Armenia builds a tech education network with 650 Armath labs

In Armenia, a country of 2.7 million people, efforts to enhance technology education have gained traction with the establishment of Armath labs in schools. This initiative began with the union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE), which operates as a business organization representing more than 200 high-tech companies. Currently, there are about 650 Armath labs spread throughout the country, focusing on equipping students with tech skills from a young age. The labs have around 17,000 active students and over 600 coaches, indicating a robust commitment to developing the tech sector. The program is deemed one of the most successful public-private partnerships in Armenia. According to Sarkis Karapetyan, the chief executive of UATE, the organization raises capital expenditure from private sector contributions to set up Armath labs and donate equipment to schools. This collaboration highlights the ambition to create a technology powerhouse in the region, aimed at providing value both locally and internationally. The significance of tech education in Armenia is reflected in an annual report that ranks the country as the best location in the Caucasus region for launching a company, placing it at 57th globally. Despite facing challenges such as closed borders with Azerbaijan and Turkey due to longstanding territorial disputes, Armenia has fostered a growing tech community, with estimates of around 4,000 tech companies currently operational. Moreover, the influx of Russian IT professionals, estimated at 5,000 to 8,000, signifies a growing interest in Armenia as a tech hub. However, industry stakeholders like Vasily express concerns regarding the high cost of living and the need to reduce the tax burden on IT firms to ensure long-term sustainability and growth in the sector. The ongoing initiatives to promote tech literacy among youth aim to pave the way for a prosperous future, potentially leading to a boom in the technology sector in Armenia.