TOP aims to revolutionize Iran’s innovation ecosystem by providing PhD graduates with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and expertise in knowledge-based companies and address industrial challenges. Vice President Hossein Afshin says TOP is designed to utilize the capabilities of elites and strengthen the connection between universities and industries. 

According to the head of Iran’s National Elite Foundation, TOP provides an opportunity to empower PhD graduates and increase the competitiveness of domestic industries for the purpose of reducing dependence on foreign technologies. 

Afshin said the two-year program is a supportive initiative that allows PhD graduates to conduct research and development projects under the supervision of professors while working in knowledge-based companies. 

The Vice president stressed that over 10,000 companies have received knowledge-based certification from his office, with about 50% of them being in Tehran Province, followed by Esfahan Province with the highest number of such companies. 

Afshin said surveys show that 729 knowledge-based companies have been identified with academic staff members, and a total of 937 academics are active in these companies.