On October 9, a memorandum of understanding was signed at Synopsys Armenia to introduce the “STEP.ai” Science Technology Education Program in high schools and colleges across Armenia. The event included an exhibition of the program participants’ projects and a graduation ceremony.
Organized as part of the “STEP.ai” education initiative, the event highlighted program achievements and outlined future steps for advancing technological innovation in Armenia. The program aims to educate and cultivate the next generation of AI specialists and innovators.
The memorandum was signed by RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, Director of "Synopsys Armenia" CJSC Hovik Musayelyan, AGBU AVC Founding President and President of Synopsys Armenia Dr. Yervant Zorian and Executive Director of the Union of Employers of Information and Communication Technologies (UEICT) Eduard Musayelyan.
The event was also attended by the Minister of the High-Tech Industry of Armenia Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Director of Synopsys Armenia Educational Department Dr. Vazgen Melikyan, representatives from Synopsys, other prominent experts in the field of technology, high schools’ principals, teachers, students and their parents.
In his welcoming speech, Dr. Yervant Zorian emphasized the importance of realizing such programs and collaborating in the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. He also presented the idea behind the program’s creation. "Being part of a rapidly developing world, we must leverage the opportunities provided by artificial intelligence. It is, however, essential that we not only consume it but also become its creators," he said.
RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan noted that programs like this are a great opportunity to understand the steps or changes needed for the full implementation of these initiatives. "It is very important that these programs are initiated and realized by the active efforts from the private sector, and I consider this the right approach because technological development and progress in schools and the education system lead to a demand for certain skills and competence," said Andreasyan.
RA Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan stated, "I am confident that this new generation of AI learners will transform the entire economy and contribute to the effective implementation of our country's digital transformation. “Step.ai” is all about innovation, collaboration between the private and industrial sectors and an example of inspiring partnerships."
Erin Guzman, Senior Director of Environmental, Social and Governance at Synopsys, welcomed the attendees and noted, "I am glad to be here and see that the Synopsys Foundation is contributing to such wonderful programs. It is evident that our collaboration in the field of technological education is significantly expanding.”
In the 2023-2024 academic year, 64 students successfully completed the first course of the program. As part of the graduation event, high school students showcased their projects from the “STEP.ai” Artificial Intelligence program in an exhibition, followed by a certificate awarding ceremony.
The program launched in 2022 in several high schools across Armenia and Artsakh. It consists of three courses, and the multimedia lessons are equipped with innovative solutions for online learning, blending virtual and in-person teaching methods with the support of AGBU Armenian Virtual College’s online instructors and school teachers.
The "STEP.ai" artificial intelligence program was initiated by AGBU Silicon Valley and sponsored by Synopsys Foundation to support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in Armenian schools. It was developed by UEICT and the Synopsys Armenia Educational Department and later virtualized and hosted on the AVC e-learning platform.
Watch the highlights of the event here.
