YEREVAN-TOURINFO- The World Congress on Information Technology, one of the largest and most prestigious ICT events in the world, will be held in Yerevan this year from October 6 to 9. The three-day congress will gather over 2,500 participants from around 70 countries: information and communication technology leaders, CEOs and investors, policy makers and government officials, academics, and technologists. This year’s theme is “The Power of Decentralization: Promise and Peril.”
It features discussions related to the evolution of the Digital Age and consortium of information and communications technology associations from 83 countries, representing 90% of the industry. For 40 years, technology leaders have joined in this annual event to discuss the state of the industry. Past speakers include: Vint Cerf, Bill Clinton, Michael Dell, Larry Ellison, Steve Forbes, and Bill Gates. The organizers are currently negotiating with Barack Obama for potential WCIT 2019 appearance in Yerevan.
The Government of Armenia has declared IT a strategic area of focus. The country’s legislation fosters favorable conditions for foreign direct investments in the tech sector. Furthermore, consistent efforts are being made to promote the development of high-tech innovations, cultivate ecosystems, and accelerate startups in the industry. The ICT sector represents 7% of the national GDP. Over 45% of the industry exports go to the U.S. and Canada, 25% to Europe, 11% to Asia. Over 900 ICT companies call Armenia home, including globally recognized Picsart, Renderforest, Softconstruct, Joomag, and others.
This year marks the first time WCIT will host “Lightning Rounds” in its 40 year history. Entrepreneurs and innovators will have a unique opportunity to showcase their startup ideas before a plenary audience from the tech community. 15 startups from around the world will have three minutes to present their new ideas or innovative technologies. The lightning Rounds will be split into three sets. Judges will choose presentations which demonstrate innovation as well as potential for global applicability and impact. The three most promising startups will be awarded the “Armenian Technology Communities A-Prize” and $100,000 on behalf of the entire High Tech Community of Armenia.
WCIT 2019 will be an exquisite opportunity to explore Armenia’s rich culture, sublime nature, delicious cuisine, and innovative tech community.
