Applications Open for EIT Jumpstarter Pre-Acceleration Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of EIT Jumpstarter, a seven-month pre-acceleration program supporting early-stage innovators in commercializing ideas and building viable startups.

The program provides mentoring, training, and prize funding of up to €10,000 for top participants in each thematic cohort.

Eligible focus areas:

🟢 Food & Agritech
🟢 Healthcare
🟢 Energy & Renewables
🟢 Smart Cities & Urban Mobility
🟢 Advanced and Green Manufacturing
🟢 Metals, Minerals & Industrial Side Streams​

Armenian applicants are eligible to participate through the country’s status as a Horizon Europe Associated Country.

📅 Deadline: May 8, 2026.
🔗 More info & details: https://eitjumpstarter.eu/programme-details/

#EIT #Jumpstarter #Preacceleration

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International Pre-Acceleration Program in Armenia | Kick-off Event

Plug and Play Armenia will host a kick-off event on April 17 to introduce the selected startups for Batch 3 of its International Pre-Acceleration Program.

The event will mark the official start of the new cohort, with participating teams entering a program designed to support early-stage startups through mentorship, global network access, and connections to potential investors.

The kick-off event will bring together founders, investors, and members of the startup community, offering an opportunity to engage with the newly selected teams.

📅 April 17, 2026 | 18:30
📍 Matenadaran (2nd Building), Yerevan
🎟 Secure your spot here: https://shorturl.at/6pq6o

#PlugandPlay #Batch3 #PreAcceleration

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Global AI Hackathon Opportunity

Hack-Nation is bringing together 1,500+ participants from 300+ universities (MIT, Stanford, ETH, Oxford, etc.) for a 24-hour AI build sprint.

This year, Armenia has an onsite hub at TUMO Labs meaning you can join globally and work locally with teams, mentors, and extra prizes.

Why it’s worth your time:
• Build real AI products in 24 hours
• Collaborate with top global talent
• Access $30K+ prizes + $150K+ API credits
• Top teams move to a venture track → incubation & funding

If you’re exploring AI or thinking about a startup, this is a high-leverage weekend.

Apply: https://hack-nation.ai
Join local Telegram group to find teammates: https://t.me/+ACzToVN6Xu9hMTU6

#HackNation #Hackathon #IncubationProgram #TUMOLabs

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Startup Acceleration Program 2026 in Georgia 🇬🇪 - open to startups globally (inc. Armenia)

A new 1-year hybrid acceleration program by 2080 VC, Founder Institute and Startup Büro. Open to founders globally from idea to pre-seed stage.

Key points:
• Up to $55K non-dilutive grant (performance-based)
• Mentorship + structured venture building
• Access to global network
• Open to international startups (must establish entity in Georgia)

Why consider:
Early-stage friendly (no strong traction required) + grant component makes it a relatively low-risk entry point into structured startup building.

Application Deadline: June 14, 2026
Apply here: https://airtable.com/app3GcAWG5YzODiqX/shrLpvtNdUbshqEPm

#Georgia #StartupAcceleration #Hybrid #FundingOpportunity

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Call for Talk Proposals for PyData & PyCon Yerevan 2026

PyData & PyCon Yerevan 2026 has opened its call for speakers — and if there’s real work behind what’s being built with Python or data, there’s already something worth sharing.

The conference brings together Python, data, and research communities across industries, backgrounds, and experience levels.

If you are building, researching, experimenting, teaching, or solving real problems with Python and data, this stage is open to you.

Not every opportunity needs weeks of prep. Some just need 2 days and a decision. 👀

⏳ Submission Deadline: April 19, 2026
📍 Submit your talk at https://pycon.am/
❓ Questions: yerevan@pydata.org

#pydatayerevan #pyconyerevan #PyDataPyConYerevan2026 #techconference

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Happening Today - Where will the next global startups come from?

On April 20, Alex M. Dascalu (Founder Institute CEE & Caucasus, Georgian Innovative Startup Accelerator) joins Startup Grind Yerevan to share a decade of hands-on experience building founder programs across the region.

Why this is worth attending:
• Practical view on building startups from CEE & Caucasus
• What global accelerators don’t tell you
• Real advantages local founders can leverage today
• How to go global starting from here

For founders and operators thinking beyond local markets.

👉 Join & rethink where global companies can start: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-yerevan-presents-what-silicon-valley-accelerators-wont-tell-you-why-this-region-can-build-global-winners/

See you there!

#StartupGrindYerevan #Event #Networking

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AICA Pitch Session #29 - applications open

Source: AICA

The Angel Investor Club of Armenia (AICA) is opening applications for its next pitch session.

This is for startups of any stage that build for global markets and with early traction.

If you’re ready for candid feedback and actual capital conversations - this is for you.

Apply: https://form.typeform.com/to/kLfVdOUK
Application Deadline: May 1 (incl.)

Good luck!

#AICA #AngelInvesting #Pitching #Startups

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Want to use AI systematically — not randomly?

A 2-month practical course in Yerevan: Mastering AI: From Idea to Solution

Designed for founders, analysts, product people, and anyone with a business idea who wants to turn AI tools into real outcomes.

What you’ll learn:
• Market & competitor research with AI
• Better prompting + custom AI workflows
• Requirements, user stories, process logic
• Turning ideas into MVPs / prototypes
• Pitch-ready presentations & outputs

Not theory, but applying everything to your own project.
You can attend the first 2 classes free, then decide whether to continue.

Yerevan, Tigran Mets 80/1
Starts: Apr 27, 19:00
Full course: 185,000 AMD

Trainer: Yervand Maklkhasyan
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/yervand-malkhasyan/
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TechCreatorsLab
 
Contact: +374 77 45 17 27

Register: https://forms.gle/jrTs8pgYnehPVeqp8

P.S. Announcement pubslished a bit late, but we hope there is still room to attend the training!

#MasteringAI #Training

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🚀 Today at AUA: EPIC Hack Night

Dr. Zarik Boghossian will speak at 6:30 PM on leadership, imagination, and entrepreneurship in the age of AI.

Why attend:
• Learn from an angel investor, entrepreneur, and educator
• Decades of innovation experience
• Opportunity to connect with the local startup community

📍 American University of Armenia, Manuelian Auditorium
🏛 Hosted by EPIC - Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center

👉 Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/imagine-alwaystm-epic-hack-night-with-dr-zarik-boghossian-tickets-1987956215555

#Networking #Event #EPICNight

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Global Design Thinking program lands in Armenia

Impact Week Armenia 2026, an international innovation program, will take place in Yerevan for the first time.

At its core is design thinking, a widely used framework for solving real-world problems, now being brought to Armenia in collaboration with Yerevan State University and TUMO Labs.

Participants can choose between two tracks:
✅4-day Design Thinking bootcamp (June 24–27)
✅Design Thinking Coach Certification

The program focuses on practical innovation and problem-solving skills, while connecting Armenia to a global network of experts.

Scholarships available for:

🔸HackNation Global AI Hackathon local winners
🔸Armenian Code Academy (SAP program) graduates
🔸Plug and Play Armenia participants

👉Check out all the details here.
⏳Limited spots. Applications closing soon.

#ImpactWeek2026 #DesignThinking

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SECO Startup Fund (SSF) — non-dilutive funding for Swiss-connected startups operating in Armenia.

Source: Swiss Embassy in Armenia

The fund provides CHF 300K–1M (~$360K–1.2M USD) debt financing with flexible 2–5 year terms and no equity dilution.

Who it fits:
• Post-revenue companies
• Armenian companies with a meaningful Swiss connection (investors, partners, supply chain, or market)
• Startups creating measurable impact in emerging markets

Interesting option for founders looking for growth capital without giving up equity.

👉 Check eligibility & apply here: https://forms.fillout.com/t/hmowz8ZuMKus

#DebtFunding #SSF

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🚀 Armenian startup Wirestock raised a $23M Series A after a major pivot into AI data infrastructure

Photo & News Source: Techcrunch


Originally known as a platform helping photographers monetize content on stock marketplaces, Wirestock repositioned itself into a supplier of multimodal datasets for leading AI labs.

Some impressive stats:
• 700K+ creators on the platform
• Supplying data to 6 major foundation model companies
• ~$40M annual run-rate revenue
• $15M already paid to contributors

Congrats to Wirestock team on this milestone 👏

#Wirestock #Investment #SuccessStory

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📢 Applications are open for the Google for Startups Accelerator Europe & Israel

Source: Google

A 3-month equity-free hybrid accelerator for AI startups working on:
• energy transition
• grid modernization
• demand flexibility
• energy affordability & optimization

Who can apply:
• Pre-Seed → Post-Series A startups
• HQ in Europe or Israel
• AI/ML-driven products with traction
• Teams committed to active participation (esp. CTO/technical leads)

What selected startups get:
• Mentorship from Google & industry experts
• Technical support on AI/ML challenges
• Access to Google AI products, TPUs & cloud credits
• Workshops on product, GTM, growth & leadership

📅 Deadline: June 12, 2026
Learn more and apply: https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/europe-israel/

#Accelerator #AIStartups #Google #Europe #Israel

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📢 Fundraising readiness and what investors look for in early-stage startups.

Hosted by EPIC - Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center the session will cover Science and Technology Angels Network (STAN) perspectives on:
• what investors evaluate in startups
• common fundraising mistakes
• how founders can better prepare for raising capital

When: May 18 at 6:30 PM
Venue: Akian Art Gallery, American University of Armenia

Whether you are actively building a startup or simply interested in entrepreneurship and venture investment, this talk will offer valuable insights into the fundraising process. The event is open to the public.

RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-to-raise-chances-to-get-investment-for-your-startup-tickets-1989367612080

#AUA #EPIC #Networking #Event

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📢 Applications are open for the WISE Prize for Education 2026–2027

Source: Wise Qatar

What stands out:
• $100K–125K MVP development funding for each finalist
• Additional $1M prize pool for top winners
• 12 months of mentorship & product support
• Access to a 60K+ global education network

The focus is on practical, scalable solutions improving learning and life outcomes — especially around:
• AI in education
• Foundational skills
• Underserved learners
• Wellbeing
• Language & culture-driven education

Armenian TUMO Center for Creative Technologies won 1st place in the previous cycle. 👏

Strong fit for edtech founders, NGOs, education programs, and mission-driven teams working on scalable education solutions.

📅 Deadline: June 27, 2026
Apply and learn more: https://www.wise-qatar.org/app/uploads/2026/05/wise_prize_for_education_2026_2027-final.html

#Funding #Grant #Education #EduTech

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📢 Startup Grind Yerevan is hosting an intimate evening with Vazgen Hakobjanyan on building companies, culture, systems — and yourself.

Not a typical “startup success story,” but a candid conversation about:
• pivots, uncertainty & resilience
• burnout & self-discovery
• leadership & organizational culture
• the untold history of Armenia’s startup ecosystem

Good fit for founders, builders, students, and anyone navigating uncertainty while trying to create meaningful work.

Date & Time: May 20, 18:30
Venue: Ground Zero Specialty Coffee, 1 Martiros Saryan Street, Yerevan

RSVP: https://www.startupgrind.com/events/details/startup-grind-yerevan-presents-building-companies-building-yourself-11-lessons-learned-the-hard-way/

#StartupGrindYerevan #Event #Networking

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🚀 Applications are open for TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 2026

Source: TechCruch

One of the world’s most recognized startup competitions — alumni include Dropbox, Cloudflare, Discord, Trello and others.

Who should apply:
• Early-stage startups (mostly pre-Series A)
• Global founders across industries
• Companies with a working MVP and strong founder story

What selected startups get:
• Showcase at TechCrunch Disrupt
• Investor & media exposure
• Pitch training & VC masterclasses
• Access to TechCrunch alumni network
• Chance to win a $100K equity-free prize

Application deadline: May 27, 2026
Apply: https://techcrunch.com/startup-battlefield/

#TechCrunchStartupBattlefield #Apply #Fundraising

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📊 Armenia ranked #55 globally in the StartupBlink 2026 report.

Armenia's global position slipped one position compared to the previous year's report but, the ecosystem itself still grew at a healthy pace (+16.2%), which is above Europe’s average growth (+7.3%) and above many mature ecosystems in Western Europe.

Among former Soviet republics, Armenia ranks 6th following Baltics, Russia and Ukraine:

🇪🇪 Estonia #12
🇱🇹 Lithuania #22
🇷🇺 Russia #42
🇺🇦 Ukraine #43
🇱🇻 Latvia #48
🇦🇲 Armenia #55
🇬🇪 Georgia #66
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan #71
🇺🇿 Uzbekistan #79
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan #81
🇲🇩 Moldova #82
🇧🇾 Belarus #95

Some observations:

• Armenia remains one of the strongest startup ecosystems in the region on a per-capita basis
• The ecosystem still grew strongly (+16.2%) — above much of Europe
• Armenia continues outperforming larger regional economies like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Armenia grew “only” +16.2%. This indicates Armenia may be entering a more mature phase while regional competitors are entering earlier acceleration cycles.

But there are also important signals:
• Georgia (+78%), Moldova (+91.9%), and Uzbekistan (+227%) are accelerating very fast
• The regional startup landscape is becoming significantly more competitive
• Armenia still lacks enough global scaled breakout companies, deeper capital pools, and stronger international visibility

The challenge now is moving from a respected emerging ecosystem to producing globally dominant companies.

Read the full report here: https://www.startupblink.com/startupecosystemreport

Enterprise Armenia and Science & Technology Angel Network (STAN) supported the development of the Armenia section of this year’s report.

Note:
• Armenia’s current positioning likely does not yet reflect the impact of the multi-billion-dollar Firebird AI initiative
• Much of Firebird AI’s ecosystem impact started materializing during 2026, while this report mainly reflects 2025 data

#Armenia #StartupEcosystem #StartupBlink

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