The convergent technologies development headquarter has laid a foundation for the commercialization of ideas and achievements of researchers and technologists of the field in the form of a program called “new convergent technologies”. To date, three rounds of the course have been held successfully and new businesses have been able to expand their products.

This year, the 4^th and 5^th round of the program will be held. However, the call for the fourth round of the event was published last year, and the call for the fifth year will made this year. Startups in this field are involved in the development of their product by participating in the training courses and can develop their market.

In addition, helping the technical improvement of products and facilitating license provision and standards are among the benefits of the program. The convergent technologies development center started this program in 2018 by publishing the first call. Since the first round, nine groups have been able to establish their new businesses. In addition, after receiving the necessary training and advice in the second course, eight groups are looking to attract capital and form their own business.

According to the report, the call for the third round of the event was made last September. More than 90 projects participated in the event, and 12 groups were supported for product development after primary evaluation, in-person judgement and strategic meetings. Also, the required capital has been provided for 10 groups at the current stage or an initial agreement has been reached in this regard.

According to Ali Mohammad Soltani, the head of the convergent technologies development headquarter, the fourth and fifth rounds of the program are among the priorities of the headquarter for this year. However, two challenge-based calls will be made to meet industrial needs in this area.

Attending exhibitions and festivals of the country"s entrepreneurial ecosystem with the aim of introducing the selected start-ups to the network of investors and business developers in the convergent start-up program is followed so that we can witness the development of their business. Attracting investors is also one of the most important things that happens to convergent startups in this program. To achieve this, specialized meetings are held with the centers supporting the development of entrepreneurs and investors to support the development of the new product.

A report by the public relations and information center of the Vice-Presidency for science and technology affairs