Armenia is making a push to establish itself as a tech hub in the Caucasus region, with a focus on creating a Silicon Valley-like ecosystem. The country’s tech education system starts early, with many schools offering engineering lab classes that introduce students to programming, robotics, and coding.
The Armath program, launched in 2014, has expanded to over 650 labs across the country, providing young inventors like Slavik, Eric, and Narek with hands-on experience in developing innovative projects. The initiative is backed by the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), a business organization representing over 200 high-tech companies in Armenia.
Armenia’s tech sector has seen significant growth, with companies like Picsart, Krisp, and Service Titan achieving success globally. The country’s global diaspora community plays a crucial role in boosting its tech development, providing connections and resources for Armenian entrepreneurs.
Recent events, such as the influx of Russian IT specialists following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have further strengthened Armenia’s tech ecosystem. US chipmaking giant Nvidia has also moved its Russian office to Armenia, filling crucial skill gaps in areas like data processing and cybersecurity.
While challenges remain, including high costs and tax burdens, overall optimism is high about Armenia’s tech future. With initiatives like Armath and the support of organizations like SmartGate, the country is poised to become a major player in the Caucasus region’s tech scene.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2ew48p13y0o