Two Armenian startups receive $7,000 and $2,000 grants for development of assistive technologies

YEREVAN, December 20. /ARKA/. Two Armenian startups have received grants of $7,000 and $2,000 from the Revive Acceleration Technology Development Program to develop their assistive technology projects.

Suzanne Shamakhyan, deputy head of strategic programs at the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), said that the Revive program is aimed at supporting veterans and people with disabilities.

"We are trying to find scientific solutions that can provide veterans with a more livable life. This program ran for about 3 months, with 12 startups from 7 countries participating. In the end, 4 winning startups were identified," she said.
One of the winners is Armenian startup AIP Tech, which uses a 3D printer to print biodegradable and bioactive implants. AIP Tech will receive a grant of $7,000 from Revive program. Ogni, an artificial intelligence-based Armenian startup producing prosthetic lower limbs, will receive a $2,000 grant. Iranian startup Sheral and American startup Key2enable will also receive $2,000 each.

Natia Natsvlishvili, UNDP Resident Representative in Armenia, stressed that these startups are aimed at developing assistive technologies for people with disabilities.

Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan, in turn, said that Armenian startups can become competitive companies in the international arena.

"Our cooperation with the UNDP is aimed at developing auxiliary means through new technologies,  to have production of assistive items  in Armenia or present  the country as a favorable environment for the development of foreign startups," he said.

Mkrtchyan noted that the ministry is interested in the development of these startups, and when the final products appear, it will purchase them and provide to people with disabilities.

The goal of Revive Acceleration Technology Development Program is to encourage the gradual formation of an assistive technology ecosystem in Armenia. The program is implemented by UNDP Armenia Office in cooperation with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs and the FAST. -0-

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22:47 12/20/2021