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Imagine this: You have a great idea for an Internet startup. You're sure it will work. You are ready to be part of the global market. There's one big problem: You live in Iran, a country facing some of the most extensive financial sanctions imposed on any country in the world.

That was the challenge for a team of young Iranian entrepreneurs competing in the recent Startup Istanbul, where aspiring entrepreneurs got to pitch ideas to the founders of successful tech companies and venture capitalists at a conference in Turkey.

The Iranians came armed with hot business ideas and plenty of enthusiasm, their first time competing on an international stage.

"We are so glad that today we have teams who traveled from Tehran and they are going to pitch here," says Mohsen Malayeri, the 29-year-old founder of Avatech Accelerator who describes himself as a builder of startup communities in Iran.

'Startup Fever Is Everywhere'

Malayeri has organized more than a dozen startup weekends in nine Iranian cities for a generation excited about the prospects of a tech career in a country where 65 percent of the population is under 35 years old.

"The average (age) is like 23 to 25 usually, but we have people who are showing up, a 12-year-old guy with an idea, which is quite impressive," he says.

I meet Malayeri at Microsoft headquarters in Istanbul as the competition kicked off.

"Startup fever is everywhere," he says.

The HBO show Silicon Valley is now a big hit in Iran, where it can be downloaded from the Internet. The fever swept through the country two years ago and there are already multimillion-dollar startups generating jobs.

Mohsen Malayeri, the 29-year-old founder of Avatech Accelerator, is trying to build startup communities in Iran. He organized the trip to Istanbul, where an Iranian e-commerce company earned an honorable mention — trailing startups from Turkey, Belgium and Jordan. Deborah Amos/NPR hide caption

itoggle caption Deborah Amos/NPR

The Iranian teams came to Istanbul to learn international best practices to build on those successes.

"They are going to pitch, they are going to hear feedback from the mentors and investors," says Malayeri.

There's a Silicon Valley vibe in the basement of Microsoft headquarters in Istanbul, and the Iranians fit right in. At long wooden tables, the clatter of keyboards and the familiar pings of e­mail alerts is the background music in an open space where new ideas are shared over endless free coffee and competitive pingpong matches. The young crowd represents a new tech culture in the region.

Companies from Jordan, Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are among the more than 100 Internet startups at the event. Women have founded some of the most successful ventures. The pitches to investors reflect the vision across the region to build Internet companies that streamline everything and create jobs.

No Way Around Sanctions

One of the most promising Iranian companies is a pioneer in e-commerce. Though it's new, Zarin Pal's market potential is huge: Iran has a population of 80 million. Established in 2010, it already has a customer base of 6 million, says Mostapha Amiri, a co-founder.

Amiri was making the pitches at the Istanbul event. Sotoodeh Adibi, another founding member, was going over last-minute details with him.

"It is going to become very popular year by year," she says of Zarin Pal, which is based on the same model as PayPal.

Amiri is obviously nervous as he faces the panel of mentors who will help him shape the pitch. He has never done this before in English.

The mentors include a venture capitalist from Silicon Valley and a couple of successful startup pioneers.

“ We need their help to open the doors of our country.

- Tech entrepreneur Mostapha Amiri, on the role of international investors

Amiri has 10 minutes to outline his proposal and describe the Iranian market. He explains there is a young, connected population with no access to international credit cards due to sanctions. However, debit cards linked to Iranian banks are extremely popular.

Zarin Pal has built these links into a successful Internet business for the domestic market and now wants to offer the service to the 5 million Iranians who live abroad, Amiri explains.

If the team came from any other place in the Middle East, Zarin Pal would be an obvious candidate for investment. But the financial sanctions are still firmly in place, and that means the doors are closed to the global market. The mentors are impressed with the business model, but when it comes to sanctions, there's nothing they can do, they say.

Despite the warm applause, the Iranian team leaves the mentor session deeply disappointed.

"We need their help to open the doors of our country," Amiri says.

Investments, Not Boycotts

They voice the frustration of many young Iranians, born after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. They are eager for change, for jobs and for a role in building Iran's future.

American Dave McClure, one of the mentors at the Istanbul event, wants to help.

"Instead of boycotting countries maybe we should be investing in their entrepreneurs," says McClure, a founding partner of 500 Startups, which backs promising Internet business in the region — although "not in Iran yet, it's still illegal."

McClure encourages investment to counter the region's gloomy news narrative.

Here are the top Internet companies in Iran and their estimated value:

Digikala: $150 million

Aparat Group: $30 million

Caf Bazaar: $20 million.

Source: The Economist

"Young people without jobs is a problem, so, creating jobs is a way to fill that gap," he says.

McClure is convinced that regional investment is good for the U.S. "as a way to have a better foreign policy approach and probably increase national security." And he's willing to write a check to test it.

His latest venture is Geeks on a Plane, where he invites investors to travel to the region to finance the new tech culture. Tehran is on his wish list for next year.

He's a hero to Iranian entrepreneurs after a recent speech in Berkeley where he challenged wealthy Iranian-Americans to invest in Iran's tech culture rather than what he called expensive, "sexy sports cars." His speech went viral in Tehran.

Talking To Top Investors

On the closing day of the competition, the Iranian team was one of 14 companies the judges sent on to the finals. Amiri was on stage again in front of a panel of judges and a packed house. This is the pitch that counts.

"Hi, I'm Mostapha from Zarin Pal, we are the first Iranian e-wallet system," he begins in a bit of a shaky start.

He's honed the presentation over the four days of this event. He's learned to hit all the highlights. It's the first time an Iranian team has pitched in English.

Back home, the Iranian government still places restrictions on the Internet, banning access to Facebook and Twitter. But it is removing domestic barriers for these startup entrepreneurs. Many are encouraged by a government-backed increase in Internet speed and a mobile 3G connection now offered by two main operators in Iran.

Malayeri, Avatech Accelerator's founder and organizer of the trip, says the team has won just by coming to Istanbul.

"I'm not sure if there is any cash prize in place, but talking to top active investors is considered as a prize," he says, beaming.

As for the Zarin Pal team, their efforts were good enough to garner an honorable mention — the only one in the entire competition — and, more important, the attention of international investors. If the sanctions are lifted, these young Iranians want to be ready to jump quickly into the global market.

Iran

Morning Edition host David Greene and producer Lauren Migaki traveled to Crimea to see what's changed since Russia sent troops in this spring and shortly afterward annexed the territory despite widespread international criticism. Their stories will be on air and online this week.

We're traveling through flat farmland on a two-lane road in the far north of Crimea, when suddenly it's interrupted by a checkpoint. Actually, Russia now considers it the border, a physical reminder of the new divide between Russia and Ukraine — and the West.

A guy in military camouflage, with a Kalashnikov rifle slung over his shoulder, sees NPR producer Lauren Migaki with her tape recorder going, and he makes it clear he wants it off.

She turns off the recorder. But that's not enough. Another guy in military fatigues comes over and says we broke the law as foreigners by being so close to a Russian border. He takes our passports and asks our interpreter to come with him, leaving us to wait.

This little episode is a personal reminder that Russia is now in control. All across Crimea, the signs of Russian power and influence have arrived.

Ukrainian flags that flew atop government buildings have been removed, replaced by Russian flags. Menus in restaurants have been reprinted with prices in Russian rubles. New labels have been glued on wine bottles — even older vintages — saying the wine is from "Crimea, Russia."

Credit: Alyson Hurt / NPR

And, there's a wall, perhaps a mile or so long, running alongside the road from Crimea's main airport. There are murals painted by schoolchildren who were assigned a theme: We Love Russia.

There are outlines of the Crimean Peninsula painted in colors of the Russian flag and scenes from Crimean cities. But someone took a section of a mural and painted a heart over it in the Ukrainian colors, blue and yellow.

So there is resistance to Russia's takeover here, even if you don't hear it openly.

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Most of the artwork on this wall near Crimea's main airport is pro-Russian. But the blue-and-yellow heart is painted in the colors of Ukraine's flag, and the green line covers the word "Russia." Lauren Migaki /NPR hide caption

itoggle caption Lauren Migaki /NPR

Most of the artwork on this wall near Crimea's main airport is pro-Russian. But the blue-and-yellow heart is painted in the colors of Ukraine's flag, and the green line covers the word "Russia."

Lauren Migaki /NPR

Still, many Crimeans are elated to join Russia. And what Russia has going for it is a very deep history here.

The Crimean city of Sevastopol has this vast harbor opening onto the Black Sea. Ships travel south from here to Turkey, then through the Bosphorus Strait and out to the Mediterranean Sea. This explains why Russia has for centuries anchored its Black Sea naval fleet here.

After the Soviet Union broke apart in 1991, Russia rented and shared the harbor with Ukraine's navy. But now, Russia is taking all the spoils. The Ukrainian naval vessels in Sevastopol now belong to Russia, our guide tells us.

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Russia established the Crimean port of Sevastopol in the 18th century. After the Soviet breakup in 1991, Russia and Ukraine shared the naval base. But Russia has now taken the entire base, including Ukrainian ships. Max Avdeev for NPR hide caption

itoggle caption Max Avdeev for NPR

Russia established the Crimean port of Sevastopol in the 18th century. After the Soviet breakup in 1991, Russia and Ukraine shared the naval base. But Russia has now taken the entire base, including Ukrainian ships.

Max Avdeev for NPR

Sevastopol doesn't seem to fear change because it's been through so much of it. In World War II, the city was attacked and occupied by the Nazis, who leveled almost every structure in town. The Soviet navy eventually drove the Nazis out and liberated it.

This place has been filled with Soviet pride since then and all through the Cold War, when submarines from this port spied on the U.S.

One image Americans had of a Soviet sub commander lurking in the ocean was Sean Connery in the movie The Hunt for Red October.

How can we pass up the chance to meet a real Soviet sub commander? So we take a taxi up a hill from the harbor. The driver is blaring Soviet tunes as he takes us to the home of Valentin Danilov, former executive officer on a Soviet sub. Danilov, 83, is in full uniform, from the old Soviet glory days.

The dark blue uniform is cleanly pressed. A navy cap is trimmed with gold. A submarine pin is on his chest. On the shoulder is the blue and white flag of the Russian navy. He loves to wear it in public. During the 23 years after the Soviet collapse, when this was Ukraine, he got some dirty looks wearing the uniform. Those looks disappeared once Russia annexed Crimea.

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Parallels

From Weapons To Fashion, Crimea's Indelible Mark On History

"You feel more secure when you see guys in uniform walking down the street," Danilov explains. "It's good not only for men, but women love it."

Parallels

Now That Russia Has Crimea, What Is Moscow's Plan?

The most important woman in Danilov's life was married to him for 60 years. She died a few months ago. He walks us into the apartment where he lived with her, apologizing for the mess. I'm a bachelor, he tells us. He says he's so happy his wife lived long enough to see Crimea return to Russia.

"My wife was energized," Danilov says. "Back in March, she was in the hospital. Her condition was severe, very bad. When she heard about this great news, it gave her power and energy to live a couple months more."

Before we leave, Danilov utters that Russian phrase that's either inviting or terrifying, depending on your mood. "Na pasashok," or "One for the road."

We say yes, and the captain brings out his homemade whiskey, along with pickles and sliced pork fat.

Older Crimeans, like Danilov, have lived in three different countries. The Soviet Union, then Ukraine and now Russia. All within 25 years. They haven't actually moved anywhere. But they feel like they've returned home.

Crimea

Russia

"If someone you know is sick with sudden fever, diarrhea or vomiting, you should call 117 for advice."

"Healthcare workers who take care of Ebola patients have to wear protective clothes do not be afraid of them."

"People with Ebola who go to the health centre early have a better chance of survival."

In Sierra Leone, cellphone users are as likely to get a text about hand washing as about a social gathering. In an effort to contain Ebola, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has teamed up with local cell-phone provider Airtel and the Sierra Leonean government to send health reminders via text message.

Since the Ebola outbreak began last April, the Trilogy Emergency Relief Application (TERA) system has sent out about two million text messages a month in Sierra Leone, reminding people to seek treatment early, avoid physical contact with others and not resist the efforts of community healthcare workers. TERA, a system created by Bolivian software company Salamanca Solutions and set up by the IFRC, can send a text to every phone turned on in a specific region. The texts are delivered free so there's no financial burden to the recipient.

Texting isn't the only technology being used to combat Ebola. In West Africa, Twitter was abuzz with health tips and reassurance. Social media analytics firm Crimson Hexagon determined that since July, there have been 1.3 million tweets about Ebola coming out of Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the majority of them discussing treatment. For comparison, since September, 41 percent of tweets coming from the U.S. about Ebola discussed fear.

In countries where Internet access is not ubiquitous, cell phones play a vital role in communicating messages directly to a mass audience during health and other crises. Sixty-nine percent of Sierra Leoneans have a cell phone connection, but only 9 percent have a 3G or cellular Internet plan.

"Every mobile phone can do text messaging," says Ken Banks, mobile technologist and founder of kiwanja.net, a project that unites cellular technology with social change. "It doesn't matter if it's the cheapest model or the most expensive."

This isn't the first time TERA has tackled an emergency. The system was piloted in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake and was first used in Sierra Leone during a 2013 cholera outbreak.

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Almost 70 percent of Sierra Leoneans have cell phones, where they can receive text messages. This message, used in Haiti, recommends protecting important documents during floods. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies hide caption

itoggle caption International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Almost 70 percent of Sierra Leoneans have cell phones, where they can receive text messages. This message, used in Haiti, recommends protecting important documents during floods.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The interactivity is appealing. Recipients can text back with basic questions about Ebola and get an automated response with information about treatment options, cleaning tips and medical help. And since the texts are sent to specific areas of the country, the messages, which are drafted by the IFRC and the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health, can be personalized with regional advice.

Even though the country has low literacy rates — 43 percent for adults — text-based services are effective ways to disseminate information. "In villages where there is low literacy, there might only be a few people with cell phones who can read these messages," says Christine Tokar, West Africa programs manager for the British Red Cross. Tokar says those who can read share the information with the town crier, who would distribute it through town meetings.

The texts are intended to reinforce similar messages delivered via posters, radio and television ads. But a text can be preserved on the phone, shown to a friend and referenced later — say, when Ebola comes to a previously unaffected area.

The Red Cross is hoping to have TERA up and running in 40 countries across the globe in the next five years.

"The challenge is getting countries to put the system in place when there isn't an immediate need," says Robin Burton, mobile operator relations officer for the IFRC.

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The TERA software shows the operator where cell phone towers are, not the individual numbers being messaged. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies hide caption

itoggle caption International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

The TERA software shows the operator where cell phone towers are, not the individual numbers being messaged.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Using the Ebola outbreak as a catalyst, the Red Cross is hoping to expand the program to seven West African countries in the next few months: Benin, Togo, Ghana, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Gambia and Burkina Faso. This will require buy-in from the countries as well as from a phone company, which may be hesitant. While these texts are seen as useful during a health crisis, users might grow weary of regular "preparedness" messages.

The system has been built to appeal to both consumers and cell providers. TERA can only send text messages to phones that are turned on so networks are not clogged with undelivered messages. In Sierra Leone, the text messages are sent at less busy times for the cell network so the company doesn't need to expand its capacity.

For consumers, there is no violation of privacy. No actual phone numbers are seen by TERA operators. And there's an opt-out feature. That's what some Haitians did when they tired of getting messages to wash their hands regularly.

Long after Ebola has subsided in West Africa, the TERA system will remain in place for times of conflict or natural disasters. It's currently being used in Nepal for earthquake preparedness.

"We hope this will empower people to help themselves," says Burton. "They could send a message back to us saying, 'Thanks for the rice, but we have no way to cook it' or 'We don't eat pork here.' We call it beneficial communications because it helps everyone do better."

Red Cross

Sierra Leone

ebola

texting

Cell phones

Brazilians are voting in a runoff election to select their next leader today, and it's anyone's guess how the divisive campaign season will end: voter polls have shown nearly a dead heat in the race's final days. The election has come down to competing visions for the future of Latin America's largest economy, put forth by leftist incumbent Dilma Rousseff and center-right challenger Aecio Neves.

From Sao Paulo, NPR's Lourdes Garcia-Navarro reports:

"It's been a bitter, bruising campaign, filled with attack ads and corruption scandals. The choice is stark. Incumbent Dilma Rousseff, whose Workers Party has been in power for 12 years, is promising to expand signature social welfare programs. Her support comes mainly from the poor, who in the past decade have seen their fortunes rise after years of an economic boom. But those boom days are over.

"Challenger Aecio Neves is the scion of a political family. A two-time governor of the rich state of Minas Gerais, he is offering more business-friendly policies to get Brazil out of recession. His support comes from the wealthier classes.

"Polls show the vote is split almost 50/50 with Rousseff in a slight lead — showing a country that is divided over its future."

The divisions on display in Brazil's runoff vote have been much-discussed. The Economist recently called a rally by Neves' supporters a "cashmere revolution," describing a rally where one attendee noted, "Most of Brazilian GDP is here."

Both candidates have acknowledged that Brazil's economy needs to be jolted back to life. Rousseff and Neves have discussed their plans for filling the job of finance minister, if elected.

Today's vote will close a roller-coaster election season that included the death of one candidate, Eduardo Campos. After the 49-year-old economist was killed in a plane crash in August, his Socialist Party running-mate, Marina Silva, quickly rose as the No. 2 challenger to Rousseff, but voters in the Oct. 5 election elevated Neves into the runoff.

Voting in Brazil's biggest states is scheduled to end at 3 p.m. ET; we'll be reporting on the results of the race later today.

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A woman has her fingerprints checked with a new biometric identification machine before voting in Brasilia Sunday. More than 142 million Brazilians went to the polls, ending a dramatic campaign. Evaristo SA/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

itoggle caption Evaristo SA/AFP/Getty Images

A woman has her fingerprints checked with a new biometric identification machine before voting in Brasilia Sunday. More than 142 million Brazilians went to the polls, ending a dramatic campaign.

Evaristo SA/AFP/Getty Images

aecio neves

Dilma Rousseff

Brazil