Tehran – The first National Conference (AI) on Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment is scheduled to take place on September 4-5 in Shiraz, Fars Province.
The two-day event, with the theme of “Intelligent Technology, Greenland and the Sustainable Future,” is hosted by Shiraz University, focuses on the role of AI in addressing challenges in three areas: agriculture, natural resources and the environment, ISNA reports.
The Congress will focus on the centres of productivity and promotion of natural and agricultural industries, wise management of water resources and climate, meteorology, climate change and ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, smart agriculture, big data and agricultural development, biodiversity and pests, remote sensing of natural resources, nature management, improving food quality and security, agricultural education, technical education, technical education, and technical education.
It also includes holding articles, technical lectures, posters, educational workshops, and presentations of panels that will enhance relationships with the industry. On the event bystanders, knowledge-based companies operating in the AI and environmental sectors can showcase their latest results.
Approximately $100 million allocated to develop AI
In April, the Vice President of Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economies and the National Development Fund (NDF) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a $100 million fund for the development of the domestic artificial intelligence (AI) sector.
Signed by staff member Hossein Afshin with the Vice President of Science and Technology and NDF Head Mehdi Ghazanfari, the MOU aims to establish a framework for the development and implementation of AI. Field, Isna reported.
Therefore, projects introduced by the Vice President for Science and Technology will be funded through loans, partnerships, and other financing methods. To further increase cooperation between universities and the private sector, the NDF grants certain loans to companies that financially support AI-based projects at universities and science centres.
In return, the Vice President of Science and Technology will use funding tools for emerging technologies.
According to a latest report from the Oxford Insights Index, which measures government readiness to implement artificial intelligence (AI) in public services, Iran ranks 91 in 188 countries, increasing three positions compared to 94 in 2023.
AI plays an important role in not only governing technology, but also helping to improve government performance.
This year’s edition prepares AI from 188 countries at a time of growing complexity where governments face civic needs and challenges such as economic uncertainty, climate risks and increased inequality.
According to the index, the country’s highest rankings are in the improved data and infrastructure pillars compared to 55.88 last year. Includes infrastructure (70), data availability (43), and data representativeness (121) indicators.
The Technology Pillar scored 38.82, and in 2023 it was 38.77. Includes indicators of human capital (54), innovation capacity (62), and maturity (82).
Iran’s lowest score is the government pillar, 26.54, a decline compared to 2023’s 31.56. Includes vision (84), governance and ethics (145), digital capacity (92), and adaptability (177).
This year’s report shows Iran’s ranking in the region has been improved by one position, increasing from 17 in 2023 to 16 in 2024.
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