluation and review process. Based on defined metrics, leading technology companies, educational institutions, and provinces that have actively contributed to the development of the technology ecosystem were honored.
Looking ahead to next year, Khorasandi outlined that in 2026, the Basij Cooperative Foundation and its pioneering group will focus on supporting and guiding 500 knowledge-based and technology companies in commercialization and equity participation. These plans, to be executed with the cooperation of Brigadier General Jafari, Deputy Head of the Basij Cooperative Foundation, and Dr. Asghar Noorallazadeh, Head of the National Innovation and Prosperity Fund, will include financial guarantees and market development for the participating companies.
He emphasized that a significant program for 2026 involves connecting knowledge-based companies with the extensive market of the armed forces and expanding sales networks across the country. Successful memorandums of understanding were signed with the Khatam al-Anbiya Construction Headquarters in 2025, which facilitated financial provision and strategic guidance for companies.
Khorasandi expressed optimism that, leveraging the scientific capacities and networking existing within the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Basij, they can effectively continue to support and guide over 1,500 innovators and technologists within the network, meeting their needs.
