During the annual national meeting of the Animal Research Institute of IRAN (ASRI) that was held on 13-14 July 2021, Dr. Banabazi, deputy of Research and technology of ASRI and setting-up manager of EcoDamTech innovation factory, presented a report of the launching of the “EcoDamTech” innovation factory.
He stated that the idea of transformation of ASRI into an innovation and technology ecosystem in the field of animal sciences was formed after the visit of Dr. Sattari, The Vice-Presidency for science and technology affairs on July 3, 2019. ASRI is a full ecosystem that provides a suitable base for creating new ideas and growing them up to commercialization. ASRI has an area of 142 hectares and 46,000 square meters of old and new buildings and has worked since 1933 (with history around 9 decades). In addition, there are 25 departments throughout Iran where more than 140 members of the scientific board and researchers work there now.
He added “EcoDamTech”, with an area of 2000 square meters, is in the final step now and will be launched soon until next October. The other structures of ASRI should be redefined to assist idea makers who are accepted in EcoDamTech.
The deputy of research and technology of ASRI reminded too:
ASRI is a national and governmental research institution that has been a volunteer and pioneer in innovation and technology areas besides the research.
He noted that the name of “Eco Dam Tech” has been combined from three abbreviations that are “Eco” derived from “Ecosystems”, “Dam” that comes from a Persian equal for livestock, and finally “Tech” abbreviated from “Technology”. The general aim of “EcoDamTech” is the realization of knowledge-based food security through supporting new ideas in the animal science field.
Dr. Banabazi pointed out that this is the first innovation factory in the field of agriculture, and particularly animal sciences in Iran. A total budget of 600,000 USD would be allocated to establish “EcoDamTech” including one-third as a no-return loan allocated to ASRI and a 400000 USD low-interest loan to a private operator for the leading of “EcoDamTech”. All costs are covered and supplied by the Vice-Presidency for science and technology affairs.
In the end, He added that the factory would activate in the following areas:
Innovation in animal nutrition and feeding, animal genetics and breeding, animal reproduction, honeybee products, the processing of animal products, as well as R&D of the pedigree pure chicken line of Arian (Hybro).
Public Relations and International Affairs Administration of ASRI
