INOTEX 2025 Panel: I-CONNECT Platform Bridges Iranian Talent Abroad with Domestic Innovation

Seyed Mir-Abdolhassan Vaezi, Deputy of the International Science and Technology Interaction Center and Manager of the I-CONNECT platform, stated at INOTEX 2025 that over the past decade, approximately 14,000 Iranians living abroad have contributed to Iran through various collaboration models with the platform.

The panel also featured Mohammad Shokouhi Yekta (AI specialist at Snapp, Stanford graduate) and Atefeh Alipour (Biomedical researcher in Japan, assistant professor of nanobiotechnology), who discussed the goals of returning talent to Iran, current challenges, and their personal experiences.

Overview of the I-CONNECT Platform

Ali Hosseini explained that the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology launched the “Collaboration Program with International Experts and Entrepreneurs” under the I-CONNECT system to leverage the skills of Iranian professionals abroad. The program provides benefits including residency, educational, work, research, and innovation opportunities, as well as general welfare support.

Hosseini noted the platform faced initial resistance, stating: “No institution cooperated with us at first. We launched I-CONNECT to maintain ties with Iranians abroad and drive transformation.” Over the past ten years, 14,000 individuals have participated in activities such as workshops, military service challenges, academic memberships, and startup creation. In the last eight years, over 500 international experts have joined as faculty members in Iran.

Challenges and Institutional Engagement

Hosseini criticized some organizations for underutilizing the talent pool, saying: “I-CONNECT acts as a bridge between international experts and domestic institutions, yet many organizations do not take advantage of this resource.”

He highlighted trends in requests: daily requests were 15 per day in 2016-17, dropped significantly between 2020-2023, and fell to zero after the December events. Recently, the platform has seen a positive resurgence with an average of 5 daily requests and 180 projects recorded, of which 15 experts are currently in Iran.

Impact and Future Outlook

Hosseini emphasized that change in the country comes from those with global experience who bring their knowledge home. Returnees have a greater impact on industry than academia.

He concluded: “I-CONNECT has been active under three different administrations and has become a successful, enduring model. Its continuity costs less than stopping it. The platform motivates young Iranians to believe they can live and work in Iran. While no overseas system is perfect, we aim to replicate its efficiency domestically.”

This panel highlights Iran’s strategic effort to engage its diaspora and channel international expertise into national innovation and economic growth.