Since 2018
About Novaco

The Executive Arm of Ahdaf Holding's Innovation Ecosystem

As the executive arm and specialized broker of Ahdaf Holding's innovation ecosystem, Novaco leads technological transformation across the group's subsidiaries. We manage the full innovation chain — from precisely identifying industrial pain points and needs to transferring advanced technologies and localizing credible licenses.

28 companies · 92+ partners
EST · 2018
Specialized Innovation Broker
Mission, Vision, Values

Novaco's Three Identity Pillars

Mission

Making Ahdaf Holding a model of innovation in Iran's petro-refining industry by systematically connecting its subsidiaries to the country's knowledge-based and technological ecosystem.

Vision

A smart innovation hub for Iran's industry — a leading broker that secures financing, accelerates strategic projects, grows technological standing and diversifies the holding's investment portfolio.

Strategic Values

Problem-first thinking, accountability, co-creation with the ecosystem, and continuous learning. These four principles shape our culture and professional approach.

Problem-first

Start from a real need, not an available technology.

Accountability

A commitment to measurable results.

Co-creation

Projects advance together with the ecosystem.

Continuous learning

Monitor, get feedback, refine.

Novaco's Position

Within Ahdaf Holding's Structure

Novaco is an independent yet specialized company that centrally delivers innovation services to the subsidiaries.

PARENT HOLDING
Ahdaf Holding
Investment Group
SUBSIDIARIES
28 Subsidiaries
Petrochemical, refining, chemical, services
NOVACO · INNOVATION ARM
Novaco
Specialized Innovation Broker
CVCR&DRFPAI
CORPORATE SERVICES
Other Staff Arms
Finance, legal, HR, IT
Five Strategic Identities

Novaco Operates in Five Layers at Once

From capital brokerage to AI operations — Novaco delivers distinct yet complementary missions within one integrated structure.

01

CVC Executive Arm

Strategic corporate investment and management of the holding's technology portfolio.

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02

Ahdaf Holding Innovation Center

A smart hub steering innovation across the holding and its subsidiaries.

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03

Holding AI Operator

Leading AI infrastructure, data and applications across the holding.

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04

Knowledge-Based & R&D Leader

Integrating and directing the subsidiaries' research and development units.

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05

Bridge to the External Ecosystem

Purposeful connections with knowledge-based firms, startups and university cores.

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History

Novaco's Journey, From Idea to Today

2018

Innovation unit founded within Ahdaf Holding

Innovation activities began at the holding's staff level.

18
2019

First needs-based contract with a subsidiary

A technology-localization project at Shazand Petrochemical.

19
2020

Ahdaf CVC fund launched

A financial arm established for strategic investment.

20
2021

Novaco officially incorporated

The staff unit became an independent company.

21
2022

RFP platform launched

A formal platform to manage technology needs.

22
2023

Holding AI center established

Novaco became the holding's AI operator.

23
2024

Reached 60 needs-based contracts

Expanded to 28 subsidiaries.

24
2025

Five-year strategic document

A technology-development horizon to 2029.

25
Leadership Team

Novaco's Managers & Specialists

A blend of industrial experience, specialized education and an interdisciplinary outlook.

Dr. Ali Rezaei

CEO

Over 22 years in the petrochemical industry and innovation leadership.

Dr. Fatemeh Ahmadi

VP, Technology & R&D

PhD in chemical engineering, Sharif University.

Amir Kazemi

VP, Investment

Expert in structuring CVC investments.

Dr. Sara Moradi

VP, Ecosystem

Specialist in industry-academia relations.

Hossein Nikzad

RFP Platform Lead

Architect of Novaco's digital platform.

Dr. Mehdi Tavakoli

Senior Advisor

University faculty member and futures-studies expert.

Why Novaco?

Six Key Differentiators

01

Strategic backing of Ahdaf Holding

Direct access to 28 leading petro-refining companies.

02

Diverse financing instruments

From in-house CVC to innovation funds and crowdfunding.

03

Tax-credit and legal expertise

Deep experience with Articles 11 and 13 and first-build projects.

04

A broad ecosystem network

Connections with 92+ knowledge-based firms and 16 universities.

05

A systematic four-stage methodology

A standard process from need identification to commercialization.

06

An international technology gateway

Experience transferring technology from global partners.

A Message From Novaco's CEO

3 min · May 2, 2025

Start a Partnership

Ready to start working with Novaco?

Our specialist team is by your side - from identifying the need to technology transfer and commercialization.