President Armen Sarkissian visited FAST Foundation: my goal is to create an environment in Armenia in which young Armenians will not leave Armenia to seek innovations

President Armen Sarkissian visited today the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST). Accompanied by the Director of the Foundation Armen Orujian, President Sarkissaini toured the offices of the Foundation, conversed with employees, inquired about their work and projects.

The President of Armenia was informed on the projects of the Foundation aimed at the development of educational and scientific areas, some of which are being implemented in cooperation with leading foreign scientific and educational establishments. Participants and benefactors of the projects related to biotechnologies, mechanical teaching, artificial intelligence and other areas told about the conducted research.

Stressing the importance of the ongoing programs and projects, President Sarkissian noted in particular, “We are a country which possesses great potential for the technological development, however to register serious progress and results, we need to work persistently. We are just at the beginning of a long road.”

The President spoke also of the ATOM presidential initiative, which is aimed at the development of science and technologies in Armenia, and which envisages cooperation with major global technological companies. “The most important thing is that these major companies will be represented in Armenia and will work continuously. Some of them have even proposed that cooperation is not only in the area of science but also education,” the President of Armenia said. “My idea and purpose is the following: my goal is to create an environment in Armenia in which young Armenians will not leave Armenia to learn about innovations but rather find them here, remain attached to our country.”

A reference was made to cooperation with FAST in the framework of ATOM. “We may be doing different things but we do it for one common purpose. We have a chance to be on the frontline and should be able to use that opportunity wisely,” President Sarkissian said.

The President underscored that today it is the individual who is strong, and individual’s creative power is huge. “I believe that 18 years-old young people, who are also among the beneficiaries of your programs, can do a lot. They can do more if they follow the right course and in the right environment. We have to make sure that their brilliant ideas come to life, and with this regard, FAST is doing an important work.”

During the meeting of President Sarkissian with the leadership of FAST discussed were issues related to cooperation between ATOM initiative and FAST.
They also spoke about the Armenian Summit of Minds to be held come October and cooperation in the framework of STARMUS VI Festival.