The first Armenian-Iranian Nanoscience and Technology Forum took place in the Armenian capital Yerevan on September 22-23, organised in the framework of the EU4Business SMEDA project (Support to SME Development in Armenia).
The Forum focused on high-tech and innovation policies, and saw the presentation of nanotech products and equipment, and experience of commercialisation, along with discussions on potential directions for cooperation between Armenian and Iranian institutes and companies.
It resulted in the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding between Armenian and Iranian companies: New Plast CJSC and Arya Polimer Pishpam Company, Azad Pharmaceuticals and Eksir Nano Sina Company, Tonus Les and Eksir Nano Sina.
“The Nano-Tech Forum has marked the beginning of the cooperation between the Armenian and Iranian nanotech companies and will be a good incentive to ensure sustainable development in business, technological and scientific sectors of the country,” said Emil Tarasyan, Armenian Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments, at the MoU signing ceremony.
“For the SMEDA project, the initiative is an important activity to foster the connection between science and business,” a SMEDA representative was quoted as saying. “Our project is aiming at commercializing business relevant ideas and the field of nanotechnology offers the potential for great business opportunities in Armenia.”
The forum was organised by Ministry of Economic Development and Investments in partnership with Iran’s Nanotechnology Initiatives Council, in the framework of the Support to SME Development in Armenia (SMEDA) project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development implemented by GIZ.
The EU4Business SMEDA project supports the improvement of the business and investment climate for SMEs in Armenia. It aims to strengthen the private sector, support SME coordination mechanisms, and foster links between research institutions and the private sector, as well as providing access to finance for SMEs.