Armenia is gearing up to host the WCIT tech summit for the second time in history, putting the country on the global tech map. This event isn’t just about the latest innovations it shows how far Armenia has come as a tech hub.
From Soviet mainframes to what Forbes recently called “Silicon Mountains,” Armenia is now a powerhouse in the tech world. Such events as the global tech summit are very important for the ecosystem of tech companies and startups that call Armenia home.
The country is buzzing with innovation, from AI to blockchain, and the summit will be the perfect stage to showcase this talent. The first summit was a huge success for the country, and it hosted a number of prominent figures. What can we expect from this year’s summit, and how is Armenia’s tech scene developing? Let’s dive in.
WCIT 2019 Positioned Armenia as a Tech Hub
WCIT 2019 was a major milestone for Armenia, marking Yerevan as an emerging global tech hub. Even the start of the summit was spectacular. A day before the formal launch, there was a huge event in Republic Square that hosted a historic concert where the orchestra performed music composed in real-time by AI. Besides, electronic music legend Armin Van Buuren also participated in the concert making it a unique prequel to the IT event.
As organizers said the event brought together over 3,000 participants from more than 70 countries, setting the stage for a vibrant exchange of ideas on the future of technology. Just look at the list of the keynote speakers! There were such figures as Gary Vaynerchuk, Alexis Ohanian, Giphy founder Alex Chung, and, of course, Kim Kardashian. Thus, the event was a dynamic mix of discussions on everything from tech governance to the influence of social media.
There were also tech ministers from dozens of countries, so the impact of this event on Armenia’s tech development was huge. As TechCrunch noted, the summit highlighted Armenia’s innovative spirit and the strong influence of its diaspora in shaping the country’s tech landscape. The presence of international icons like System of a Down’s Serj Tankian further underscored Armenia’s unique position. Besides, the summit was widely covered by international media, including TechCrunch, which called attention to Armenia’s potential as a tech powerhouse driven by its global diaspora.
What to Expect at Yerevan-hosted WCIT 2024?
This October, Armenia is set to host the highly anticipated WCIT 2024, once again showing the country as a central player in the global tech arena. This year the congress will transform Yerevan into a hub for international tech leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs under the theme “The Power of Mind: Artificial Intelligence Beyond Borders, Within Ethics”
The venue is the same: the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex, a unique hall that is also an architectural gem. This year’s event also promises an exciting lineup of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and B2B meetings. The organizers promise the event will attract over 2,000 delegates from around the world.
The topics have changed much since 2019, and AI is one of the themes that attracts everyone’s attention in 2024. The Congress is no exception as it features discussions on AI ethics, human-machine collaboration, and the role of AI in marketing and other issues. By the way, such interesting topics as the economic empowerment of women age and the ethical implications of AI in social media are also on the agenda.
Other Armenia Tech Events
Armenia hosts a number of tech events every year, and one of the most prominent is the annual DigiTec Expo.
Since 2005, DigiTec has become the region’s largest technology exhibition. It attracts dozens of local companies each year. These companies set up booths to showcase their latest products, services, and innovations to a diverse audience, including B2B, government, education, and B2C sectors.
For example, the 2023 edition of DigiTec was held at the Meridian Expo Center having over 2,000 square meters of exhibition space.
Armenia for Digital Nomads
As Armenia is developing as a hub for tech companies, the country’s appeal to digital nomads is also on the rise. The growth in the tech industry has not only boosted the economy but has also enhanced the tourism sector. Digital nomads are increasingly choosing Armenia as their base, drawn by work opportunities and rich cultural experiences.
Armenia’s compact size makes it easy to explore, with historic sites, natural beauty, and outdoor activities all within a few hours’ travel. This blend of work, culture, and adventure makes Armenia a great choice for digital nomads seeking a unique and enriching experience.
Besides, there are more flights opening every year so it’s easier to travel. Visa regulations are also favorable, with many nationals able to stay for up to 180 days without a visa. While accommodation costs have risen recently, cities like Vanadzor, Gyumri, and Dilijan offer more affordable options outside the capital.
Tech and Tourism
The fact that Armenia is hosting global tech events is good news for the tourism sector. Once people are on a business trip, they can also have several hours or even a day to explore some sites, especially if they are close to the capital city.
It’s also important to offer high-quality travel packages for conference and event participants or businessmen traveling to Armenia. Levon Travel agency is one of the unique agencies in the market that focuses on custom-made tours for any travelers. If you have just one weekend to discover Armenia’s sites, our staff can help craft a unique itinerary.