Promotion of Stem Cell Technology in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the International Level

Stem cell science and technology has grown dramatically in today s world, and the Islamic Republic of Iran is one of the leading countries in this strategic science. Stem cell technology has gained considerable popularity in Iran with the efforts of academics, researchers, student, and managers of knowledge-based companies and also policymakers in recent years. This field has provided significant capacities and opportunities for the country at the national and international levels. The 10-year strategic plan for developing this technology has been provided 30 programs and three areas in 2013 that include: training, research and human resources development, commercialization and marketing, and development of clinical service centers. This comprehensive strategic planning was approved to manage scientific and technical capacities of the country that covers all the country s potential. Thanks to this plan, ten centers of stem cell and regenerative medicine have been designed and developed which located in 10 most important universities in Iran, and so far, three centers have been established and are fully functional. Knowledge-based companies attending at these centers to participate in Ph.D. students and Postdoctoral fellows training course to advance this scientific field. Over the past couple of years, over 100 knowledge-based companies are working in the field of regenerative medicine with the support of the Council towards the development of stem cell sciences and technologies. Now, these companies are ready to export their technologies and products to other countries. Focusing on the development of stem cell science and technology is not specific to Tehran, and more than 20 other provinces have the infrastructures for the stem cell development under the supervision of the Council. What is more, over the past few years, one of the most important steps towards the development of stem cell science and technology in Iran has been the Annual National Festival and the International Congress in the stem cells and regenerative medicine. This Congress has different sessions, including theoretical and practical workshops, the committee of innovation for Iranian diaspora, national awards competition, an exhibition of knowledge-based products, set market meeting, startup event, student tournament, scientific symposium. Also, more than 5000 participants, including highly-regarded professors, scientists, researchers, students, and managers of companies from all over the world attend this event annually. Taken all, it should be noted that the Islamic Republic of Iran aims to collaborate with other scientific centers around the globe to develop this technology and provide valuable services for patients.

کلیدواژه ها:

Stem cell science and technology ، Commercialization