Armenia has an extensive network of tech communities dedicated to empowering their workforce through knowledge sharing, networking, and mentorship opportunities. The local tech scene is varied and includes communities organizing local meetups and conferences on the topics of Design (UX.EVN and UX/UI Armenia), Writing (TW EVN and Writers of Content), Product Management, Business Analysis, JS Conferences and many others. Some communities are even bigger and more diverse such as HeroHouse, UATE, AI9 Startup Campus, and so on. This article will explore the stories of a select few.
Text: Ani Asatryan
AI9: Connecting the World to Armenian Talent
AI9 is an international startup campus located in Yerevan, Armenia.
Inspired by the vision of contributing to Armenia’s growing tech scene, Arik Akhverdyan, Hayk Hayrapetyan, and Alex Yesayan recognized the immense potential of fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem in the country. With extensive experience in the tech industry and a shared belief that Armenia has the potential to become a regional tech hub, they set out to create something transformative. Through conversations with other Armenian tech founders, they identified a pressing need for a physical hub to enable collaboration, networking, and knowledge-sharing.
The trio noticed a need in Armenia for spaces where investors could discover promising startups and where local young founders could connect with international experts, mentors, and organizations. Drawing inspiration from tech hubs in places like France, the UK, and Silicon Valley, they envisioned a similar space that could serve as a cornerstone for Armenia’s burgeoning tech industry.
Their initiative aims to
- Foster Mentorship: Connect seasoned entrepreneurs with startups to provide valuable guidance and support.
- Offer Event Spaces: Provide venues for meetups, workshops, and professional events.
- Facilitate Networking: Create opportunities for collaboration among individuals and organizations.
Even before its official launch, the hub has hosted an acceleration program, numerous events, and has already established itself as a bridge connecting diverse individuals and organizations.
Product People Community: Building Armenia’s Product Powerhouse
Product People Community is a local community hosting product-focused events and meetups.
Photo from Armen Grigoryan’s archive
Armen Grigoryan, a Russian expat in Armenia, saw the need for a robust product community in the local tech scene. Understanding the importance of a space where professionals could connect, share ideas, and grow, he founded the Product People Community.
The monthly meetups aim to foster networking, elevate professional skills, and cultivate a strong product culture in Armenia. The community is for a wide range of people, including Product Managers, Designers, CPOs, and entrepreneurs. To date, Product People Community has achieved significant milestones:
- Live streams with Yandex that expand community reach and knowledge base.
- A partnership with ACA that has led to the creation of a specialized Product Manager course.
- The Business Talks podcast that provides valuable insights and interviews.
- TalentList bot that simplifies the process of connecting startups with skilled professionals.
The community has ambitious goals. They aspire to attract international talent and position Armenia as a leading tech hub. By showcasing the country's exceptional product professionals to the world, Product People Community aims to solidify Armenia's reputation as a thriving tech ecosystem.
JavaScript Armenia: United by Code
JavaScript Armenia is a community of passionate JavaScript developers dedicated to sharing knowledge, collaborating on projects.
Photo from JavaScript Armenia LinkedIn page
A decade ago, tech communities in Armenia were not common, and Nairi, back then a junior JavaScript developer, relied on Facebook groups for programming queries. However, after a few years in the field, he felt the need to take the experience sharing with other developers up a notch. He created the Node.js community, which was later rebranded as JavaScript Armenia.
Today, Nairi and his team organize meetups and annual conferences for developers of all levels. The community’s encouraging environment inspires members to organize their own meetups, which further helps community growth.
The core mission of JavaScript Armenia is to empower developers by providing them with the ideal environment for expanding their knowledge, sharing their experiences, and boosting self-education. They publish reports on developer salaries and share stories about negative experiences at companies, which gives developers vital information on avoiding pitfalls and successfully navigating the job market.
Another new project of the community organizers is geeker.am, a one-stop platform that aggregates information on all Armenian tech groups, podcasters, and writers. This fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing within the tech ecosystem.
Looking forward, Nairi and his team aim to achieve their goals through diverse events and by encouraging the creation of video, audio, and text content in Armenian. This push for local content creation will not only enhance communication within the community but also broaden accessibility for Armenian-speaking developers.
As a conclusion
The passion and dedication of the Armenian tech communities are truly inspiring. It's incredible to see how organizers leverage their collective experience to build a growing tech ecosystem. Their commitment to sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and empowering developers is exemplary.
Most importantly, their work is not just about building communities; it's about building a better future for Armenia's tech industry. Their tireless efforts are undoubtedly making a significant impact, and it's motivating to witness such positive change.
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