Kutaisi International University (KIU) hosted the Italian Design Day (IDD 2025) and the launch of its new English-language bachelor’s program in “Design.” The Italian Design Day is a prestigious annual event dedicated to celebrating Italian architecture and design. This year marked the ninth edition of IDD in Georgia. The event was organized by KIU, the Embassy of Italy in Georgia, and the Italian Trade Promotion Agency (ICE-ITA). It brought together key figures from the fields of architecture and design, along with representatives from the academic and scientific communities. The theme of this year’s gathering was “Inequalities: Design for a Better Life.”
The event was officially opened by the Rector of Kutaisi International University, Professor Giorgi Khubua. The Ambassador of Italy to Georgia, Massimiliano D’Antuono, delivered the opening address. The main speakers included Carla Langella, Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Naples Federico II, and Matteo Vercelloni, a renowned Italian architect.
Attendees included the Deputy Rector of Kutaisi International University, Mariam Kvirkvia; Vakhtang Tsagareli, Director of Projects at the Cartu Foundation; Levan Zalkaliani, State Representative in Imereti; David Eremeishvili, Acting Mayor of Kutaisi; Irakli Shengelia, Chairman of the Kutaisi City Council; as well as representatives from local self-government, the fields of architecture and design, scientific and academic communities, and honored guests.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the first bachelor’s program of Kutaisi International University’s School of Architecture, Urban Planning, and Design — "Design." The program was introduced by Mariam Botchorishvili, the head of the school and one of the organizers of IDD.
It is important to highlight that starting from the 2025-2026 academic year, Kutaisi International University, in collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II, will launch a new English-language bachelor's program in "Design." Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive a dual diploma — one from KIU and another from the University of Naples, both in the field of design. This program offers students a unique opportunity for international recognition and career growth. The academic process will be led by professors from both Kutaisi International University and the University of Naples. The implementation of this joint program will significantly contribute to the preparation of highly qualified professionals in the field of design in Georgia. As part of the exchange semester, Georgian students will have the opportunity to study at the University of Naples, while students from Naples will study at KIU for at least one semester. Additionally, academic staff members will have the opportunity to engage in exchange programs and collaborative research projects.
Kutaisi International University (KIU) is the largest charitable mega-project in Georgia, representing the only international state higher education institution established in the history of independent Georgia. The vision for the university was conceived by Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili and his family, with the international charitable foundation "Cartu" investing one billion euros into its development.
Founded in 1224, the University of Naples Federico II is the oldest state university in the world, with over 90,000 students.
