NexGen Demo Day 2024: A Showcase of Iran’s Trailblazing Innovation Hub

Taking center stage on February 24, 2024, at Khatam University’s conference hall, the event was a collaborative effort with the esteemed support of TrigUp Accelerator. Attended by a diverse audience of 150, including venture capitalists, accelerators, members of the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, students, and entrepreneurs from various sectors, NexGen Demo Day emerged as a pivotal gathering in Iran’s vibrant startup scene.
NexGen, spearheading innovation and technology for the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, operates under the expert guidance of a distinguished steering committee. Comprising influential figures in entrepreneurship, including Hessam Maqsoudloo, Kamran Khoshi, Katayoun Sepehri, Amirhussain Muhammadi, Mahmoud Karimi, and Hossein Sarafraz, the committee shapes and directs the program’s objectives.
The NexGen program for 2023-24 kicked off with the registration of 108 startups in June 2023, leading to the meticulous selection of 51 qualifying teams after initial reviews. Rigorous evaluations unfolded during eight four-hour sessions, accompanied by five training workshops conducted by the NexGen steering committee. Carefully identifying strengths and weaknesses, the committee handpicked eight teams to participate in Demo Day, providing them with mentorship in preparation for the spotlight.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Shahin Asghari, the President of the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Acknowledging the relentless efforts of the NexGen steering committee, he underscored the need for innovative solutions in Iran’s challenging economic conditions, stating, “The Chamber aims to support innovative and risk-taking solutions for building a successful economy.”
Shahab Javanmardy, a Board of Directors member of the German Chamber and CEO of Fanap Co., emphasized the importance of startups aligning with the country’s needs, noting, “It is necessary to recognize differences in value creation in today’s world and move accordingly.”
Expressing satisfaction with the collaboration, Sadegh Sobhani, CEO of TrigUp and co-organizer of NexGen Demo Day, announced TrigUp’s new investment initiative, “Micro VC.” He introduced Trigate’s online acceleration platform, highlighting its pivotal role in training and guiding startups across Iran.
Against the dynamic backdrop of the event, teams including Spoo, Uptime, Illustory Studio, Haoma Teb, Amirfarm, DigiRefahi, Bitycle, and Helpical engaged with investors, addressing questions while passionately presenting their innovative ideas and business models.
In a climactic conclusion, all eight teams received the prestigious startup statuette from NexGen and TrigUp, symbolizing their dedication and innovation.
Kasra Emamsafari, Head of Innovation and Communications at the German-Iranian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, lauded the success of Demo Day, stating, “Collaborating with one of the key innovation institutions in the ecosystem was an enriching experience. TrigUp played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success, and we look forward to expanding this cooperation across other facets of NexGen programs.”
Addressing the aspirations of venture capitalists present, NexGen affirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting startups in negotiations with potential investors, providing essential business and legal advice, and offering valuable insights into the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape.