Startup ecosystem directory

Growing tech hub with IT tax incentives that many Iranian founders consider.

Canadian permanent residence route for founders backed by designated investors.

Visa route for foreign founders setting up in Chile.

Science and technology park in Tabriz serving tech companies in north-west Iran.

Digital identity that lets entrepreneurs run an EU company online.

EU Horizon EIC Accelerator

Support program

European Innovation Council grants and equity for deep-tech startups.

Technology park in Shiraz with incubators for tech startups in southern Iran.

French Tech Visa

Support program

Fast-track visa for startup founders, employees and investors in France.

Small-business tax regimes and easy company setup attract regional founders.

Residence routes for self-employed people and founders in Germany.

Annual ranking of countries by innovation capacity, published by WIPO.

Science and technology park in Rasht supporting startups in northern Iran.

Hub71

Accelerator or incubator

Abu Dhabi's global tech ecosystem with incentive programs for startups.

in5

Accelerator or incubator

Dubai innovation centre and incubator for tech, media and design startups.

Iran Computer and Video Games Foundation

Support program

Public foundation supporting Iran's game industry with grants, events and market research.

Over-the-counter market where several Iranian tech and knowledge-based companies are listed.

Iran National Innovation Fund

Fund or financial institution

Public fund that provides loans, guarantees and co-investment for knowledge-based companies.

Isfahan Science and Technology Town

Science and technology park

One of Iran's oldest science and technology parks, with incubators and hundreds of tech firms.

Science and technology park in Mashhad supporting startups in eastern Iran.

Certification that gives qualifying Iranian tech companies tax, customs and financing benefits.

Infosys co-founder who led India's Aadhaar digital identity program.

Residence permit for founders working with an approved facilitator.

Iran's largest technology park, east of Tehran, home to hundreds of tech companies and the Inotex expo.

Saudi Venture Capital Company

Fund or financial institution

Government-backed fund of funds catalysing venture capital in Saudi Arabia.

Shad

Startup or tech company

School learning network app launched by the Ministry of Education.

Shaparak

Fund or financial institution

Central Bank's switching network that settles all card payments in Iran.

Technology park supporting companies founded by Sharif University students and alumni.

Former Vice President for Science and Technology who championed Iran's knowledge-based companies law.

Startup Chile

Accelerator or incubator

Government program that brought founders from around the world to Chile.

Indian government initiative supporting startups with benefits and funding.

Iran's main stock exchange.

Tax-advantaged tech zones hosting software and R&D companies.

Long-term residence available to entrepreneurs, investors and skilled talent.

UK visa route for leaders and emerging talent in digital technology.

Technology park and incubator of the University of Tehran.

Government body that certifies knowledge-based companies and runs national innovation programs.

Science and technology park in Yazd with a focus on industry and energy.