Two Armenian startups take part in Belarusian tech event EMERGE

Armenian startups have recently joined their counterparts from all over the world in the tech conference EMERGE in Minsk, Belarus.

Organized for the first time ever, the event focused on investment, ICO, startups, as well as trends in AI, machine learning and fintech.

Itel.am has learned from EMERGE organizers that over 1400 participants from 20 countries attended the conference in Minsk.

The three stages of the conference hosted speakers from Microsoft, Facebook, Bayer, Dell, investment companies (Flint Capital, Rybakov Fund, Runa Capital, Speedinvest, Emery Capital and Bulba Ventures) and 14 accelerators, including Startup Wise Guys, Rockstart, Internet Initiatives Development Fund and others.

Supermodel and philanthropist Natalia Vodianova was among the attendees and introduced mobile app Elbi.

Armenians at EMERGE

The Armenian startups that went to Minsk for the conference shared their impressions with Itel.am.

Breedge was one of the two Armenian startups at EMERGE. They competed in PhilTech (technologies for philanthropy) category and reached semi-finals.

photo © EMERGE

This startup serves as a matching platform for students and employers, helping them pick the best job or the best person for it.

“The conference lasted two days and we were there the whole time. On the first day there was a startup expo, and the organizers put that in a curious format – the conference was held at a factory. We met many investors who were interested in our product. On the second day, we were already pitching and talking directly with mentors and investors. EMERGE was a great experience for us, especially in terms of networking,” said Breedge member Liana Hakobyan.

Another Armenian representative was Zoomar, AI-based startup that scans images and makes 3D animations of them.

14-year-old Arman Barseghyan and his teacher Yeghishe Amiryan of Armath engineering lab from Talin, Armenia developed and presented the startup. Arman turned out to be the youngest participant of EMERGE.

“This is my first large international conference and I have so many positive impressions! I made lots of new friends and ties outside of Armenia. It’s important that I pitched in English and felt the shyness fade away. I speak more freely now. By the way, I’ve met an investor whom I want to invite to DigiTec Business Forum in Armenia,” said Arman Barseghyan.

Narine Daneghyan