WANA (Dec 17) – At one of the world’s most prestigious innovation events, an Iranian female researcher has won the Gold Medal of Global Elites at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival, once again placing Iran in the global spotlight of science and technology.

 

At the Silicon Valley International Invention and Innovation Festival (SVIIF 2025), held in California under the supervision of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), Iranian researcher Dr. Maryam Nouri Balanji secured first place and the festival’s top gold medal. The award was granted for the invention of a knowledge-based recombinant drug with anti-cancer applications.

 

The innovative drug, developed from sugar compounds extracted from a rare species of sea cucumber (Holothuria scabra) found along the northern coasts of Qeshm Island in Iran, can be administered either orally or by injection. It is designed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and eliminate various types of tumors. This marks the second time Dr. Nouri Balanji has successfully registered such a breakthrough, drawing significant attention from international judges.

Dr. Maryam Nouri Balanji, Iranian researcher and winner of the gold medal at the 2025 Silicon Valley International Innovation Festival. Social media / WANA News Agency

Dr. Maryam Nouri Balanji, Iranian researcher and winner of the gold medal at the 2025 Silicon Valley International Innovation Festival. Social media / WANA News Agency

The invention was developed through collaboration with a specialized research team, including partners from Canada. The achievement earned the world’s top ranking and gold medal for all members of the team involved in the project.

 

Previously, Dr. Nouri Balanji had also won first place and a global gold medal at the Kaohsiung International Invention and Design Expo in Taiwan in 2023, along with an honorary full scholarship from Finland.

 

SVIIF 2025 was held from August 8 to 10, 2025, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in California and brought together hundreds of inventors, researchers, and technology companies from around the world. The event showcased cutting-edge innovations across fields such as healthcare and medicine, clean energy, environmental technologies, smart agriculture, and the food industry.