AICA Opens Applications for March Pitching Session

Source: AICA

Angel Investor Club of Armenia (AICA) is accepting applications for its upcoming March pitching session.

AICA angels invest across markets and time zones, offering not only capital but strategic mentorship and international growth expertise.

If you’re building a scalable startup targeting global markets, this is a strong opportunity to get early funding.

Application deadline: February 18
Apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/JJHCGFaU

#AICA #AngelInvesting #Pitching #Startups

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What an energetic start of the year!

Exit Announcement
Feedback Intelligence is acquired by ActiveCampaign 🦄.
Through the acquisition a new unicorn enters Armenia!

3 Armenian Angel Networks announced pitching sessions:
• AICA: Apply by Feb 18
• BANA Angels: Apply by Feb 10
• STAN: Apply by Feb 22

Angel Networks Activity:
STAN announced a launch of its chapter in France.
BANA Angels is getting ready for the next investor tour (details to follow).

Investments:
• AICA announced investment in luna and in Exorde Labs. This followed investments in BeeSync and Kartes Analytica announced in the end of Dec 2025.
• BANA Angels announced investment in CaseLense in the end of Dec 2025.
• Granatus Ventures participated in the $2M pre-seed Emerald.
• Modelence (YC S25) announced closing $3M seed round.

EU4Innovation Announced Call for Application for Incubation Programs in Armenia
• €800K will be allocated to incubation programs in the fields of cybersecurity, fintech, agritech and aerospace (€200K per program).
• Apply by March 23, 2026

Seaside Startup Summit Announced Rajasthan Startup Summit 2026
Apply here. Deadline - February 5 (💥today!)

Active Calls for Accelerator Programs:
• SkyDeck - apply by Feb 13
• 500 Eurasia - apply by Feb 11
• YC - apply by Feb 9

So great to witness so many things happening. Hope to see this trajectory over the 2026!

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Open Call: Plug and Play Armenia — Pre-Acceleration Program (Batch 3) 🇦🇲

Source: Plug and Play Central Asia and Caucasus

Plug and Play Armenia is now accepting applications for Batch 3 of its Pre-Acceleration Program, implemented in partnership with the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia.

This is an equity-free program designed for startups ready to validate, grow, and prepare for global scale.

Key benefits:
• Equity-free participation
• Access to Plug and Play’s global network and Silicon Valley-style mentorship
• 900+ expert mentoring sessions
• Opportunity to pitch to Plug and Play’s global investment team

If you’re building a startup with ambition to scale beyond Armenia, this is a strong entry point.

Application deadline: March 23
Apply here: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/locations/yerevan
(Press Ctrl+F and search for “Apply” to find the application section)

#PlugAndPlayArmenia #Batch3 #StartupAccelerator

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Short Notice - Webinar: How to Work With Early Investors

Hambardzum Kaghketsyan will share his insights on key aspects of investor relations management in webinar organized by STAN.

- Why should you make reports?
- What should you share?
- How often should you update?

This would be a Q&A heavy session with minimum presentation and more on live discussion between the founders and Hambardzum.

If you want to understand the do’s and don’ts of investor communication and learn how to turn early investors into your most loyal and supportive stakeholders, this session is for you.

Book your spot here 👉 https://luma.com/5yf2hax6

#Webinar #InvestorRelations #HambardzumKaghketsyan #STAN #Event #Networking

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Lots of news that needs further analysis connected to JD Vance visit to Armenia 🇦🇲

Total of $9B investment projects announced.

- Firebird AI, NVIDIA chip export approval: largest regional AI factory shape is becoming clearer.
- Nuclear energy cooperation: US will license nuclear technology to Armenia. Opportunity for energy tech development.
- High-tech drones: US will export surveillance drones to Armenia. Opportunity for defense tech.
- YouTube monetization: YouTube announced expansion of their presence in Armenia.

Looking forward to getting more details on each of this and what comes next.

#JDVance #USArmenia #Collaboration

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Notes from 🇦🇲🇺🇸 Armenia–US Tech & Innovation Summit

Tech is central to Armenia–US relations
Technology and innovation are a core part of high-level strategic discussions between Armenia and the United States.

MOUs are the foundation of collaboration
The partnership builds on MOUs signed on August 8, 2025, covering AI, semiconductors, energy, and more are moving cooperation from vision to execution.

GPU export approvals
With the latest approvals, 50,000 additional NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs will be exported to Armenia, positioning the country among the top 5 globally in GPUs per capita ❗️

A national AI vision
The Ministry of High-Tech Industry aims to turn Armenia into a “garden of AI factories” by building an open, secure, and trusted AI infrastructure for startups, research, and industry.

AI Virtual Institute (AIVI) launched
AIVI provides GPU access to startups, universities, and researchers, backed by AWS and Plug & Play, lowering the cost barrier to AI innovation.

Semiconductor depth, proven over time
Synopsys has been in Armenia for 22 years, collaborating with 5 universities to build a strong semiconductor talent pipeline.
Its open-source semiconductor curriculum, developed in Armenia, is now adopted in 57 countries.

Security enables peace
Shield AI is launching collaboration with the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, reinforcing the idea that defense technology, security, and peace are deeply connected.

Education at global scale
TUMO is launching TUMO USA, accelerating its expansion across the US including New Orleans, Phoenix, New York, and more cities soon.

Creator economy unlocked
The YouTube Partner Program is now live in Armenia, enabling Armenian creators to monetize globally while staying in Armenia.

⸻

💬 A key message from Jonathan Askonas (Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of State):

Armenia was the “best-kept secret” in tech. Now that secret is being revealed — as Armenia emerges as a regional tech hub.

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Newo.ai co-founded by David Yang Raises $25M Series A to Bring Voice AI to SMB Front Desks

Source: Techfundingnews

Newo.ai, co-founded by David Yang (Co-Founder of Ayb School) has raised $25M in Series A funding, bringing total funding to $32M.

Newo.ai is building AI receptionists for small and medium-sized businesses that handle calls, SMS, and WhatsApp to book appointments, qualify leads, and escalate to humans when needed.

Newo.ai focuses on production-grade voice AI, low latency, and failover reliability. The company operates a white-label, partner-first model, embedding AI reception into telcos, hosting providers, and software platforms.

#NewoAI #DavidYang #Investment

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Opportunity for students of Armenian decent - AGBU Scholarships — Applications Open (2026–2027)

AGBU is now accepting applications for its 2026–2027 scholarship programs, supporting students of Armenian descent pursuing higher education around the world.

Priority fields include:
STEM, Medicine & Public Health, Education, International Relations, Journalism & Communications, Social Impact & Economics, Performing Arts, Armenian Studies, and more.

Learn more, check eligibility, and apply: https://agbu.org/scholarships

Application Deadlines: May 1 and June 1 (depending on the type of scholarship applied).

#Scholarship #Students #AGBU

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IBM Impact Accelerator: Education & Workforce Development

IBM is inviting nonprofits, academic institutions, and government organizations to apply to the IBM Impact Accelerator, focused on education and workforce development.

The program supports AI-driven, human-centered solutions that help people learn more effectively, navigate careers, and build resilient workforce systems.

What selected organizations get:
• A 2-year program at no cost
• Access to IBM technologies)
• Technical mentorship from IBM experts
• Support to design, deploy, and scale real-world solutions

What they’re looking for:
• AI-enabled teaching models
• Career and college navigation tools
• Lifelong learning assistants
• Predictive workforce analytics
• Tools connecting learning to real job opportunities

Open to global applicants

Application deadline: March 25, 2026
Learn more & apply: https://www.ibm.com/campaign/impact-accelerator-rfp

#IBM #ImpactAccelerator

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Berkeley SkyDeck was a launchpad for many successful Armenian-founded startups: SuperAnnotate (Series B), Krisp (Series A), Feedback Intelligence (acquired by ActiveCampaign) and many others.

❗ The applications are closing on Feb 13. Hurry up to use this opportunity!

#SkyDeck #Acceleration

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STRIVE Pre-Incubation Program for Aspiring Founders

Built on the Ice House Entrepreneurship methodology, STRIVE is a 10-week, experiential, pre-incubation program focused on real-world problem solving, ambiguity, and resource constraints.

The goal is to shape how participants think, act, and learn as entrepreneurs, regardless of the path they later choose.

Who it’s for:
• Individuals (not teams)
• Open to everyone (including non-AUA community)
• No startup idea required
• Intermediate+ English
• Able to attend weekly in-person evening sessions at AUA

Application Deadline: Feb 27, 2026
🔗 Apply here: https://form.typeform.com/to/GZxhHaLA

#STRIVE #PreIncubation #AUA #EPIC

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Workshop in Yerevan: Going Global with Your Career or Business

Based in Yerevan and aiming to work with international jobs, clients, or partners?

This workshop is focused on practical intercultural communication skills that translate into real opportunities.

Topic: How to Get International Jobs, Clients, Partners: Intercultural Communication Skills that Bring Money

The session combines interactive exercises, concrete tools, and high-quality networking.

What you’ll learn:
• How to network effectively in new markets
• How to organize your job or client search using LinkedIn and other tools
• How to present your local experience confidently to a global audience

Feb 28 (Saturday)
16:00–17:30 (UTC+4)
Letters and Numbers, Tumanyan 35G, Yerevan

Price:
• Early bird (until Feb 20): 7,000 AMD / €15
• Regular: 9,000 AMD / €20

Get your tickets here: http://buymeacoffee.com/kristinaroppelt/e/509661

#Workshop #Event #Networking

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“Speedrun Alpha” Fellowship for Technical Talent

Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has launched Speedrun Alpha, a new early-stage fellowship for technical students and recent graduates interested in startups.

The program targets individuals even before they have a startup idea, team, or registered company.

It offers:

✅A $20,000 equity-free grant for participants building a startup at the pre-idea, pre-team, and pre-entity stage
✅Up to $250,000 in potential investment
✅The option to join a fast-growing a16z portfolio company as a full-time engineer

It will begin in June with an in-person retreat, followed by an 8-week fellowship experience. Participants will engage with engineers, founders, and venture capitalists within the ecosystem.

Startups formed through the fellowship will automatically qualify for a guaranteed final-stage interview for a16z’s flagship Speedrun accelerator program.

🔗 Learn more and apply
⌛ Deadline: March 6, 2026

#Fellowship #TechStudents

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Call for Founders in AgriTech, Green Energy & Climate Solutions

Source: ImpactHUB Yerevan

Impact Hub Yerevan has opened applications for a new round of the ACBA Federation Fellowship one-year Incubation Program.

The top participant will receive 1,200,000 AMD after the final pitch.

Additional Benefits:
• Membership at Impact Hub Yerevan
• Individual support, membership
• Workshops, peer-to-peer learning, networking.
• Top 2 participants will get access to reArmenia Academy’s Fundraising Program

Application by: Mar 2, 2026; 11:59 PM Armenia time
Apply & learn more: https://yerevan.impacthub.net/acba-federation-fellowship-2026/

#ImpactHUBYerevan #ACBAFederation #AgriTech #GreenTech #ClimateTech

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Vickino Day is happening tomorrow

Doctors, healthcare providers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders are coming together for a full day focused on healthcare innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact.

If you’re working in or around health and medtech, this is a strong opportunity to connect, learn, and exchange practical insights.

• View the full program
• Register for the event
• Follow the event live

#VickinoDay #HealthCare #Innovation

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Plug and Play Armenia Calls on Startups for Its Third Batch

Plug and Play Armenia's Pre-Acceleration Program is back for a third batch, offering teams a structured path to global markets through mentorship, expert networks, and investor access.

Previous batches have collectively logged over 920 hours of mentorship, generating a business pipeline of around $3 million, creating 15 to 20 new jobs in three months, and attracting up to $250,000 in new investments.

What selected startups can expect:

📍900+ mentorship sessions with local and international experts
📍Direct access to global networks and potential investors
📍Equity-free support throughout the program

👉 More details and application link:
🚨 Application Deadline: March 23, 2026

#PlugandPlay #PreAcceleration

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Applications Open for the Zartir Fellowship Incubation Program 2026

Applications are now open for the Zartir Fellowship 2026, a one-year incubation program implemented by Impact Hub Yerevan and funded by the Whitt Family Foundation.

The program targets individuals, teams, and early-stage startups working on social impact initiatives. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, maternal well-being, child welfare, domestic violence prevention, animal welfare, veterans’ support, and disability inclusion.

Selected participants will receive:

• Workshops focused on business development
• Professional mentorship
• Access to the Impact Hub Yerevan coworking space and community
• Up to $1,000 seed funding for top projects after the final pitch

📅 Deadline: March 30, 2026 | 23:59
👉 Learn More Here
🔗 Apply Here

#ImpactHub #SocialImpact #IncubationProgram

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Women’s Month at SG Yerevan: The Influence Talk with Dr. Madlene Minassian

March is a time to recognize the strength and impact of women and Startup Grind Yerevan is celebrating it with an inspiring conversation.

Join the event on March 26 for a conversation led by Dr. Madlene Minassian, Founder of Wellnest Yerevan and Head of Public Affairs at Picsart, as she shares real insights on building confidence, embracing resilience, breaking barriers, and creating meaningful influence in today’s world.

Whether you are a founder, student, professional, or an aspiring leader, this event is designed to empower you to step into your potential and own your voice.

👉 Hurry up to reserve your spot here 👉🏻 https://bit.ly/4sv0zlZ

There is an early bird registration discount available till Sunday, Mar 22.

#StartupGrindYerevan #Event #Networking

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Impact Acceleration Program - Apply by April 10, 2026

Source: EIF

Building a tech startup with social or environmental impact in Armenia? This is a strong opportunity to accelerate both your product and funding.
Participate in EIF's new Impact Acceleration Program implemented in partnership with C-Quadrat Ampega Asset Management Armenia and supported by RECONOMY.

What you get:
• $30K–$100K equity investment from C-Quadrat Ampega Social Fund
• Support for MVP development and investor readiness
• Other benefits

Eligibility:
• Early-stage tech startups (MVP / prototype stage)
• Solutions aligned with UN SDGs
• Registered (or registering) in Armenia
• Open to equity investment (not a grant)

Startups led by women, youth, and underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Apply by: April 10, 2026
Apply here: Application Form

Details: https://www.eif.am/eng/news/impact-acceleration-program/

#EIF #ImpactAceleration #EIF #Reconomy #CQAmpega

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Dear Community:

Hurry up to sign up for this even in the next 4 hours - until the "Lucky Entrepreneur" offer is available and you can get the tickets free of charge.

Apply here: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-yerevan-presents-womens-month-at-sg-yerevan-the-influence-talk/

About the speaker: Dr. Madlene A Minassian, Founder of Wellnest Yerevan & Head of Public Affairs at Picsart.

See you there!

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Dear Community:

Quick update that Plug & Play extended the deadline to March 30.

Explore Program & Apply here: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/locations/yerevan

Don't miss the chance to be part of PNPTC global network!

#PlugandPlay #PreAcceleration

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