On October 23-24, Kutaisi International University hosted the second Innovation Business Forum as part of the “KIUInnovate” platform. The event was inaugurated by Giorgi Amilakhvari, the Minister of Education and Science of Georgia. He addressed the guests, providing insights into the steps taken and future plans for promoting innovation and technology development in Georgia.
The theme of this year's forum was "Digital Horizons: Redefining Education for the Future". During two days, participants from different countries of the world hold presentations, panel discussions, and workshops together with their Georgian colleagues. They talked about the role of universities in the development of the innovation ecosystem, what directions higher educational institutions should strengthen with the support of partners, and how important the existence of a sustainable ecosystem is for the country's economic growth. Representatives of the government, business, universities, international organizations, diplomatic missions, ambassadors, guests from the USA, Germany and other European countries gathered at the second innovation business forum.
"For two days, Kutaisi International University hosted the second innovation business forum. During the event, representatives from the business, government, and education sectors discussed the university's role in the modern era, shaped by the influence of artificial intelligence. We deliberated on how to address the challenges arising from the adoption of new professions and the necessary modifications to educational programs. The forum emphasized the integration of new technologies into the education sector and the advancement of the innovation ecosystem. Our university is always delighted to host such events, providing a conducive platform for discussing relevant and essential topics”, stated Kutaisi International University Chancellor Magda Magradze.
Within the framework of the forum, Professor Wolfgang A. Herrmann, the Honorary President of Kutaisi International University, paid a visit to KIU.
“KIU has a promising future in both research and education spheres. KIUInnovate Business Forum serves as a platform to demonstrate the synergy between academia and business. International universities aim to establish the foundation of enterprises through scientific advancements and research, which also aligns with KIU's mission”, stated Professor Wolfgang A. Herrmann.
The KIUInnovate Forum is being organized in collaboration with TUM International, within the context of KIUInnovate, a landmark initiative of KIU. Its primary objective is to foster entrepreneurship and innovation within the university. The forum's content emphasizes the challenges and demands encountered by businesses and industries in today's innovation landscape, highlighting the substantial contribution of business-oriented solutions to the country's economic development.
About KIUInnovate:
KIU’s mission is to build human capital that will support development of innovations and new technologies. The graduates of KIU will be equipped with the skills and education that will be internationally competitive and will meet labor market demands. The KIU curriculum provides opportunities to its students to enroll in internship programs developed and implemented in support with the private sector and employers.
University through its entrepreneurial strategy and activities covering research, training and tech transfer aims to contribute to the establishment of a sustainable innovation ecosystem in Georgia and the wider region through the connection of people, disciplines, organizations and sectors. KIU's vision is to become the university innovation hub of the Caucasus region and beyond.
Two years ago, Kutaisi International University, together with its German partners - Technical University of Munich (TUM) and TUM International GmbH, developed an innovation ecosystem development strategy and action plan. In 2021, KIU has established KIUInnovate – innovations ecosystem platform that supports KIU’s ambition to become Georgia’s leading entrepreneurial university and build innovations ecosystem in Georgia.
For more information, please visit www.kiu.edu.ge/eng/innovation
