The knowledge-based company Pactos, after four successful years of participation in the Iran-Made exhibition, plans to showcase its latest equipment and achievements in the field of services for blind and visually impaired individuals in its fifth year of attendance at the 12th edition of this exhibition in 2024 (1403 in the Iranian calendar).

According to a reporter from the Communication and Information Center of the Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Pactos, a knowledge-based company, began its activities in 1991 (1370) with the aim of “Computers in the service of the blind.” Founded by graduates of Sharif University of Technology, this company has since been producing a variety of software and hardware solutions to help individuals with visual impairments interact with computers.

Over the past three decades, Pactos has successfully produced 15 unique products for the blind. These products include advanced and modern technologies that have improved the quality of life and access to information for this group. Among these, 11 products have received patent certificates, demonstrating Pactos' innovation in the field.

By focusing on the specific needs of the blind community, Pactos continues to be a pioneer in developing accessible technologies that bring about meaningful and lasting improvements in their daily lives. With hope for a brighter future, the company remains committed to advancing its technologies and efforts to enhance the living conditions of blind individuals.

Leader in Technological Equipment for the Blind in Iran

Saeed Sadeghpour, CEO of Pactos, introduced the company’s achievements as the sole producer of technological equipment with a rehabilitation approach for the blind in the country. He stated that in recent years, with the introduction of the Smart Braille Display Device (Braille tablet for the blind), a new step has been taken toward digital access and electronic reading for blind individuals.

Referring to the company's evolution, he recalled the development of the world’s first Persian text-to-speech software in 1994 (1373). Initially designed to read characters individually, this software was developed throughout the 2000s and 2010s and is now capable of reading all the text displayed on screens aloud with a natural human voice.

The CEO also mentioned the production of tactile Braille displays, saying: “In 1997 (1376), we built the first generation of Braille displays under the name ‘Bargastehnegar 1’ and received the Kharazmi Award for this innovation. In the following decades, newer versions of Bargastehnegar were released to the market.”

Expansion of Braille Tablet Sales as Part of "Iran-Made" Support

Sadeghpour continued by highlighting the company’s success in producing Braille tablets for the blind: “At the end of 2017 (1396), Pactos succeeded in producing the smart portable Braille display (Braille tablet). By 2020 (1399), with support from the Vice-Presidency for Science and Technology and through the Iran-Made exhibition, significant advancements were made in expanding the sales of this product.”

He shared some successful outcomes from the exhibition:

“For example, the National Organization for Special Education purchased 240 smart Braille display devices. Additionally, 10 devices were procured for the Welfare Organization of Yazd Province, and 3 devices for the Institute for the Intellectual Development of Children and Young Adults in Tehran Province.”

In conclusion, Sadeghpour expressed hope that other institutions related to the blind — such as the National Public Libraries Foundation and the Welfare Organization — will also take advantage of the services offered at Iran-Made to purchase smart portable Braille devices. Such support can help alleviate some of the financial challenges faced by these organizations and facilitate the acquisition of necessary tools for blind and visually impaired individuals.

Source: Vice-Presidency for Science, Technology, and Knowledge-Based Economy, Presidential Office