First Event Supporting Innovative Projects and Ideas in Women's Sports Held in Tehran

*Tehran, January 5, 2024* – The inaugural event supporting innovative projects and ideas in women's sports, organized by the *National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council for Women's Sports* in collaboration with the *Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs*, was held this morning at the *Ivan Shams Complex* in Tehran. The event was attended by prominent figures, including Dr. Ensieh Khazali, Vice President for Women and Family Affairs; Dr. Sajjad Mohammad Ali Nejad, Deputy Minister of Science, Research, and Technology for Innovation; Dr. Zahra Salman, Head of the National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council for Women's Sports and President of the Physical Education and Sports Science Research Institute; Dr. Fakhr al-Sadat Nasiri, Advisor to the Minister of Science on Women and Family Affairs; Dr. Maryam Kazemipour, Deputy Minister of Sports and Youth for Women's Sports Development; Dr. Zahra Jafari, Director General of the Women and Family Affairs Office of Tehran Province; Dr. Neda Broushk, Secretary of the Council; and a number of distinguished scientific and sports figures.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Salman, Head of the Council, welcomed the attendees and highlighted the Council's mission. She stated, "The National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council for Women's Sports, established earlier this year through the joint efforts of four key institutions—the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology; the Physical Education and Sports Science Research Institute; the Tehran Provincial Government; and the Ministry of Sports and Youth—has been actively working to identify and support startup teams, entrepreneurs, and individuals with innovative ideas in the field of women's sports."

Dr. Salman expressed her gratitude to Dr. Khazali, Dr. Nasiri, Dr. Jafari, and Dr. Kazemipour for their invaluable contributions and support. She added, "The first call for innovative projects and ideas, launched in collaboration with the Vice Presidency for Women and Family Affairs, received an overwhelming response. With the help of a specialized and experienced evaluation team, we ensured that all submitted proposals were thoroughly and fairly assessed from various perspectives."

She emphasized the need for continued support for these projects, stating, "These initiatives require sustained backing. In line with this year's slogan, *'Controlling Inflation, Boosting Production,'* we aim to transform promising ideas into tangible products with the support of our innovative youth. Alongside financial assistance, we must guide these young talents through consulting services, training programs, and other resources to help them achieve their full potential."

During the event, the top projects and ideas were announced, and the winners were honored. The selected projects (listed alphabetically) are as follows:

1. Roxana Arbabinejad, PhD in Management – *Project Title*: AI-Powered Children's Sports Application  
2. Reyhaneh Salari, PhD Student in Sports Management – *Project Title*: Women's Sports Tourism in the Metaverse Using Virtual and Augmented Reality  
3. Hannaneh Ameri, Undergraduate Student in Sports Science – *Project Title*: Design and Development of "Mana" Software to Promote Maternal and Child Health During Pregnancy  
4. Parastoo Ghodsi, PhD in Sports Marketing – *Project Title*: Design of Illustrated Sports Books (Physical and Digital) Using Augmented Reality Technology  
5. Saeed Yousefi, PhD in Sports Marketing and Media – *Project Title*: Application and Website for Prescribing Physical Activities Before, During, and After Pregnancy  

The event was also attended by Dr. Majdi Alitavoli, Deputy for Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Research Institute; Dr. Hossein Zareian, Deputy for Cultural and Social Affairs at the Research Institute; Dr. Behnam Naghipour, Acting Deputy for Technology at the Research Institute; Dr. Leila Zakizadeh, Director General of the Women's Sports Policy and
Development Office at the Ministry of Sports and Youth; Dr. Amirhossein Asadi, Director General of Business Services at the Ministry of Industry, Mine, and Trade; Dr. Ebrahim Alidoust, Director General of Physical Education at the Student Affairs Organization; Dr. Mehrnik, Director General of Cultural and Social Affairs at the Vice Presidency for Rural Development; and other officials and staff of the Research Institute.

This groundbreaking event marks a significant step toward fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in women's sports, with the aim of creating sustainable opportunities and empowering women in the field.