Tehran’s Silicon Valley — The Foundation of Dignified Self-Reliance

Shariq Ali
Valueversity

Located near Tehran, Pardis Technology Park is often referred to as Iran’s Silicon Valley. It is not merely a technology park but a structured scientific ecosystem, where hundreds of knowledge-based companies and thousands of experts and researchers work together in one place to transform new ideas into practical, market-ready products.
Interestingly, the park initially covered approximately 145 hectares, and plans for further expansion are underway. Continuous and organized work is being carried out in fields such as defense technology, ICT, biotechnology, nanotechnology, advanced engineering, and health technology.
The objective of this institution is not simply to publish research papers, but to translate research into practical applications and integrate it into the market economy — effectively enabling the complete journey from laboratory to industry within a single environment.

Today, to the extent that Iran appears relatively self-reliant in maintaining its political and economic stance, one of the most significant underlying factors is its recognition of the strategic importance of science and technology. When a country, despite prolonged economic sanctions and external pressures, possesses the capacity to develop its own medicines, engineering products, digital services, and defense technologies, its voice is heard differently on the global stage.

This is the real lesson for us Pakistanis, particularly for the youth. National dignity is not rooted in emotional slogans but in scientific and technological capability. A nation that invests in research, provides incubation centers for its youth, and establishes systems that transform ideas into enterprises ultimately achieves sustainable self-reliance.

The message is clear: if we wish to stand with honor and dignity among the nations of the world, we must make science, technology, artificial intelligence, and modern research our highest priorities.

Nations are strengthened not by roads alone, but by laboratories and coding centers.