Luca Rossi: «Philip Morris» has revealed Armenia two years ago

Two years ago, we discovered Armenia in terms of traditions and potential of scientific and technological development. That is why a decision was made to establish a research and development center in Armenia as well as to develop an ecosystem that promotes the scientific education.

When it comes to connecting to the Internet and having a skype or viber app on your smartphone in order to appreciate the new hairstyle of your friend on the other side of the ocean, you unwillingly understand that high technologies dominate the 21st century. When for dozens of years a cigarette maker becomes as a co-organizer of the engineering forum-exhibition and supports technology education, you are convinced that technology is transforming everything in the twenty-first century. When the new Armenia becomes part of this reality reminiscent of the fantasy genre years ago, you want to traverse the world of internal satisfaction and pride.

On Saturday, July 7, in Vanadzor, the Second Engineering Conference-Exhibition was held, the main goal of which was to gather under one roof the acting companies and startups, presenting the Armenian engineering sphere, scientists and engineers, universities providing engineering education and local and international companies, interested in engineering solutions. By its scales and engineering-oriented the event is the greatest in Armenia, with around 300 participants and over 30 exhibiting companies. The expectations of the conference-exhibition are also great, because the goal of the event is to present the latest achievements in the engineering industry in Armenia and to discuss global developments, engineering education and business environment challenges.

One of the goals is to promote the exchange of experiences and ideas between key players in the field of organizations and industry, electronics, communication technologies and 5G, mathematical modeling, self-governing vehicles, bio-engineering and chemistry, large data processing and more.

In the framework of the event, they presented their engineering solutions and participated in discussions on the development of the industry: Engineering Association, “National Instruments”, IBM, ICT Employers’ Union, Armenian National Polytechnic University, National Engineering Labs, Gyumri Technology Center, Microsoft Innovation Center, Innovative Solutions and Technology Center, Armenian-Indian Center for Excellence in ICT, Regional Center for ECA “Mobile Solutions’ and “Rostelecom”.

With great amazement I found out that the organizer of the event is “Philip Morris”, the world’s largest cigarette company. It turns out that in recent years, the company is seriously occupied with fundamental science, it has more than 4,500 certificated all over the world. In scientific research centers of Philip Morris located in Switzerland and Singapore, the company’s innovative products are developing and evaluating. It is inspirational that Armenia is not indifferent to science. “Philip Morris” will open a research center here. Last year the company signed memorandums of understanding with the Government of Armenia, Yerevan State University and the Polytechnic University of Armenia.

According to Luca Rossi, PMI’s Director Product Research and IP, in the context of Armenia’s technological potential, the company has recently revealed – about two years ago. Historically existing technology, scientific and research culture in our country has attracted the tobacco giant, living a technological transformation, as a result of which “Philip Morris” is interested in Armenia with its scientific and technological assets.

In the agenda it’s not only to cooperate with research centers and to carry out scientific projects in a number of spheres in Armenia, but also to support technological education. In fact, the eco-development initiatives will include the support for both Master’s and PhD programs, as well as for scientific groups and chairs.

It turns out that a student, who creates his/her professional way in science, can use this ecosystem, formed by Philip Morris, starting from the master’s program.

Starting from 2017, the Yerevan State University has a Master’s degree in Data Business. Philip Morris just supports this program as a result of which the best students get a scholarship and can no longer afford the most up-to-date educational curriculum. The best students of the 2017-2019 cycle were awarded with scholarships on July 6. Another 10 students will be granted scholarships at the 2018-2020 cycle. This means that the recruitment is still in process. Those who want to study data can fill in an online application by August 24 and to try their forces at the entrance exams.

The link to the application is as follows: http://istc.am/en/the-master-in-data-science-for-business/

additional information available on social networks with the #DataSciencePMI hashtag.

According to Luka Rossi, the choice of the science is not accidental by Philip Morris. As they were still investigating Armenia, they noticed significant potential and capabilities in physics, mathematics, material science, statistics and data science. At the same time, Yerevan State University worked out an innovative program in the data science field, and as it was within the interests of “Philip Morris”, they decided to participate and support the project.

Well, let’s hope that the Second Engineering Conference-Exhibition, organized by the Yerevan State University “Data Science for Business” in Vanadzor Technological Center, will be the first step for “Philip Morris” and other transnational companies, to launch a scientific activity in new Armenia and to develop the science in our country. Welcome!