Ali-Asghar Abbasi, deputy CEO of NIOPDC, spoke at a ceremony honoring top researchers and signing the AI-related MoUs on Sunday. He emphasized that one of the main pillars of global development is leading in research and technology. As one of the largest oil product suppliers in the Middle East, NIOPDC has consistently focused on improving productivity across various sectors of the company.

Abbasi stressed the need to move beyond traditional methods and adopt modern technologies in areas such as maintenance and product distribution. "We must prioritize the maximum utilization of applied research and, given current conditions, also engage in fundamental research," he said. "New technologies can play a significant role in enhancing productivity and reducing risks within NIOPDC."

He highlighted the company’s commitment to sustainable development through research and innovation, expressing hope that the implementation of these programs would lead to further growth and progress in the field.

Role of smart technologies in process improvement

Mehdi Dejhosseini, head of research and technology at the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC), also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of digital transformation and AI in the industry. "These technologies can significantly boost productivity, reduce risks within the organization, and enhance the entire value chain," he said. "Projects in this area, particularly the smartening of oil depots and stations, will play a crucial role in improving company processes."

Dejhosseini noted that this year’s research budget for the country is 7 trillion tomans, a significant increase from last year’s 5.2 trillion tomans. "Companies that engage in more research activities can benefit from this capacity and secure a larger share of support from the Vice Presidency for Science and Technology," he said.

He encouraged researchers to take advantage of existing technology funds, particularly the venture capital fund established by NIORDC in collaboration with Tehran Refinery and Shazand Petrochemical. "The Ministry of Oil’s Research and Technology Fund also provides financial resources for research projects, offering excellent opportunities for knowledge-based and research companies to advance their initiatives," he added.

Comprehensive support for research projects

Iraj Kalhori, acting head of research and technology at NIOPDC, announced the signing of two MoUs with new technology-based firms (NTBFs), Filagar and Epil Energy Industries Laboratory, both approved by the Ministry of Oil.

"NIOPDC fully supports all defined research projects within the company, and all managers and officials are committed to pursuing research objectives across various sectors," he said.

At the end of the ceremony, an MOU was signed between NIOPDC and Filagar aimed at providing welfare services for oil company employees, optimizing processes, addressing imbalances using AI, combating fuel smuggling, and enhancing oil industry employees’ knowledge of AI.

Another MoU was signed between NIOPDC and Epil Energy Industries Laboratory for research and development, technical evaluation, inspection, and the issuance of technical and explosion-proof certifications.