Press Release

From: Mira Yardemian

Public Relations Director

Haigazian University

Beirut, Lebanon

Email:
mira@haigazian.edu.lb

Haigazian University Computer Science Graduates Reach Semi-Finals at Seaside Startup Summit Armenia 2026

Haigazian University’s Computer Science Department proudly celebrates the outstanding participation of six graduates from the Class of 2026, who represented the University and Lebanon at the Seaside Startup Summit
Armenia 2026, one of the region’s largest international startup and innovation festivals. Presenting startup ventures developed as their senior capstone projects, the team successfully advanced to the semi-final stage, distinguishing themselves among more
than 250 startup teams from around the world.

Held from July 26 to August 1, 2026, at Sevan Festival City on the shores of the breathtaking Lake Sevan, the 10th edition of the Seaside Startup Summit welcomed nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, mentors,
and technology leaders from over 50 countries. The week-long event has become a leading platform for nurturing entrepreneurship, connecting emerging startups with global experts, and fostering international collaboration.

The Haigazian delegation was accompanied and coached by the Computer Science Department Coordinator, Mr. Shant Estepan, whose continuous mentorship and guidance supported the students throughout the competition and
enabled them to showcase their projects with confidence on an international stage.

Representing the culmination of their undergraduate education, the students introduced startup concepts that originated from their Computer Science capstone projects, demonstrating the department’s commitment to combining
technical excellence with innovation and entrepreneurship.

Throughout the summit, the graduates immersed themselves in an intensive entrepreneurial experience that extended far beyond a traditional conference. They refined and validated their startup ideas through hands-on
workshops, received direct mentorship from internationally recognized founders, investors, and industry experts, strengthened their pitching and presentation skills, and explored key aspects of business strategy, product development, market validation, and
fundraising.

The summit also provided invaluable networking opportunities, allowing the students to engage with innovators and entrepreneurs from more than 50 countries while competing in startup battles for investment opportunities,
mentorship, and strategic growth.

A particularly rewarding aspect of the experience was the opportunity to meet and connect with distinguished ambassadors, government officials, technology executives, and leaders of Armenia’s innovation ecosystem.
Among the notable personalities the delegation met were Mr. Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, former Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, and Mr. Raffi Kassarjian, Director of AMD Armenia. These interactions laid the foundation for potential collaborations
and opened promising avenues for future partnerships between Haigazian University, its Computer Science Department, and Armenia’s thriving technology sector.

The University extends its heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Talar Kazanjian, spouse of the Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to Lebanon, whose exceptional efforts were instrumental in making the University’s participation
possible. Her dedication in coordinating the delegation’s participation, overseeing logistical arrangements, providing continuous support throughout the visit, and facilitating introductions to government officials, industry leaders, and distinguished guests
greatly enriched the students’ experience and contributed significantly to the success of the mission.

Advancing to the semi-finals of such a highly competitive international event reflects not only the creativity and determination of Haigazian University’s graduates, but also the Department’s educational vision of
preparing students to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders capable of addressing real-world challenges through impactful solutions.

The participation at Seaside Startup Summit Armenia 2026 represents another important milestone in the University’s growing commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, experiential learning, and international engagement.
By transforming academic capstone projects into startup ventures and exposing students to global entrepreneurial ecosystems, the Computer Science Department continues to empower its graduates with the knowledge, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in
today’s rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Haigazian University congratulates its graduates and the Computer Science Department on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to building on the partnerships, experiences, and opportunities established during
the summit, further strengthening its role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.