WCIT2024/DigiTec: A Technological Intelligence Wave with Cutting-Edge Trends and Innovators was Concluded

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 16, ARMENPRESS. Armenia hosted the most significant technological event of the year—the World Congress on Innovation and Technology, WCIT2024/DigiTec from October 4-7. The event was held at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex, with the DigiTec Expo also taking place at the Meridian Expo Center as part of the program.

Under the headline “THE POWER OF MIND: AI Beyond Limits, Within Ethics,” WCIT 2024/DigiTec will serve as a global platform to amplify the impact of information technologies, emphasizing the importance of applied sciences, investments, and presence across diverse regions and economies.

The World Congress on Innovation and Technology, WCIT2024/DigiTec, was held in Armenia for the second time, once again organized by the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE). The event successfully amplified the full potential and resources of the tech community.

“WCIT2024/DigiTec - the technological information wave continued the tradition of keeping Armenia at the center of the global tech community, fostering collaborations and new connections within the industry. I am pleased that, once again, the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) successfully organized the Congress in Armenia, and the achievements will become even more tangible and promising in the future,” highlighted Alexander Yesayan, President of the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE).

The congress hosted around 6,000 participants from Armenia and abroad, who emphasized the event’s significance and relevance for both Armenian society and the international community.

“Armenia has firmly positioned itself as a tech hub on the global technological map, and WCIT2024/DigiTec showcased the country's technological capacity to key industry players, encouraging them to collaborate on academic research projects, establish branches, and develop business centers within its borders,” said Hayk Karapetyan, Executive Director of the Organizing Committee of WCIT2024/DigiTec.

As part of the program, more than 16 keynote speeches, 21 panel discussions, and 4 fireside chats were held, emphasizing the ethical boundaries of Artificial Intelligence and the impact of innovations across various sectors.

Over three days, more than 133 renowned speakers and 25 moderators delivered presentations on the application, significance, and future of artificial intelligence (AI). These discussions deeply reshaped the audience perception of AI, covering a broad range of topics from music to healthcare and fintech.

One of the most captivating and inspiring moments of WCIT2024/DigiTec was the speech delivered by Alex Yemenidjian, former CEO of the globally renowned MGM company. Yemenidjian shared invaluable life lessons with the audience, reflecting not only on his own journey but also on the legacy and contributions of the legendary Kirk Kerkorian, one of the founders of Las Vegas, who also made significant investments in Armenia. Such speeches are particularly important for the young generations, as they always inspire, offer unique insights into the formula for success and ways to overcome challenges.

The event's great success was achieved thanks to the support of over 50 partners and collaborators. A total of 12 cooperation and Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) were signed,  a number of joint events and discussions were conducted, furtherly enhancing the impact of the conference.

Throughout the three days of WCIT2024/DigiTec, more than 200 volunteers supported the core team, assisting visitors and guests with navigation and providing help with organizational matters, ensuring the smooth flow of the event.

WCIT2024/DigiTec in Armenia hosted international delegates and speakers from various countries, including Arvid Bell, Esther Wojcicki, Ibrahim Gedeon, and other renowned speakers.

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, sent his greetings to WCIT2024/DigiTec. He expressed his excitement about the opportunity to discuss bringing Starlink to Armenia and collaborating on several exciting projects with the local tech community. Musk highlighted topics ranging from space exploration to the development of open and transparent AI, which he believed would push the boundaries of human understanding.

A notable moment at the congress was the presence and speech of Razmig Hovaghimian of Armenian origin, the Founder and CEO of Viki, Pixel Labs, and Play Time Ventures . In addition to delivering Elon Musk's message, Hovaghimian shared his own life lessons, insights on technology, and advice for startups on how to succeed, offering his unique vision for the future.

The opening of WCIT2024/DigiTec was marked by an unprecedented concert by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra at Republic Square, conducted by Sergey Smbatyan. The concert was accompanied by a synchronized visual show generated by Artificial Intelligence, blending music and cutting-edge technology in a world-class synthesis. Following the orchestra, American singer-songwriter Jason Derulo delivered an exclusive performance.

Stephen Ibaraki, Global Chairman of REDDS Capital, Francesca Bertazzo, Collection Strategy at the world-famous Calvin Klein, and Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of Nvidia, delivered speeches.

Special guests at the conference were  Nubar Afeyan, co-founder of the biotechnology company Moderna, and internationally renowned CEO of Agenus, Dr. Garo H. Armen, they were on the stage with specially invited moderator and guest Richard Quest, British journalist, editor at CNN Business․

As part of the WCIT2024/DigiTec, the World Innovation, Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA) announced the winners of the 2024 Global Innovation and Tech Excellence Awards. 21 recipients were selected, including organizations and projects recognized for their significant contributions to the development of the global technology sector.

Dr. Garo H. Armen, Chairman and CEO of Agenus, Inc., was nominated for the WITSA Eminent Person Award. In 2010, WITSA established its highest honor, the WITSA Eminent Person Award, to recognize individuals who have made a significant and profound positive impact on the lives of others.

At the WCIT2024/DigiTec, WITSA announced that Pandai Education from Malaysia has emerged as the global champion of the WITSA World Cup (WWC) held among scaleups.

Organized in collaboration with BANA Angels, for the first time in Armenia, the Investor Tour was held as part of the WCIT2024/DigiTec. 35 investors from 12 countries arrived in Armenia to participate in an event aimed at exploring Armenian startups, companies, and investment opportunities.

WCIT2024/DigiTec was organized by the Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) in collaboration with partners such as the Government of Armenia, represented by the Ministry of High-Tech Industry, Fastex, Fast Bank, TEAM Telecom Armenia, Yandex, Picsart, and many other supporting partner organizations.