The former Parliament building in Kutaisi will be transformed into a new information technology hub to help establish the city as a “major centre for high technology and innovation” in the region.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the hub will have a scientific museum, a startup accelerator, an international IT school, a conference space, and a powerful data centre for domestic development of artificial intelligence. Additionally, it will provide space for IT companies and experimental laboratories.

“The establishment of the hub would contribute to the development of high-tech and innovative industries in Kutaisi. The city’s proximity to the international airport and the Kutaisi University of Technology are the key factors for the hub’s success. In recent years, technoparks of Georgia’s Innovation and Technology Agency have been operating in all regions of the country, where Georgian citizens have the opportunity to work on the implementation of innovative ideas, have access to both state programmes and the global innovation ecosystem”, - said Irakli Nadareishvili, the Deputy Economy Minister.

“The hub would play a crucial role in the country’s digital transformation and attract new technological businesses and investors. At the same time, the hub will provide a unique opportunity for the people of Kutaisi to be involved in world technological research in the direction of artificial intelligence and not only, where the local human capital will be used as much as possible. The launch of the Kutaisi technological hub is expected to create new job opportunities, accelerate economic growth, and position the city as an attractive destination for individuals of all ages interested in the technological field”, - added Avtandil Kasradze, the Chairman of GITA.