Mkhitar Hayrapetyan Visits Ijevan to Observe Technological Advancements; Prospects for Regional Industry Development Discussed

On May 6, the RA Minister of High-Tech Industry, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, visited Ijevan at the invitation of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) to learn about ongoing technological education programs, successful local initiatives, and the work of leading organizations in high-tech industry.

The Minister's first stop was the InnoIjevan Hub, where several technology education programs have already been launched. Accompanied by UATE Executive Director Sargis Karapetyan, Minister Hayrapetyan toured the facility and explored the opportunities it offers. He underscored the importance of implementing programs aimed at promoting technological development in Armenia’s regions.

The Minister was also introduced to the Real School academic and cultural foundation, a four-year technology-focused school designed for students who have completed the 9th grade. Vahe Khachatryan, Director of the UATE Educational Foundation, presented the school’s concept, explaining that students follow the standard 10th–12th grade curriculum in their first year, then transition into practical work. By graduation, they gain 2–3 years of professional experience. Students typically specialize in fields such as programming, electronic device development, management systems, and electronic document handling. Khachatryan emphasized that Real School provides students with the skills needed to enter the job market as users or developers of complex systems, depending on their chosen path.

Next, Minister Hayrapetyan visited the Armath Engineering Laboratory at Ijevan Primary School No. 1, where he interacted with students and learned about their projects and ideas. He highlighted the uniqueness of the Armath program, highlighting its role in cultivating interest in technological fields among youth in the regions.

The Minister also toured the Ijevan branch of Microchip Technology, a company specializing in the design and development of microelectronics. Accompanied by Ani Safaryan, Head of the company’s Armenian office, he met with staff and learned about the branch’s operations. Minister Hayrapetyan stressed the strategic importance of having major companies like Microchip Technology expand their presence in Armenia’s regions, calling it a key driver for the country’s economic development.

During the visit, discussions also touched upon the importance of effective public-private partnerships. Topics included the provision of state support to the high-tech industry and the new opportunities made available through government-led initiatives.