Research and Development

Research and Development (R&D) refers to the collection of activities that companies engage in to innovate and introduce new products and services. The primary objective of R&D is to enhance knowledge and discover new ideas that can be utilized for the development of new products and services or the improvement of existing ones. R&D plays a crucial role in assisting companies to maintain competitiveness and lead in the market.

At the core of these services are the R&D units. This unit is positioned within the organizational chart of Sepahan Beyond Research Company under the management of the CEO, alongside strategic management, market development, and information technology units. Sepahan Beyond Research is recognized as a knowledge-based company, where projects from the R&D unit, if deemed to have sufficient potential, flow into the engineering units of the organization for further process development and investment, similar to other projects.

 

Sepahan Beyond Research has implemented a spin-off system for conducting R&D activities based on the potential for collaboration with renowned global technologies. The company boasts a track record of partnerships with prestigious firms such as Mertens Switzerland, Outotec Metso Finland, Danieli Italy, and Xian China, which is evident in its portfolio.

Cutting-Edge Research

One of the key capabilities of Sepahan Beyond Research Company is conducting cutting-edge research through its Research and Development (R&D) unit, which is vital for maintaining competitiveness and fostering innovation in today’s world. This research is undertaken both to keep the company’s capabilities aligned with the latest international trends and to address the specific challenges faced by industrial clients.

The R&D unit aims to identify new trends and technologies within its own industry as well as in related sectors by studying industry reports, participating in conferences and exhibitions, and establishing connections with experts in the field. Additionally, the ability to conduct both fundamental and applied research enables the unit to address unique and specific issues faced by industrial clients while simultaneously contributing to the development of new products and services. This is exemplified by the establishment of the company and investments in solar energy and the manufacturing of industrial drones.

Digitalization

Digitalization in the industry is a process that utilizes digital technologies to enhance processes, products, and services across the value chain. This involves the use of tools and technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and Robotics to increase efficiency, improve quality, and create new experiences for customers. Research and Development (R&D) plays a crucial role in industrial digitalization. By conducting research and development in this area, companies can discover new ways to leverage digital technologies to solve problems, create new opportunities, and gain competitive advantages.

In the context of industry, particularly in the steel sector, Sepahan Beyond Research Company closely monitors digital transformation trends such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain, and Robotics. These technologies are emerging in areas like automating quality inspection processes, predicting machinery failures, forecasting demand, optimizing and automating assembly processes, and enhancing material handling flexibility. The company strives to create new service offerings for industrial clients, which will form the future portfolio of services and profitability for the organization.

Green Industry

The steel industry is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world. It is estimated that approximately 7 to 8 percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to steel production. This is primarily due to the production processes that rely on fossil fuels. Carbon-neutral green steel production is a significant concern for all stakeholders in the steel sector who are committed to optimizing energy use and addressing global warming. Furthermore, transitioning to green steel by substituting hydrogen alongside natural gas in Iran presents a valuable solution to mitigate the pressures and constraints faced by industries during peak energy consumption periods.

For nearly a decade, the Research and Development unit of Sepahan Beyond Research a knowledge-based company, has been actively engaged in topics related to optimizing water and energy consumption, industrial dust collectors , and stack monitoring systems . However, at this critical juncture, the focus has shifted towards utilizing and substituting hydrogen in the steelmaking cycle while minimizing natural gas consumption. In this context, a joint research project has been initiated with the largest steel production companies.