Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy Hossein Afshin said identifying talent should go beyond competitions and medals, creating opportunities for participants to apply their knowledge to practical challenges and contribute to technological development and innovation.

Afshin said a special club established for the Olympics’ winners seeks to connect outstanding participants with companies, industrial projects and the country’s economic needs. Support mechanisms have also been envisaged to facilitate their employment in public institutions, participation in private-sector companies and establishment of startups. He added.

The vice president also highlighted broader government efforts to advance science and technology, including support for fundamental and frontier research, the development of quantum laboratories, and the expansion of artificial intelligence applications.

Afshin said around 70 government bodies have expressed readiness to cooperate on AI assistants, while an exhibition showcasing about 40 domestically developed AI products is planned for the coming weeks.