AI Meetups Iran

AI Meetups Iran

In 2018, while studying at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, I noticed a clear gap between the academic world of AI research and the practical needs of businesses. Together with some of my colleagues, we decided to bridge that divide by founding AI Meetups Iran, a community-driven initiative aimed at connecting researchers, students, and industry leaders.

Building a Bridge Between Academia and Business

Our vision was simple but ambitious: create a platform where AI knowledge produced in universities could be translated into scalable, real-world applications for companies. We began with local meetups, but the interest quickly grew, and soon we were hosting larger gatherings that attracted both entrepreneurs and academics eager to learn from one another.

Annual Conferences with Global Reach

One of the milestones was establishing an annual AI conference, where we invited prominent academics from top universities around the world and leaders from major businesses. The event became a stage for panel discussions on pressing questions:

• How can we translate cutting-edge research into commercial solutions?

• What milestones define AI’s impact on different industries?

• Where do academia and business need to collaborate more deeply?

The response was overwhelming. Businesses reached out to contribute and participate, seeing the conference as a way to tap into academic knowledge and talent. At the same time, the initiative gained traction inside universities, where it sparked new conversations, inspired votes and considerations for AI-focused courses, and encouraged collaboration between academic researchers and industry practitioners.

A Personal Journey of Growth

For me, this was more than an organizational success, it was a personal achievement. I had the chance to meet and learn from knowledgeable professors, experienced managers, and talented engineers in the AI field. Most importantly, I could see the direct impact of our work: universities becoming more aligned with industry needs, and businesses discovering how to turn research into real solutions.

Why It Matters

AI Meetups Iran taught me that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. True progress comes from building bridges between research and application, theory and execution, academia and industry. Seeing the positive feedback, growing partnerships, and real contributions on both sides was proof that this goal, bringing knowledge and practice together, was not only achievable but also deeply rewarding.