ArmInfo. The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, GIZ Global Legal Program and Impact Hub Yerevan have jointly launched a brand new international pilot program: GovTech Launchpad.
According to the Office message received by ArmInfo, the program is unique in its format and is aimed at creating innovative solutions to the problems of cooperation between startups and the public sector. Within the framework of the program, innovative start-ups should offer technological solutions that will support the Armenians of the Diaspora who wish to return to Armenia or have already repatriated citizens. GovTech Launchpad is open to tech startups operating both in Armenia and anywhere in the world. Participating teams should have relevant experience in developing innovative solutions, confidence that their ideas will help the Armenians of the Diaspora and a desire to move to Armenia. Each of the 4 selected teams will receive financial support to develop their product. The program will also include a second stage.
In addition to the prize money, the project offers a unique Impact Hub ecosystem, which includes one-to- one professional advice, mentorship, membership, events with over 250 creative and innovative participants, classes, contacts with over 100 Impact Hub centers around the world, an educational program, including trainings and courses on the GovTech industry, business, technology and innovation, as well as many other opportunities that will help develop startup ideas and provide practical solutions for their implementation. As a result, the participants will have the opportunity to create new solutions for the government of Armenia, as well as the Diaspora Armenians and repatriates, retain the intellectual property rights to their products, get the opportunity to distribute them internationally, and establish long-term cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.
To apply for participation in the program, follow the link: https://bit.ly/3kRUpua. The deadline for accepting applications is August 31 at 23:59.
On August 24 at 7:30 pm, High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan, Head of the Office of the High Commissioner Sara Anjargolian, , Executive Director of Impact Hub Yerevan Ani Babumyan and board member Raffi Kassarjian will present all the features of the GovTech Launchpad program live. The discussion will take place on the ZOOM platform, to which you can join and ask questions at the following link: https://bit.ly/3aHCxxr. The presentation of the program will also be available on the official Facebook page of the Office of the General Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs at: https://www.facebook.com/DiasporaHighCommissionerOfficeArmenia.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia is the main body responsible for the development and implementation of strategies in Armenia- Diaspora relations.