The collaboration between Coca-Cola Company and the Innovation Hub of Challenges has resulted in the implementation of the program “Game Technology Eco-System for the Empowerment of Youth.” The program, which focuses on promoting the development of technological skills, was launched on November 15 at 11:00 in the Gyumri Technological Center (GTC).

As an esteemed member of the Public Council of Social Responsibility and one of Armenia’s leading organizations, Coca-Cola Company is dedicated to supporting the expansion of opportunities for youth education and enhancing their scientific potential. The program not only aims to develop innovative technologies in the field of video games, but also intends to introduce young people to technical skills, stimulate their creativity, and provide them with life skills and business knowledge such as planning, project management, and entrepreneurship.

The GTC plays a crucial role in contributing to the establishment of a market for innovative technologies in Armenia. We are grateful for the tremendous interest in technology and gaming shown by the young people of Shirak province. Through the “Game Technology Eco-System for the Empowerment of Youth” program, we will ensure their increased involvement in digital arts, animation, multimedia, as well as their active participation in technological hackathons and seminars. Esaay Melik-Yolchyan, the general manager of “Coca-Cola Hellenic Armenia,” expressed his gratitude and commitment to the program.

The “Game Technology Eco-System for the Empowerment of Youth” program, initiated by the Innovation Hub of Challenges foundation, is aimed at expanding our potential to create new jobs and establish new workplaces in the regions through informational technology projects in the field of technological innovations. We strive to create an environment at the GTC where young individuals can gain practical experience in educational, animation, and multimedia projects, while also participating in technological hackathons and seminars.

Sixteen teams, consisting of more than 60 participants who completed the “Game Technology Foundations” course in Yerevan, Shirak, and Lori provinces, were given the opportunity to present and test their games with the developers themselves. The participants were able to evaluate the games and collaborate with the creators based on their feedback and suggestions.

Out of the 16 teams, five were selected as winners: Parallel lives (Vanadzor), DEDSEC (Gyumri), Elf (Yerevan and surrounding areas), Formium (Yerevan), and Bread’s Dream (Yerevan). Sperasoft Company, the partner company of “Coca-Cola Hellenic Armenia,” awarded the winners with a visit to its company, a meeting with the head of the studio, and an internship opportunity.

One of the winners of the main competition, Edgar Ghazaryan, expressed his dedication and passion for the game industry. He stated, “I am both a player, a programmer, a scientist, and a descendant of a peasant. I have dedicated my life to the game industry, and I am moving forward with great enthusiasm. I have set myself a major goal, and I am determined to achieve it.” Ghazaryan’s game, “The Prophet,” narrates the story of a hero fighting against the revival of Christianity.

These exciting developments in the world of game technology in Armenia demonstrate the country’s commitment to nurturing the talent and creativity of its young generation. The collaboration between Coca-Cola Company, the Innovation Hub of Challenges, and the participants in the program opens up new avenues for technological growth and empowers the youth to explore their potential in the field of game development. It is a significant step towards promoting the development of technological skills in Armenia.

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