Science and Innovation Day was celebrated with a special event at the Georgian Technical University, under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

In partnership with FAO and the Institute of “Techinform” at Georgian Technical University, the event named “Green Agriculture and Innovative Approaches: Data-Based Solutions for a Sustainable Future” took place as part of Science and Innovation Week.

The event was attended by scientists, young researchers, academic circles, young leaders, young leaders in the field of agriculture, students of the Georgian Technical University and various higher education institutions, representatives of the agricultural industry, and experts. They discussed ways to overcome the challenges related to climate change, develop sustainable agriculture of the future, and integrate science and innovation in the field, as well as opportunities to strengthen the involvement of the next generation in these processes.

The event dedicated to the Day of Science and Innovation opened the Vice-Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Professor Tamar Lominadze, and the Deputy Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Georgia, Mamuka Meskhi.

The Vice-Rector highlighted the importance of the event and called for support of similar initiatives. Tamar Lominadze emphasized that the experience and expertise of the academic and scientific staff of Georgian Technical University play a major role in advancing science and introducing innovations in the country. This expertise also supports sustainable development across various economic sectors, including agriculture.

“It is noteworthy and important that the FAO representation in Georgia held the Science and Innovation Day in partnership with the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of our university “Techinform”. At the national level, “Techinform” is one of the key organizations for the transfer and dissemination of knowledge and has been representing our country in international scientific, technical and innovative centers and scientific research networks since 1958; Since 2020, under the mandate of FAO, “Techinform” has been the national hub of FAO AGRIS for the promotion and support of scientific services in agriculture and has been assigned an important role in supporting science and disseminating knowledge in this field.

This event is not only a good example of the fruitful cooperation between our university and FAO, but also a platform where the scientific community, state structures, the private sector, and the young generation unite around a common goal - sustainable and climate-smart development. We believe that this is a space where data-driven solutions, innovative technologies, and modern engineering achievements will yield real positive results.

Georgian Technical University, with its many years of academic and scientific experience, is ready to be a leader not only in engineering and technologies, but also in the process of sustainable development of agriculture. It is a priority for us that our students and young researchers become the main driving force of change - those who, using data analysis, artificial intelligence, and other innovative approaches, will create new models and will be able to effectively overcome the challenges of climate change.

We see our mission in the university being a hub of knowledge and innovation, where academic freedom, research potential, and practical experience come together. I am sure that such events contribute not only to professional development but also to the formation of new partnerships, deepening international cooperation, and sharing global best practices. This is what should create a powerful impetus for the implementation of innovative visions,” said Tamar Lominadze.

As Mamuka Meskhi, Deputy Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Georgia, noted, the goal of the event is to discuss such priority areas as the collection and use of data in the agricultural sector, as well as the introduction of modern technologies. According to him, FAO supports Georgia in developing these capabilities, promoting partnerships that allow young people, academic circles, and other industry actors to jointly create innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

The event participants were welcomed by Professor Neli Makhvihadze, Director of the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of the Georgian State University of Agriculture, “Techinform”. She spoke about the 27-year fruitful collaboration with FAO and reviewed the important joint projects implemented over the past 6 years in the direction of accessibility of agricultural services, strengthening of scientific potential, and popularization of the field. According to Neli Makhvihadze, within the framework of the partnership between “Techinform” and FAO, Georgia has access to such important platforms as: FAO AGRIS, FAO AGROVOC, Research4Life databases and various innovative resources, which connect international experience with Georgian reality and, at the same time, develop applied science, in addition, contribute to the support of innovative ideas, conduct a result-oriented dialogue with the agricultural industry and strengthen mechanisms for attracting young people to the field.

The event dedicated to the Day of Science and Innovation continued with presentations and discussion panels on how innovations and technologies are creating the future of sustainable and climate-smart agriculture. Participants discussed the features of machine learning and working with big data, the role of artificial intelligence, funding opportunities, and ways to expand international cooperation; in addition, they discussed “smart” solutions adapted to climate change and other important topics.