“Cartu” Foundation donates 40 million Euros to establish the first Hadron Therapy Center in the region at the Kutaisi International University base.
The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia Mikheil Chkhenkeli, together with the Chairman of the Board of the “Cartu” Foundation Nikoloz Chkhetiani, the First Deputy Minister of Ministry of IDPs from the Occupied Territories, Labor, Health and Social Affairs Tamar Gabunia, the Rector of Kutaisi International University Alexander Tevzadze, and the representatives of “Cartu” foundation Vakhtang Tsagareli and Irakli Katsadze, participated in the International Symposium on Proton Therapy (ISOP 2020) in Lyon (France), where the development of modern methods of radiation therapy in France and European countries, including Georgia, were discussed. They discussed the project of Kutaisi International University - Hadron Therapy Center and its importance.
The first Hadron Therapy Center in the region will be established at the Kutaisi International University base in partnership with one of the world's leading medical technology companies IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.), which will be funded by the International Charity Foundation “Cartu”.
Two cyclotron-type accelerators will be placed at the Hadron Therapy Center. Modern studies in nuclear experimental physics, radiation biophysics and chemistry will be carried out on the cyclotron for scientific research. A proton therapy clinic will be established for medical purposes at the cyclotron base. It is planned that Georgia will join the international network of proton therapy centers.
The cooperation agreement with the IBA entered into force on January 28, 2020, which envisages the purchase and the provision of long-term operational and technical services of two cyclotron-type accelerators - Proteus®ONE solution - at the Kutaisi Hadron Therapy Center. The cost of the project is up to 40 million euros. The equipment will be placed in the scientific research and medical centers of Kutaisi International University. The Proton Therapy Clinic will receive its first patients in 2024 and will be the only clinic for treatment of oncological diseases with modern methods across the region.
IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) is an international leader in global medical technology that develops and manufactures the proton therapy devices for the treatment and diagnosis of oncological diseases. Proton therapy is a modern rapidly evolving form of radiation therapy and it is the best treatment method for many types of tumors.
Kutaisi International University was established at the initiative of Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family. The International Charity Foundation “Cartu” has invested 1 billion euros in the establishment of a university campus and a proton therapy center, which is the largest financial contribution to the country in the field of education and science. The University will admit students to three undergraduate educational programs (Mathematics, Management and Computer Science) from 2020 academic year. Professors from the world's leading universities, together with Georgian professors, will be involved in university life and will carry out joint scientific research.
International Charity Foundation “Cartu” is the largest charitable organization in Georgia, founded and funded by Mr. Ivanishvili. Over the past 20 years, the Foundation has funded a wide range of projects with more than $ 3 billion in investment.
