Kutaisi International University (KIU) and the Bank of Georgia have solidified their partnership through a formal memorandum of cooperation.
The memorandum, signed by KIU Rector, Alexander Tevzadze, and Bank of Georgia CEO, Archil Gachechiladze, emphasizes the importance of the partnership between the sectors showcased at the recent KIU Innovation Business Forum.
Alexander Tevzadze, Rector of Kutaisi International University, highlighted, "Public-private partnerships and collaborations with leading private sector organizations of various profiles are integral to the mission of Kutaisi International University. We are delighted to welcome the Bank of Georgia as one of our esteemed partners. This collaboration will provide KIU students with opportunities for internships, skills enhancement, and potential future employment within the financial institution. I believe this relationship will not only benefit our students but also prove appealing to the Bank of Georgia in terms of attracting young talent. We aim to connect them with highly qualified and motivated graduates who are eager to contribute to the country's workforce. This collaboration has the potential to strengthen the overall economic and financial ecosystem of the nation”.
The cooperation aims to foster the development of human capital in Georgia by facilitating the exchange of expertise among professionals and students, cultivating skilled individuals for the future. This collaboration seeks to introduce new programs that address contemporary challenges and evolving demands. As part of this partnership, KIU and the Bank of Georgia will facilitate training opportunities, skill enhancement, and employment prospects for Kutaisi International University students. The collaboration includes the implementation of employment and internship programs, hosting contests and competitions, and establishing scholarship programs for students.
“I am pleased to sign a memorandum of cooperation with such a prestigious university, enabling us to collaborate on engaging and essential activities for students. Together, let's facilitate practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge, enhancing their prospects for employment. Furthermore, our partnership with the university will extend to our scholarship program, providing students with the opportunity to receive full or partial financial support. At the Bank of Georgia, we firmly believe in the potential of young people and their ability to bring about positive change in our country. Therefore, the collaboration with Kutaisi International University holds particular significance in our pursuit of this goal”, stated Archil Gachechiladze, CEO of the Bank of Georgia.
The memorandum was signed during the KIU Innovation Business Forum, which was hosted by KIU on October 23-24. This year's forum focused on the theme "Digital Horizons: Redefining Education for the Future," attracting participants from various countries worldwide for two days of presentations, panel discussions, and workshops alongside their Georgian peers.
Discussions during the forum were dedicated to exploring the role of universities in fostering the innovation ecosystem, identifying key areas for higher educational institutions to reinforce their support for partners, and highlighting the criticality of a sustainable ecosystem for the nation's economic growth. A representative from the Bank of Georgia actively participated in the panel discussion, emphasizing the significance of education and innovation.
Moreover, during the forum, bank representatives engaged with students, providing insights into the upcoming scholarship program scheduled for implementation at Kutaisi International University in the following semester.
About KIU
Kutaisi International University (KIU) is located in Kutaisi, in the environmentally clean area spread out on 160 hectares of land, surrounded by a forest. The campus includes contemporary academic buildings, libraries, cafeterias, well-equipped sports facilities, and a comprehensive road infrastructure, the communal workspaces, student housing, as well as housing for academic and administrative staff. The development and construction of the university city are progressing step by step. Kutaisi International University (KIU) opened its doors to the first cohort of students in 2020-2021 academic year for three English-language undergraduate programs (Management, Mathematics and Computer Science). Currently, approximately 1,200 students are studying at the university.
KIU collaborates with Technical University of Munich (TUM International GmbH and TUM), a leading European university. Funding for Kutaisi International University is provided by the 'Cartu' charity fund, with a total budget of up to 1 billion euros.
