Latest news with #SBIG
Shafaq News
01-04-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
US sanctions Iranian drone procurement network linked to military industry
Shafaq News/ The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on six entities and two individuals based in Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and China for procuring drone components for Iran's Qods Aviation Industries (QAI), a key player in the country's unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program, officials said on Tuesday. The measures, coordinated with the Justice Department, target a network also supplying Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company (HESA) and Shahid Bakeri Industrial Group (SBIG), both integral to Iran's military-industrial complex. 'Iran's proliferation of UAVs and missiles—both to its terrorist proxies in the region and to Russia for use against Ukraine—continues to threaten civilians, US personnel, and our allies and partners,' Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. 'Treasury will continue to disrupt Iran's military-industrial complex and its proliferation of UAVs, missiles, and conventional weapons that often end up in the hands of destabilizing actors.' The Justice Department also announced charges against Iranian nationals Hossein Akbari, 63, and Reza Amidi, 62, as well as Iran-based Rah Roshd Company. Prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York allege the defendants conspired to supply the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with US technology for attack drones. Both men remain at large. "The Justice Department will continue to put maximum pressure on the Iranian regime," said Sue J. Bai, head of the department's National Security Division. "We will relentlessly dismantle illicit supply chains funneling American technology into the hands of Iran's military and terrorist organizations." According to the Treasury Department, Rah Roshd facilitated drone component procurement for QAI, HESA, and SBIG, including servo motors used in the Mohajer-6 combat UAV. Akbari and Amidi were both linked to Rah Roshd's operations. The sanctions also target UAE-based Infracom Communication Networks FZE, which sourced motors for Rah Roshd, and China-based Zibo Shenbo Machinelectronics Co Ltd, a motor manufacturer that supplied tens of thousands of units to SBIG. Additionally, UAE-based companies Diamond Castle Electronics Trading LLC and Future Trends Goods Wholesalers LLC were designated for financing Rah Roshd's procurement efforts, while Phenomena International General Trading LLC was sanctioned for assisting Infracom. The sanctions freeze all US-held assets of the targeted individuals and entities, barring Americans from doing business with them. Secondary sanctions could also apply to foreign institutions dealing with the designated entities. The latest action is part of a broader campaign following President Donald Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum 2, issued on February 4, which aims to intensify economic pressure on Iran's military-industrial network.
Zawya
27-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: QRDI Council launches Small Business Innovation Grant for early-stage ventures
Doha, Qatar: Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation (QRDI) Council launched the Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIG) during the second day of Web Summit Qatar 2025. The announcement was made amidst a busy schedule at the QRDI Pavilion, which hosted a variety of sessions from entities across different sectors, showcasing Qatar's innovation-driven initiatives. This new grant programme is designed to support early-stage ventures by accelerating innovation and enhancing research and development (RDI) activities within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nada Al Olaqi, Senior Program Director-Innovation Development and Piloting Programs at QRDI Council said, 'This initiative represents an important step in enhancing the SME ecosystem in Qatar. By providing SME's and startups with the necessary resources and support', she added, 'We are working to provide an incubating environment that helps innovation flourish, helping these companies grow and contribute to the sustainable economic development of the State of Qatar, and we look forward to seeing the creative and impactful solutions that this program will offer, reinforcing Qatar's position as a leading global destination in Qatar. Innovation Sector.' The 'SME and Startup Business Development Grant' aligns with the mission of the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council to drive the innovation agenda and promote economic diversification. It aims to reduce the investment risks associated with the development of technology in SMEs and startups, as well as their entry into the market. The grant also seeks to enhance the readiness of new products and services developed by companies, accelerating technology commercialization. Ultimately, it aims to contribute to the diversification of the economy by generating R&D-based revenue for small and medium-sized businesses. QRDI Council is committed to intensifying R&D and innovation activities within Qatar's business sector, a key element in achieving the country's sustainable economic development goals. Through tailored funding and incentives, the QRDI Council aims to promote economic diversification and drive the commercialization of technologies in key sectors such as medical and healthcare, logistics and transportation, smart cities, and creativity, arts, and tourism. Therefore, QRDI's goal is to support small businesses that are actively conducting research, development, and innovation (RDI) with a clear path towards commercialization, helping them scale their solutions and meet global demand. Those interested in applying for this scholarship can visit the Innolight platform to learn more about the scholarship and the application schedule. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
