Neruzh startup programme for young Diaspora Armenians is taking place in Dilijan

On 17 December, Neruzh - the flagship project of the RA Ministry of Diaspora, was officially kicked-off.

The opening ceremony took place a day earlier at Yerevan Municipality.

Acting RA Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Armenia Dmitry Mariyasin, and Head of UWCD Gabriel Ernesto Abad Fernandez made opening remarks.

In his opening speech, Dmitry Mariyasin mentioned that he highly values the initiative of the Ministry of Diaspora, as it bridges the local and Diaspora Armenian innovators, and creates a platform for communication and experience sharing. Highlighting the importance of innovation and UNDP ImpactAim Climate Change Tech Accelerator, he mentioned that Neruzh is a unique platform for startup projects development, financing, and implementation.

Neruzh interactive startup programme is for 18-35-year-old Diaspora Armenians. Around 70 startups, out of which 50 are from Diaspora, take part in the programme. The aim of the project is to create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to start a business in Armenia.

UNDP ImpactAim Accelerator is one of the partners of the programme. With the support of the UNDP ImpactAim Accelerator, a number of local and international coaches and mentors, including Climate-KIC, Europe’s leading Climate innovation initiative experts MarLa Burgener, Gil Maria Campos Alabau, and Patrick Bottermann take part in the event.

As the partner of the programme, UNDP ImpactAim has a Special Award for an impact venture that uses technology for Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the startups will also get a chance to participate in the upcoming ImpactAim Accelerator.

The Climate Change Technology Accelerator – one of the key components of “Addressing Climate Change Impact Through the Enhanced Capacity for Wildfires Management in Armenia” UNDP-Russia Trust Fund for Development Project and is implemented by UNDP Armenia in cooperation with ISTC - Innovative Solutions and Technologies Center, Founder Institute Yerevan and Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF).