Rinotex, a standard platform to unveil technological products and present ideas

The first round of this event was taken place in 2005, and after an eight-year break, it was back to stage in 2014 under the name “Tabriz New and Advanced Technologies Exhibition”. In the fifth period, in 1396, it was called “Rab’e Rashidi Innovation, however, this Technology Exhibition” was renamed to the abbreviated title of “Rinotex“.

Today, Rinotex is one of the most important innovation and technology events around Iran and an opportunity to gather innovators, technologists and knowledge-based companies, which every year hosts hundreds of technological projects, ideas, also thousands of people interested in the field of knowledge and technology.

the organizers of Rinotex pursue clear goals like attract and cultivate innovative ideas and applied technologies, create a suitable platform for networking between technologists and actors of Ira’s innovation and technology ecosystem, commercialize technology, identify and support the best technologies of the country, and brand them, identify the technological needs of industries and trying to develop their technology.

The Rinotex exhibition is set to be organized in collaboration with the Rab’e Rashidi Special Science and Technology Zone Establishment and Development Organization, Tabriz International Exhibition Fair, and sponsored by the Vice President for Science, Technology and Knowledge-Based Economy, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, and the East Azerbaijan Governorate.

With approximately a month remaining until the event, we had the opportunity to speak with Reza Karimlou, the CEO of the Rab’e Rashidi Science and Technology Special Zone Establishment and Development Organization, and the head of the executive team for Rinotex, in order to gain further insight into this upcoming exhibition.

• What is Rinotex’s position within the country’s technology ecosystem?

Throughout the ten rounds conducted to date, particularly since 2016, Rinotex has endeavored to solidify its position as one of the foremost events in the realm of technology within the country. Drawing from our accumulated experience across these ten iterations, we can assert that Rinotex has firmly established itself among the key players and contributors to the technological ecosystem of the nation.

• What are the objectives pursued by Rinotex?

 

Initially, our focus was primarily on event organization, and the formulation of plans was rather sporadic. However, commencing from the third cycle, emphasis was placed on the advancement, commercialization, and categorization of technological schemes. Notably, in 2016, a rebranding initiative was undertaken, leading to the event being renamed as the ‘Rab’e Rashidi Innovation and Technology Exhibition’ under the Rinotex brand, with the overarching goal of enhancing its market identity.

• Could you share insights on the accomplishments of previous iterations?

During Rinotex 2017, a total of 26 secondary events were conducted for the first time, encompassing participants from diverse domains. Subsequent cycles witnessed the introduction of varied events aimed at streamlining the registration process, enhancing the caliber of showcased initiatives, and fostering a platform for engaging with executive and production departments spearheaded by technologists and knowledge-based firms.

The eighth exhibition was transitioned to a virtual format owing to the conditions arising from the pandemic. However, a significant milestone for Rinotex transpired during its tenth exhibition, marked by the successful hosting of 66 technological events, featuring broad involvement from both the public and private sectors. Additionally, the Tabriz Technology Week was inaugurated, drawing a crowd of over 60,000 technology enthusiasts.

• What stands as the most significant benefit of participating in the Rinotex exhibition?

I’d like to preface by highlighting that a key objective of Rinotex has been and continues to be the attraction of diverse stakeholders within the technology ecosystem and the facilitation of a platform fostering interaction among them. However, in response to your query, I must emphasize that the foremost advantage of engagement at this level lies in the exposure of novel ideas and technological products to potential investors, industry proprietors, and businesses. This exposure, in turn, contributes to the sustained advancement of these concepts and products.

The enthusiastic reception and specialized attention extended to knowledge-based enterprises during the tenth Rinotex served as a testament to the event’s significant standing within the country’s technological landscape. Consequently, many firms now view the Rinotex gathering as an opportune platform for unveiling, presenting, and commercializing their technological concepts and products. This acknowledgment speaks volumes about their faith in the event to effectively showcase their offerings.

• What significant distinctions exist between Rinotex 2023 and its preceding editions?

 

This year, like the previous year, a sprawling exhibition space spanning approximately 10,000 square meters will be allocated to innovators, technological enterprises, accelerators, investors, and the private sector. However, a notable departure from previous years lies in our enhanced collaboration with the Tabriz Fair, signifying a more robust involvement as an investor and advocate for technologists, startups, and innovative enterprises.

Moreover, it is imperative to highlight the introduction of specialized applied zoning, an evaluation of exhibition efficacy, an intensified focus on documentation and the adoption of project management tools, a meticulous review of the applicant registration process, a recalibration of objectives with a heightened emphasis on practicality, as well as a dedicated concentration on addressing the pertinent needs of our stakeholders.

 

• How much does it cost for participants to attend this exhibition?

The booth cost amounts to 1,625,000 tomans per square meter; however, owing to the collaborative efforts of the Tabriz International Exhibition, the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology, the Ministry of Science, and the Governorate, this fee has been reduced by 60% to 650,000 tomans per square meter. Additionally, a roster of accredited centers offering supplementary discounts has been designated by the Rinotex Secretariat. Natural and legal entities seeking discounts can approach these affiliated centers, which are authorized to process and facilitate their requests.

• Which centers are allowed to offer discounts?

The authorized entities capable of providing discounts encompass growth and innovation centers, science and technology parks and campuses, specialized science and technology zones, innovation hubs, accelerators, technology transfer offices, and the East Azerbaijan provincial governorates, as well as co-working spaces housing both public and private entities within the province, which can extend discounts of up to 20%. External governmental bodies are permitted to offer discounts of up to 30%, whereas private entities outside the province may provide discounts of up to 40% to their members.

Furthermore, it’s important to note that the registration fee for the Rinotex Top Designs Festival stands at 500,000 tomans for each design.

• What are the categories of Rinotex 2023 exhibition?

The 11th Rinotex exhibition is structured around 12 distinct technological zones, namely: ‘Automotive and Transportation’, ‘Defense Industries’, ‘Creative and Cultural Industries’, ‘Smart City’, ‘Oil, Gas, and Energy’, ‘Household Equipment’, ‘Health and Sanitation’, ‘Food Industry, Agriculture, and Animal Husbandry’, ‘Environment and Water’, ‘Investment and Commercialization’, ‘Mineral Industries and Construction Materials’, and ‘Innovation and Future Technologies’.

It’s important to underscore that Rinotex is not confined to any specific technology, and welcomes all industry participants operating within this domain. Additionally, the zoning for the 11th Rinotex is formulated based on technology application, thereby aligning each zone with the relevant technological applications. For instance, the technology pertaining to electricity and electronics, utilized within the realm of healthcare, is situated within the ‘Health and Sanitation’ zone.

• Is Rinotex exclusive to company registration?

Both individuals and legal entities engaged in the sphere of innovation and technology are eligible for registration at Rinotex. Our primary criterion is that the applicant possesses a meaningful contribution within this domain.

• What are the benefits of attending Rinotex for startups?

Rinotex is structured around five primary sections, with a strong emphasis on Technological ideas or startup plans as well as development and commercialization. Placement of these segments alongside the third sector, ‘providing commercialization and consulting services,’ offers a pleasant environment for startups, aiding in their capital acquisition, as well as overall growth and development. Notably, Rinotex 2023 will feature the presence of companies, institutions, service providers, and support organizations, offering essential guidance and solutions to both knowledge-based companies and technologists.

Moreover, the exhibition will house a dedicated ‘Sales of knowledge-based products and services’ segment, allowing technologists and knowledge-based entities to explore avenues for mass production, marketing, and sales of their products and services. Government bodies, institutions, private sector industries, and manufacturers can also showcase their technological requisites at Rinotex, fostering a platform for technologists to gain insight into industry needs and deliver practical ideas and products to address these demands.

• How are these objectives pursued?

The conduction of ancillary events focused on investment and financing, coupled with the active participation of support funds and private sector investors at Rinotex, forms the fundamental framework for achieving these goals. It is worth noting that each year has witnessed the signing of memorandums aligned with these objectives, and we aspire for similar impactful occurrences to transpire during this year’s exposition as well.

• What impact does Rinotex have on the regulatory field?

At Rinotex, our main goal is not to simply set up booths and attract visitors. Instead, we aim to connect all actors within the technology ecosystem, and this goal is pursued throughout the year. Each Rinotex event helps us achieve this goal, which is aligned with other initiatives by the Raba Rashidi organization, including the preparation of science and technology development documents, creating an innovation factory, and valuing technology.

Additionally, the presence of officials from governing, executive, and legislative departments at Rinotex allows them to gain a deeper understanding of the innovation and technology ecosystem. This can have a positive impact on the management and legislation of this area.

• Tell us about the 11th Rinotex events please.

The 11th Rinotex event in 2023 aims to be more than just a platform for presenting technological ideas and products. It is designed to facilitate an exchange of ideas, experiences, and opinions among all interested parties and various sectors of science and technology, with the goal of advancing the technology ecosystem. This emphasis on collaboration is reflected in the diverse technological events planned for Rinotex. Over 30 technological events and numerous specialized workshops are scheduled, featuring speeches by prominent professors and experts in the field of technology.

This year’s Rinotex events will feature a diverse range of activities aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration within the technology ecosystem. Some of the key events at Rinotex 2023 include:

 

Reverse Pitch: This demand-driven entrepreneurship event will see organizations, industries, and companies presenting their needs, and creative teams and startups developing innovative products and services to meet these needs. This approach is designed to increase the likelihood of success for the resulting ideas and products, as they are rooted in real market demand, providing a degree of guaranteed financing and sales potential.

 

Capital Cafe: This section will facilitate discussions and negotiations between innovative companies, startups, and potential investors. It will serve as a platform for introducing technological ideas and business plans to investors, with a focus on matching capital requirements and areas of activity, and arranging negotiation sessions.

 

DemoDay: Startups at the pre-acceleration stage will have the opportunity to showcase their products to potential investors. This event will feature multiple startup teams seeking their first round of capital, aiming to attract the right investors for their businesses.

 

Rinotex Stage: This platform will host specialized panels, gatherings, seminars, and lectures aimed at promoting the culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and knowledge sharing among young people and those interested in the field of technology. Additionally, dedicated pavilions for consulting and services provided by supporting institutions and innovation and prosperity funds will be featured at Rinotex 2023.

 

The 11th innovation and technology exhibition of Rab’e Rashidi (Rinotex 2023) will take place from 5th to 8th December, running from 13:00 to 19:00. Those interested in participating in the exhibition have until November 26th to register, and can visit www.rinotex.ir for more information and to submit their applications.

Furthermore, individuals interested in participating in the Iranian National Technology Award Festival can visit the iranjamfa.ir website until December 1st to register in their desired category and learn more about the award titles.