Technoparks in Armenia: from Gyumri to Stepanakert

Operation of technological centers contributes to growing interest in high technologies. Itel.am talked to the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) Director Bagrat Yengibaryan on the technoparks in Armenian marzes and Artsakh.

''With the help of technological centers, the EIF is creating an environment where local companies can work out successful products like Triada and PicsArt and make investments in Armenia in future'', said Bagrat Yengibaryan.

Summing up the one year of operation of Gyumri Technopark, he noted that before the establishment of the center, he was afraid the model wouldn't work in the marzes but it proved opposite as a result.

150 specialists work in Gyumri Technopark which hosts 20 companies. Around 500 specialists are trained annually.

''We are happy that companies such as Gyumri IT Center, Tumo and others are located in the Gyumri Technopark. It shows that the Technopark is not only aimed at hosting startups but creating auspicious environment for training staff'', noted Bagrat Yengibaryan.

He pointed out the labs specialized in mobile technologies, multimedia, engineering and clean technologies.
 
''We are trying to expand the labs providing them with new devices to make them a places of creating prototypes'', Bagrat Yengibaryan said.

According to him, the Gyumri Technopark is aimed at making the city a IT and high technology international hub which in turn will create new workplaces and boost formation of a decentralized ecosystem in the country.

''I'm aware that many companies are now ready to continue their activities in Gyumri as first of all, the workforce is cheaper here, and consequently, the work is more pleasant and effective in these conditions. The model of technological centers proved that it's also effective in terms of investments. For instance, the newly established research center of D-Link Taiwanese multinational networking equipment manufacturing corporation has recently opened in Gyumri'', noted Bagrat Yengibaryan.

According to him, such companies will help shape a new ecosystem in future.

''The logic is as follows: one invites a transnational company to the Technopark where they open an office and train specialists. Happy with the quality of the job, the transnational corporation expands its investments and constructs a separate building in the neighborhood'', the EIF Director noted.

It's already several months that Artsakh IT Center has opened  in Artsakh. In about a month, the construction works of Vanadzor Technopark will kick off. The opening is scheduled for June 2016.

A mobile technology center is also going to be founded in Kapan.

The EIF Director added that IT is the only field in Armenia which can ensure inflow of migrants.

''The technological potential in Armenia is the strongest one. Creative mind allows us to demonstrate our talents in the IT now, and in engineering, high tech and energy-saving field in future'', concluded Bagrat Yengibaryan.

Narine Daneghyan