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The third stop of the 9th National INOTEX Pitch Competition was held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the auditorium of the TAG Innovation and Acceleration Center in Kerman Province.

Despite communication limitations caused by internet disruptions and the inability to send SMS notifications, the event witnessed remarkable استقبال from startups and technology teams across Kerman. Nearly 110 startups registered to participate in the competition.

During the preliminary evaluation round held on Wednesday, teams were assessed to qualify for the in-person pitching stage. Ultimately, 16 top teams advanced to present their ideas before judges and investors.

On Thursday, these teams pitched their startups in the presence of provincial officials and private sector representatives, including the heads of Science and Technology Parks of Kerman Province, Research and Technology Funds, and industrial entrepreneurs.

Following the final evaluation, “PiazGuard” won first place for developing the world’s first and only specialized and safe herbicide designed for the scientific and effective control of the invasive purple nutsedge weed.

Second place was awarded to “AI-Kar,” a smart city solution focused on operational intelligence and the development of urban IoT networks, creating an intelligent ecosystem to optimize industry and urban management.

Additionally, the following teams were recognized as distinguished participants:

“HistoMed” – an AI-powered medical education application

“REVA” – a smart remote rehabilitation system utilizing proprietary hardware, an intelligent application, and therapist supervision

“Ecoma” – a startup active in agricultural waste recycling

The selected teams have qualified for the grand finale of the 9th INOTEX Pitch Competition and were awarded a free startup booth at the International Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INOTEX), which will be held from May 20 to May 23, 2026, at the Iran International Innovation District (Pardis Technology Park).

Alongside the competition, a side exhibition was also organized, where technology teams showcased their latest innovations and achievements, attracting significant attention from attendees.

The event was supported by Pardis Technology Park and organized in collaboration with TAG Innovation Center, Kerman Science and Technology Park, Kerman Health Science and Technology Park, Hi-Tech Science and Technology Park, and the Municipality of Kerman.