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Tech in Armenia
Tech in Armenia
Armenia is one of the leading centres for software development in the world, a
regional hub for chip design, additionally networking systems, and
communications. It has a long history in computing, and a much larger role in
the history of Soviet computing than many would imagine for such a small
country. For instance, somewhere between 30% and 40% of Soviet military
computers were built in it.
The story began with Andronik Iosifyan. Born in 1905 in the Kalbajar district of
Artsakh, he became the director of the All-Union Scientific Research Institute
of Electromechanics (AUSRIE) in Moscow. Iosifyan specialized in designing
electronics and used his skills to design electrical systems for missiles, nuclear
submarines, satellites, and spacecraft, such as the first Soviet Meteor weather
satellites. Besides, Victor Hambartsumyan, known as the founder of theoretical
physics in the Soviet Union, was looking for designs for a computer that might
be assembled at the Yerevan Scientific Research Institute of Mathematical
Machines (YerSRIMM) that had been established in 1956, with the
mathematician Mergelyan as its founding director.
He travelled to Moscow to meet Iosifyan, in the hope of securing such a
design. Iosifyan knew Isaak Bruk, who had designed a minicomputer called the
M-3 for scientific calculations and arranged to build three at AUSRIE between
1957-1958. One of these stayed at AUSRIE, - one went to Sergey Korolev, the
lead designer of the first Soviet spaceships, and satellites- and the other to
Sergey Mergelyan at YerSRIMM.
Receiving the M-3 computer in Yerevan enabled Mergelyan and his team to
accelerate their work in computing and they designed a new computer called
Aragats between 1958-60, based on the M-3. A lot of the Armenian
technological research and production was conducted at the Yerevan
Computer Research and Development Institute –or the Mergelyan Institute-
during the Soviet era. The Razdan general-purpose computer series was
developed between 1958-1965.
Government VS Pandemic
According to him, the pandemic put a hard task before the government. The
solution to such problems leads to the broad use of digital technologies, and
the formation of a new culture. Pashinyan said digital technologies and e-
government tools have been used in Armenia. He added that Armenia is going
to introduce and develop a policy of electronic services, e-government systems
and digital processes.
“I would like to praise the fact that the member states of the Union managed
to use digital technologies for overcoming some of the problems caused by the
pandemic. The talk is about the “I Am Travelling without COVID-19” digital
platform which resumed the free movement of citizens between Armenia,
Russia and Belarus. From the beginning, Armenia has supported the Eurasian
Development Bank’s “Digital Initiatives Fund” project, and we want to thank
our partners of the Fund and the Russian and Belarusian governments for the
active joint work within the frames of this program”, the PM said.
Business in Armenia with the aim of creating start-ups remains the most
attractive as the South Caucasian republic has every chance of becoming a
world-renown technological centered. Many reasons reinforce this like:
1- Government policies aimed at instrumental support for development ideas
and scientific breakthroughs.
2- Strong pool of highly skilled workforce, as well as a stable basis for the
revival of the technology sector which was historically strong since the Soviet
era.
3- Tax incentives are conceived for doing business in Armenia in the form of
start-ups – 0% income tax for the first three years of activity, provided that the
registered company has less than 30 employees and was not formed as a result
of the reorganization of a legal entity or an individual.
4- Representative offices of many world technology corporations – Mentor
Graphics, Microsoft, National Instruments, IBM, Synopsys, etc.
5- Armenia’s high ranking in terms of Ease of Doing Business (7th in the
ranking, according to the World Bank Doing Business assessment) is
particularly due to robust steps towards eliminating corruption and
bureaucracy. Today it is possible to register a company in Armenia remotely in
1-3 working days.
Founders including small local companies need to focus on new products that
could be of interest to larger-scale organizations, to ensure consistent and
lasting impact in the market. Additionally, it is important to have a well-versed
business plan to support its development and keep the quality considerations
of the new product.
Venture funds
1- Granatus Ventures
It is the first venture capital firm in Armenia. It was established in 2013. Its
offices are located in Yerevan, London and Singapore. Among the most famous
projects of the fund are Menu Group, ggTaxi and News Deeply which
specializes in creating and maintaining websites that are dedicated to one
specific problem.
2- HIVE Ventures
This fund was established in 2014, in California, the US. The founders of which
are Armenians, It doesn’t only provide financing but also helps with mentoring
from the lead professionals from Silicon Valley. You have to be a technological
start-up from Armenia to receive support from the fund. Examples of the most
interesting projects, which are financed by the fund are Gecko Robotics, which
offers solutions for the industrial area. Discotech — an application, in which
you can get information about all of the events and parties in the city, book a
table in a nightclub, get a discount, or even a free entrance to a party.
3- SmartGateVC
SmartGateVC is a Silicon Valley pre-seed venture capital fund backed by Tim
Draper and a network of entrepreneurs and professionals from the US, Europe,
and MENA. It focuses on deep tech: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security,
Internet of Things (IoT) and emerging Computational Biotech, Quantum
Computing, and Blockchain across California, Massachusetts, NYC, Armenia,
and wider Eastern Europe. The Armenian branch of the fund was created in
2017 on the initiative of Ashot Arzumanyan, Hambardzum Kaghketsyan and
Vazgen Hakobjanyan.
2- Impact Aim
The accelerator is created and works supported by the United Nations
Development Programme. It is interested in projects related to agriculture and
recycling food waste, in start-ups whose final product will improve the quality
of life in the region like the green economy, innovative start-ups concerned
with govtech, edutech, fintech and projects that will help to the at-risk
population groups.
Armath Laboratories
Karen Vardanyan is the man who improved the technological studies of
Armenia’s students. In 2014, he started a program called Armath, which aimed
to put robotics laboratories in rural schools across Armenia.
At Armath Engineering Laboratories kids aged 10-18 are introduced to science,
technology, engineering, and math education through interactive after-school
classes, exciting competitions, innovative camps and more.
Armath Engineering Laboratories program already shows great results.
According to "Grant Thornton Consulting" CJSC assessment
84% of Armath students were admitted to the University
39% were working and studying
45% of employed students were involved in programming, 29% were involved
in other areas of the IT sector and the rest were involved in engineering and
technical jobs
12% of employed students have founded start-ups.
The salaries of employed or start-up-founded students were between AMD
50,000 and 300,000, averaging AMD132, 561.
1- SmartApaga
SmartApaga LLC is a private waste management service used by over 1000
households and organizations in Yerevan. It is a fully integrated, multi-sided
platform for solving waste logistics and consists of an app connected to a
network of IoT smart recycling containers and dedicated QR code-based
identifiable eco-bags.
Originally founded by two UWC Dilijan students and a Canadian Armenian
repatriate, it now has evolved into a tech startup with a solid team of
developers led by seasoned developer Arshak Ghazaryan and his team for iOS
& Android devs as well as a team of designers, WEB designers, and business
professionals.
2- Krisp
Krisp is an AI-powered noise-canceling app that removes background noise and
echoes during online calls in real-time, by detecting human voice, selecting
only that part and cutting the rest of the signal. It is privacy-centric and
performs all the audio processing locally on your device.
It works across any communication, conferencing, streaming and recording
app and can be used with any wired or wireless microphone, speaker and
headphones. In 2018 Krisp won Golden Kitty Award as a Product of the Year in
the category of Audio & Voice.
3- 360 stories
360Stories is a platform and online community featuring user-generated travel
stories, each captured in high-definition 360-degree video or photography and
led by real-time guides virtually on the web or from the convenience of your
smartphone.
Originally founded by Albert Poghosyan and Vahagn Mosinyan. It started off
featuring only Armenian sights. The Ministry of Culture of Armenia assisted the
company in the process and helped capture notable places in Armenia. As for
now, 360Stories' collection includes multiple cities and activities.
Besides exploring the world in VR and AR, visitors of the website can buy one-
day tours and attractions online in the destinations presented on the site.
360Stories is changing the process of booking travel activities and making them
more immersive.
4- Chessify
Chessify promotes Armenian chess culture to the world with its multi-service
tool for beginner, advanced and professional chess players, with the majority
of users registered from India, the USA, Russia, and Norway. It was Founded by
Gor Vardanyan, Hambartsum Petrosyan in 2016.
Utilizing machine learning and artificial intelligence provides a variety of tools
like mobile application for learners, chessboard scanner and live streaming
tools, and flexible cloud analysis service with an AI engine also reduces the
time spent on learning chess by 30%.
5- DataArt
DataArt is a global technology consultancy that was founded in 1997 in New
York City and specializes in building software products and enterprise systems,
system modernization services, providing services of production system
maintenance, digital transformation, innovation, and security testing services
for a product or infrastructure.
In 2019 DataArt announced the opening of the research and development
(R&D) and sales office in Armenia. Yerevan office will support the company's
activity across all the spheres but mainly focus on quality assurance (QA) and
support, as well as business development.
6- Disperse.io
Disperse is an artificial intelligence construction startup focused on improving
on-site productivity utilizing visual recognition and computer vision
techniques. CV keeps up with the progress and detects anomalies, 360° site
scanning option captures every little detail. While the possibility of continuous
feedback engaging everyone involved in the process helps to optimize the
workflow and flag early warnings.
7- Embry Tech
Embry Tech was founded in 2017, develops hardware and software solutions
for a shoe to turn it into biometric data tracking and wellness monitoring
device. Patent-pending technology measures weight change, number of steps,
cardio and sitting time, and calories burned throughout the day. Plus, the app
gives wellness insights. With time Embry Tech is planning to turn the shoe into
a medical device gathering all the health data.
8- AppearMe
AppearMe is a real-time, on-demand web and mobile application that
connects with thousands of attorneys within minutes. It is a way to find an
attorney for a variety of cases: civil, criminal, business, or family law. For the
professionals, it is a place to refer a case or accept a pre-screened case.
9- SoloLearn
SoloLearn is a free mobile social platform to learn and practice coding with the
largest community of mobile coders in the world. It offers courses in 13 areas
from HTML, PHP and Java to Swift, С# and Ruby from beginner to pro level.
Currently, more than 28,600,000 learners all over the world use it on all types
of devices.
The company was launched in 2013. In the beginning, it was an educational
platform offering a variety of courses from HTML to photography. Later the
company shifted the full focus to programming languages. According to the
rough estimations, 25% of the users are coming from India, 25 – from the US,
the rest is divided between the European countries.
In 2017 the app won the title of the FbStart App of the Year, the winner is
chosen among the alumni of the Facebook FbStart accelerator.
10- Vineti
Vineti is a cloud-based platform created to significantly simplify access to cell
and gene therapy personalized cancer vaccines, connects the right patient to
the right therapeutic product, on time and on track. It was established in 2016
by Heidi Hagen, Emmy Duross, Nerses Ohanyan and Razmik Abnous.
The personalized Therapy Management platform is serving as an ecosystem for
all actors involved in the process of manufacturing and distribution of the
treatment (doctors and nursing staff, interacting with a patient, drug
manufacturers, logisticians, and couriers).
Vineti's management platform is aimed to improve operations, minimize
human factor and make sure products comply with regulations and standards.
5 Armenian start-ups link Armenians in the diaspora
1- A+ Academy
One of these startups is A+ Academy that offers Online Tutoring Classes for
Diasporan Armenians with Armenia. Narek Shamamyan is the founder and the
enlightened mind behind this great initiative.
The academy provides online private and group classes on Math, Coding,
Sciences, Eastern and Western Armenian Language, Armenian History,
Armenian Culture and Traditions, English, Russian, Arabic, and many more.
Most of the classes are available in both English and Armenian. The tutors
come from all over Armenia and have been selected based on their skills,
knowledge, and professionalism.
2- reArmenia
reArmenia is a collaboration platform uniting Armenia and Armenians around
the globe through knowledge, professional experience, and material support.
It is a Non-Governmental & Nonprofit Organization concerned about the
problems of the homeland raise issues related to 14 spheres or coming up with
proper solutions.
The highest management and control body of reArmenia consists of 5
members:
- David Hakobyan - Advisor to the minister of high-tech industry of
Armenia and Chairman of the Board.
- Greg Bedian - Director, Tufenkian Foundation and Board member.
- Armine Mkrtchyan - CEO, Merakipal and Board member.
- Narek Vardanyan - CEO, TheCrowd Funding Formula, and Board
member.
- Mariam Hambardzumyan - President, GlobalAm and Board member.
Also, it is the first Armenian platform committed not only to fundraising for
existing initiatives but also to bringing together those passionate about new
projects to create teams and providing a framework for teams already working
to invite new collaborators.
4- Hye Box
Living and rising in a small but historically and culturally rich country with
different global and local challenges, allowed the twins Elen and Elmira
Gabrielyan, to found their start-up about two and a half years ago. It started as
a gift box with Armenian crafts and books for children then turned into a family
box. They deliver homeland-made products to the US, Canada, Europe, and
Australia.
The main purpose remained the same: to work with small businesses,
entrepreneurs, artisans, and artists and allow the diaspora to keep in touch
culturally with Armenia, discover Armenian products and support the
Armenian economy which has never been this fun.
According to the World Bank, Armenia ranks as the fourth most vulnerable
country in terms of climate change risks, so it has signed up to increase its
forest cover and carbon removal from forests, as its forests are sensitive to
climate change, while its rural population is dependent on fuelwood to meet
its energy demands. It faces considerable climate risks, especially the increased
frequency of extreme weather events and their aftereffects – droughts,
flooding, landslides, and wildfires.
Such natural disasters destroy livelihoods and retrench the country’s already
limited capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This could lead to a
self-perpetuating cycle, which would threaten Armenia’s agricultural sector,
ecology, and infrastructure. Still, the country has the possibility to reduce the
risks thanks to its forests that reduce the depositing of sediments in Sevan
Lake, which helps face water pollution, protects wildlife habitats, and keeps
water levels stable. Trees and underbrush also capture and store CO2 from the
atmosphere which is crucial for preventing climate change.
Preserving forests is a major priority, as deforestation has been caused by
mining operations, illegal logging, and use for firewood, but forest fires and
pests also threaten to intensify desertification, leading to disequilibrium of the
country’s waterways, and causing significant loss of biodiversity and valuable
pastureland.
Yet, Armenia is one of the least forested countries in the Eastern Europe and
Central Asia region. With only 11.2% forest cover, 70% of its woods are
degraded, and forest-covered areas are gradually turning into grasslands.
Current climate trends and projections for the country indicate future elevated
average temperatures, precipitation, river-flow decreases, and snow cover
reduction.
1- Two Armenian startups won the grants of Revive program which is a part of
a larger UNDP Veterans Support Program under the UNDP Tech2Life Auxiliary
Technologies for Self-Sufficiency.
AIPTech is an Armenian implant startup that uses a 3D printer to produce
biodegradable, bioactive adapted implants.
The startup will receive a $ 7,000 grant from Revive to start the patent
application process.
Oqni is an Armenian startup producing artificial limb prostheses based on
artificial intelligence, providing integrated rehabilitation assistance.
The Revive will receive a $ 2,000 grant from the Revive program to provide
professional assistance in obtaining the necessary certification.
2- Armenian Armath engineering laboratories expand to #Dhaka, #Bangladesh.
It’s noteworthy that at the moment around 600 Armath Engineering
Laboratories operate on the territory of Armenia (including Artsakh), Georgia
and India, where around 15000 students get free engineering education.
3- Two Armenian startups selected from among 100,000 registrations in 200
countries will compete for a share of $1 million prize money and additional
benefits.
In the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) Global Finals, organizers announced
on October 4, 2021. Denovo Sciences "VardanHarutyunyan and
MherMatevosyan" and Zoomerang "DavidGrigoryan, co-founder of
Zoomerang", are among the 100 startups known collectively as the
Entrepreneurship World Cup 100 (EWC 100) that have advanced to the next
stage of the competition.
Denovo Sciences is a deep technology company that creates novel therapeutics
using state-of-the-art AI technologies, and Zoomerang is an application for
creating/editing state-of-the-art short-form videos.