In a situation where global competition for innovation is becoming more intense every day, few expected an Iranian platform to attract attention in the meta world. But “Atabee” broke this taboo and, by simultaneously winning the Nikola Tesla 2025 Gold Medal and the European TR35 Award, registered Iran’s name alongside the largest technologically advanced countries.
Dr. Abazar Karimi, director of the Atabe project and member of the National Artificial Intelligence Commission, emphasized in an interview with Radio Salamat’s public relations after receiving the most golden Nikola Tesla 2025 Medal and the prestigious European TR35 Award: “This achievement is the result of the efforts of a team that worked with love and belief in Iran’s power; Iran has regained its true place at the heart of the world’s technological developments.”
Dr. Karimi said about this achievement: “When the jury announced that the Atabi project had won the Nikola Tesla Gold Medal, the first thing that came to my mind was that this success has a clear message: Iran is not just a consumer of technology; we can create global standards.”
He added: “The Atabi metaverse is not just a product; it is a global infrastructure. We were able to offer events, exhibitions, educational services, banking, health, and interactive experiences at a level that elevates the global standards of the metaverse. The judges said that Atabi is an example of how to create a country’s digital future.”
The Atabi platform, developed by Dr. Abazar Karimi Panhandani and Professor Mehrdad Fouj Lali, was able to win first place in innovation among hundreds of international projects.
By combining artificial intelligence and the metaverse, this project enables a real 3D presence in the digital environment and has provided a new model for online exhibitions and events.
According to Dr. Karimi, receiving the TR35 Europe Award, which is reserved for scientists under the age of 35, shows that Atabi is not just a platform; it is a global reference for the future of digital interactions.
He told the young Iranians: “If you have a dream, follow it. If you have an idea, start it. The path is hard, but the destination is worth the effort. The future belongs to those who create, not those who just watch.”
