The Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia organized an event within the framework of the “Fostering an Innovation Culture for the Next Generation in Georgia’s Artificial Intelligence Research Community (FORGE-AI)” project, where project partners and stakeholders reviewed the achievements of the first year and discussed future plans.

The event was opened by Teimuraz Dochviri, Director General of the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia. In his welcoming remarks, he emphasized that FORGE-AI is an important initiative that contributes to strengthening Georgia’s research and innovation ecosystem in the field of artificial intelligence, supporting the professional development of young researchers, and expanding international cooperation.

“Today, we will review the results achieved over the past year and outline future plans to ensure that, through close collaboration with our partner organizations, we successfully accomplish the goals and objectives set within this international project. We are also pleased to welcome Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Zviad Gabisonia, who is actively engaged in research and development activities related to artificial intelligence and digital technologies,” said Teimuraz Dochviri.

The audience was also addressed by Zviad Gabisonia, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, who highlighted the importance of developing national capacities in the field of artificial intelligence. He noted that it is important for the state to support initiatives that foster international cooperation in science and innovation, promote the professional development of young researchers, and facilitate Georgia’s integration into the European Research Area.

The Deputy Minister thanked the FORGE-AI project team for their efforts and expressed his hope that the project will deliver tangible results and practical recommendations that can be effectively utilized within the education system.

During the event, the project partner organizations presented the results of their activities and achievements from the first year of implementation, as well as their vision and plans for the future.

The meeting also featured presentations on the activities being carried out under the project’s third work package, “Adjustment of National Research Practices and Funding Instruments.” Participants discussed the process of developing policy documents aimed at promoting innovation-driven research, strengthening mechanisms for intersectoral career development, and improving national research funding instruments.

The FORGE-AI project is funded under the Horizon Europe programme and aims to strengthen Georgia’s research and innovation system in the field of artificial intelligence, enhance the capacities of young researchers and research managers, promote international and cross-sectoral cooperation, and deepen Georgia’s integration into the European Research Area.