The Problem-Focused Approach in Iran’s Annual AI Award (iAAA)
The third edition of Iran’s Annual AI Award (iAAA) was held with a special focus on the country’s real problems and the key areas of industry and health. Jalil Askari, the award’s secretary, explained: Unlike previous editions, in which only one problem was defined, this year participants work across five different tracks, one of the most important of which is the early detection of brain tumors in children.
He added: In collaboration with the MAHAK Institute and with the moral support of UNESCO, the competition is not limited to Tehran and will be held starting in autumn 2025 (Mehr) in 10 provinces of the country to enable broader participation. Our main audience is young people aged 20 to 30 who receive comprehensive training in artificial intelligence and then work in specialized teams to solve real problems.
Askari also said: All the problems have been reviewed and refined under the supervision of the scientific committee so that the indicators and requirements of each problem are determined precisely based on the data and the field of application. Our goal is to create a broad network of AI specialists who can offer practical, implementable solutions.
He then referred to the UNESCO AI Ethics Prize and added: In addition to cash prizes, the winners also receive an ethics award. This section evaluates the accountability of technology developers in matters of ethics and respect for human rights, justice, and transparency.
With this approach, iAAA operates beyond a purely scientific competition and seeks to establish a direct link between technological innovation and the improvement of people’s real lives. Defining real, applied problems is the strength of this award, which can pave the way for developing technological products and enhancing the country’s medical and industrial systems.
