YEREVAN. - Armenia’s PM Hovik Abrahamyan and Microsoft director for Central and Eastern Europe, Don Grantham today visited the Microsoft Innovation Centre in Yerevan.

They familiarized themselves with the Center’s activity and inquired about the results achieved. Abrahamyan talked to the heads of several start-ups, discussing the possible ways of their development. It was noted that during the development of their materials, many start-ups engaged by Microsoft Innovation Centre in the work implemented by them in the framework of the Acceleration Program, were able to complete their work and involve investors with the support of the Centre.

In the framework of the aforementioned program, the Centre provided support to over 100 start-ups, which were able to attract $1,5 million investments for the processing of their products.

During the visit to the Centre, the PM also learnt about the internship program, implemented in cooperation with the Australian Praemium company.

The program prepares junior programmers for this global company, which has opened its new office in Armenia. The representatives of the Centre presented Abrahamyan and Don Grantham with the perspectives for the establishment of IT companies in Armenia, underscoring the importance of the centre for preparing young specialists.

During 4 years, Micorsoft Innovation Centre has prepared over 3000 students, who currently work in leading IT companies.

PM Abrahamyan highly appreciated the role of the Microsoft Innovation Centre in the development of the IT sphere. He noted the importance of the operation of start-ups both in terms of opening vacancies and finding innovative solutions.  

The PM said the IT sphere in Armenia has great potential and the government is ready to discuss any reasonable proposal on providing support to the IT sphere start-ups.

Earlier today Abrahamyan received the delegation headed by the director for Central and Eastern Europe, Don Grantham and discussed with him the issue of new joint programs.