ABOUT UATE
The Union of Advanced Technology Enterprises (UATE) represents over 190+ high-tech companies in Armenia, including both local and international firms. UATE is dedicated to driving industry growth through key initiatives: establishing comprehensive technology education across Armenia (Armath Engineering Makerspaces), facilitating global market access, and exchanging expertise through organized delegations. Additionally, UATE significantly influences the legal field through policy-making and government cooperation, fostering a competitive yet collaborative business environment.
UATE is renowned for organizing major events that highlight Armenian technological advancements. Notably, it hosted WCIT in 2019 and is set to host it again in 2024, while also annually organizing the DigiTec Expo for nearly 20 consecutive years showcasing innovations to both local and global audiences. Through these efforts, UATE continues to elevate Armenia’s presence in the global tech landscape.
Our Vision
Armenia is a High-Tech powerhouse
driving unparalleled (utmost) value creation
Our Mission
Develop the Armenian technological ecosystem
UATE Strategic Directions
• Business Ecosystem
• Education and Workforce
• International Market Development
• Utilization of Technologies
HISTORY OF UATE
Karen Vardanyan was a pioneer in the high-tech industry in Armenia. He graduated from the Yerevan Polytechnical Institute and qualified as a hydro engineer and continued his studies at Harvard Business School in 2009. His career consisted of working at the Enterprise Incubator Foundation and at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as head of the IT Development Department and held seven patents.
We were honored to have him serve as executive director of UATE from 2007. Thanks to his strategic management and leadership skills, UATE has been demonstrating stable growth and implementing innovative projects in Armenia for many years. Karen had a very clear, ambitious vision. To reestablish the industry in Armenia at the highest level, it would be necessary not just to educate a small number of specialists, but to spread the IT culture throughout the country.
His passing came far too soon and early, at the age of 57. A candle lighting ceremony took place on July 11, 2020 in memory of Karen Vardanyan. Armenia's Minister of High-Tech industry Hakob Arshakyan wrote “Karen will remain in our hearts as a fighter, free and bright person.
Mr. Vardanyan has left an invaluable, great investment in the technology sector: UATE, DigiTec Expo, Armath laboratories, DigiTec Business Forum, WCIT and dozens of other projects and strategic programs for the development of technology would not have been complete without his huge efforts. Rest in peace, dear friend!
