Georgian PM highlights Gov’t “ambitious goal” to position country “leader in region” in technology, innovation

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday told the presentation of the Kutaisi technology hub concept in western Georgian city of Kutaisi the Government's “ambitious goal” to position Georgia as a “regional leader in technology and innovation”, which he stated would lead to “more development in all directions and more investments from around the world”.

In his address, Kobakhidze noted the rapid development of technology in the world that gave “new opportunities” to people and strengthened the economy, and noted the technological hub was intended to be a “space for innovation and creativity, significantly contributing to the country's digital and technological transformation”.

I am glad that today we are presenting the second project that will start in Kutaisi. The first project was related to the expansion of Kutaisi International Airport, and this project is no less important for this city, this region and the further development of our country”, he said.

Taking care of Kutaisi will be our special priority, we have made a decision regarding the increase of the budget of Kutaisi, the budget of Kutaisi will be increased by ₾40 million ($14) from next year”, he added.

The PM also revealed plans to significantly expand Kutaisi International University, aiming to exceed student enrolment to 20,000, and noted “successful implementation” of the university project was directly related to Kutaisi technology hub concept, that would be placed in the former Parliament building.

He said the technological hub is expected to serve as a “space of innovation, opportunities and creativity and will significantly contribute to the digital and technological transformation of our country”.

In general, the IT field is growing very fast in our country, especially in the last few years, and we additionally need to encourage and stimulate this field. The Kutaisi Technology Hub will be a multifunctional centre that will combine high-level technological laboratories, international IT-schools, a world-class science museum, international accelerators and incubators”, the official said.

The so-called artificial intelligence will be placed here. The centre of excellence and offices of leading international technology companies, which will create unique opportunities for development not only for residents of Kutaisi and [western] Imereti region, but also for the whole of Georgia. The concept of the Kutaisi technological hub is focused on young people, so that they have an appropriate environment for developing their skills, identifying and realising their interests in the direction of technology and innovation”, he added.

The PM said promotion of the innovative ecosystem represented the Government’s “priority”, and noted the reforms that had been implemented in the country served this purpose, while also announcing a legislative package that would implement a 0 percent tax regime for all Georgian innovative start-ups for their first three years.

In addition, I would like to inform you about one important news - in the near future, a Georgian technological hub will be opened in the city of San Francisco, in Silicon Valley, which will further help Georgian startups to develop and will be a kind of bridge between Georgian startups, leading venture funds and technological giants”, he said.

I am sure that Georgia will become a leader in the development of technologies in the wider region, and the Kutaisi technological hub will play an important role in this process”, the PM added.

Kobakhidze also expressed his gratitude to Georgia's Ministry of Economy, Levan Davitashvili, the First Vice Prime Minister, the country’s Innovation and Technology Agency, Irakli Karseladze, and those involved in the project's implementation.

The Ministry of Economy on Friday said the Kutaisi technological hub would incorporate a range of innovative components. The facility will feature an interactive scientific and technological museum, a startup accelerator, an international IT school, conference spaces, a shared workspace, and a powerful data centre dedicated to advancing Georgian artificial intelligence, electronics, robotics, drones, Internet of things, science, technology, engineering, art and maths, industrial innovations, and other experimental laboratories.

Additionally, the hub will include a VR/AR gaming laboratory, as well as meeting and training rooms for startups and IT specialists. This initiative is set to establish one of the largest technological parks in the region, with an anticipated opening in the autumn of 2025.

The hub is expected to become a major attraction for residents of Kutaisi, the Imereti region, and Georgia as a whole.