In 2024, the SSMIC Mining Industries Technology Campus took a significant step forward in advancing cutting-edge technologies across the entire mining-to-product value chain by attracting knowledge-based companies, signing contracts with industries, developing tech infrastructures, and establishing a strong link between academia and industry.

Launched in October 2023, the SSMIC Technology Campus is the first specialized campus in the mining sector in Iran, officially approved by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology’s Council for Higher Education Development. The campus has made remarkable achievements in 2024 through empowering tech companies, supporting local innovations, and fostering effective industry-academia collaboration.

From Foundation to Functionality
One of the first initiatives in 2024 was the official registration of the campus as a non-commercial institute and the formulation of executive and regulatory bylaws, later approved by the Campus Policy Council. The main building of the campus, located within SSMIC’s industrial complex, was also equipped and prepared for operation, offering dedicated space for tech-based companies.

From Idea to Contract
In 2024, technology companies based at the campus signed over 3,000 billion IRR (approx. $6M) worth of contracts with mining industries. These contracts included projects in areas such as pilot plant design and construction for pelletizing, concentrate production, direct reduction, measurement equipment, and artificial intelligence systems. Key players included companies like Arkan Mohandesi Sangan, Vira Aku, Exir Kavan AI Analyst, and Manshoor Fanavari Arian.

Incubation and Support for Tech Companies
Another major achievement of the campus was the acceptance of 10 mature technology companies in the mining sector—twice the target set by the Ministry of Science. These companies work in fields such as industrial equipment design, AI, advanced materials production, VR systems, and industrial electric motor manufacturing.

Technology and Research Needs Assessment Hub
A core mission of the campus is identifying and publishing the technological and research needs of the mining industry. This is achieved through networking, partnerships with universities, and various communication channels—creating new opportunities for real collaboration between academia and industry.

The campus’s active presence in exhibitions, its growing network of knowledge-based companies, and ongoing engagement with the national innovation ecosystem highlight its emerging role in the industrial development of the region. The SSMIC Technology Campus is now recognized as a successful model of scientific, industrial, and technological synergy in the mining and steel industries.

In less than a year, the SSMIC Technology Campus has built a solid foundation to support the growth of knowledge-based firms and is playing a pivotal role in steering the region towards a knowledge-driven, innovative industrial landscape.