Author: Emil Lazarian

BY JOSEPH DAGDIGIAN

Engineering City, a high-tech incubator, was established in 2018 as a public-private partnership by Armenia’s Engineering Association – an association comprised of the World Bank, the Government of Armenia, and private companies. It is a high-tech engineering complex situated on seven acres of land at 21/1 Bagrevand St. in Yerevan’s Nor Nork district. Its purpose is to facilitate the development of a high-tech industrial base in Armenia, develop products for both domestic and export markets, and to foster high-tech manufacturing. Facilities include engineering offices, laboratories, a library, a modern cafeteria, shared manufacturing and test facilities, lecture halls, and classrooms. Qualified companies, both domestic and foreign, either startups or existing companies, can qualify for office and lab space.

Resident companies are focused on automotive electronics, biomedical equipment, robotics, semiconductors, analog and digital electronics, high-frequency microwaves, instrumentation, aerospace systems, and science education products. Engineering City’s goal is to provide an infrastructure allowing companies to rapidly develop and manufacture high-quality, state of the art products for international markets. Companies I have visited expressed confidence, and in many cases have already demonstrated, their ability to meet these goals.

Engineering and manufacturing are essential to Armenia. It is estimated that between Engineering City, and a proposed Factory City, there is the potential to create over 10,000 jobs. As has recently become evident, Armenia’s economic well-being and security depend on utilizing its scientific, engineering, and manufacturing talent. During the Soviet era, Armenia was a high-tech engineering and manufacturing center. Armenia has the talent; it can become a high-tech center again.

Engineering City High School’s graduating class. Dr. Andranik Aghajanyan, head of Polytechnic at Engineering City, is seen standing to the left.

YEAEprovides complex engineering solutions and contract manufacturing for customers. Major products include test systems which evaluate the performance of electronic control units for electric and autonomous vehicles. These systems evaluate the vehicle’s sensors, radars, antennas, cameras, battery management units, and charging systems. YEA’s test systems are exported to customers in the U.S., France, and Switzerland. YEAE also produces test equipment for high power semiconductors, data communication equipment, and high frequency antennas.

The company is ISO 9001 certified, assuring customers that it complies with international quality standards.

Ten years ago, Hagop Gevorgyan started VAN technologies as one of the first companies to locate at Engineering City. Utilizing products from  National Instruments, a Texas based company with a strong presence at Engineering City, VAN technologies applies its expertise in mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to develop automation systems for international clients. They also market training kits allowing customers to familiarize themselves with various electronic and mechanical technologies.

Approximately 3 years ago, wanting to make a contribution to clean technology, Gevorgyan established EVAN technologies to produce electric vehicle chargers. Products range from home chargers to charging stations incorporating WIFI, allowing individual chargers to be remotely managed. The chargers automatically sense the appropriate charging method for each vehicle, and ascertain details about the vehicle’s battery. Gevorgyan indicated that exporting chargers to other countries is not a problem. EVAN is prepared to meet all applicable U.S. specifications and regulations if and when chargers are shipped to the U.S.

Dr. Vardan Alexanyan founded Project Integration in 2011, before Engineering City existed. He subsequently moved his company to Engineering City. With 15 employees (4 with PhDs) with expertise in analog and digital electronics, analog controllers, and radio physics, the company produces automatic testing systems.  They also manufacture educational kits for schools and universities. Exports are to 15 countries in Europe, the CIS, the Middle East and China. Exports to the U.S. are small but they would like to expand in this market.  Dr. Alexanyan, like others, indicated that exporting products from Armenia is not a problem.

Integrator company was founded 14 years ago. It produces educational and training systems for a number of engineering disciplines, including electromechanical devices such as various types of electric motors, generators, and machine control devices. Detailed educational manuals provide hands on experience and an opportunity to experiment with various types of equipment. Their products are used in over 60 universities around the world. Services include design of educational test equipment and consulting services.

ISB is a Canadian manufacturer of industrial safety equipment, with operations both in Canada and in Armenia. Products are designed to meet European safety standards and are certified at testing facilities in Germany.

The Mechanical Engineering team with a precision injection mold

Haikouhi, born in Armenia, lived in the U.S. and later in France where she was a clinical and forensic psychologist. In the aftermath of the Karabagh war, she moved to Armenia where her expertise was needed. Seeing the trauma caused by the loss of a lower limb, she applied her skills to help alleviate the psychological effects of such a loss. Most of her services were to wounded soldiers, many from rural areas where less care is available than in Yerevan. Prosthetic limbs helped, but there remained the stigma of a visible prosthetic. Haikouhi, with friends and colleagues, established Oqni (Armenian for “help”) to manufacture customized coverings for prosthetic lower limbs. This turned out to be a great comfort to Oqni’s clients. A bank of 3-D printers prints customized coverings which are then fitted to clients at no charge. When asked how this operation is funded, Haikouhi replied that funds were received from a go-fund-me appeal, with additional support from friends. Oqni, in cooperation with students from the TUMO center, and a bio engineering group at the University of Michigan, began developing a bionic leg which, when completed, will be the first to be made in Armenia. She said, “We didn’t know how to do this, but we learned.” 

“Transcending Disabilities, Transcending Boundaries” are the bywords of Armbionics, founded by Doctors Marina Davtyan and Lucine Hovhannisyan. Armbionics provides arm prosthetics together with “physical and psychosocial assistance”. Training on the performance of everyday tasks, such as sports and playing musical instruments, is offered. Two types of prosthetic hands are made. Mechanical hands grasp and release objects by moving the elbow and wrist. Myoelectric hands operate by sensing electric signals from sensors on the muscles.

The mechanical engineering group comes from Yerevan, the villages of Garni and Hraztan, and from Lebanon. Some of the staff are mechanical engineering students at the on-site branch of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia (Polytechnic for short).  I was shown an injection mold for complex plastic parts for one of companies at Engineering City. The mold, consisting of 120 precision machined parts, was produced in 3 months. The most critical parts are machined to a tolerance of five microns (+/- .0002 inches).

An on-site branch of the National Polytechnic University of Armenia offers 4-year Bachelor of Science degrees to graduates, combining traditional engineering courses with industry related projects. Focus is on Instrumentation and Measurement, Radio Devices and Systems, and Industrial Systems and Engineering. “After hour” evening courses are also offered. A placement office helps graduates find jobs after graduation. Professors from the Polytechnic campus in central Yerevan, as well as PhD candidates, advanced students, and staff from Engineering City companies teach courses.

Dr. Andranik Aghajanyan, who heads Education at Engineering City, indicated that much of the staff serves on a volunteer basis. Funding is needed for more full-time instructors and laboratory equipment. Some student scholarships are available but others must find the means to pay for their tuition. A Master’s program is being planned with specialties in aerospace, electric vehicles, and self-driving vehicles. Help from industry specialists as well as professional academic advisors, and trainers would be beneficial. “This can’t be done with traditional educational methods”, stated Aghajanyan.

How can the Diaspora help? If it makes financial and business sense, consider utilizing some of the products or services offered at Engineering City, or establish a presence there for your company. Visiting lecturers are welcome. Contributions to student scholarships will certainly help as would donations of equipment and financial support. For information and contacts please visit the Engineering City website,

A goal is to establish a Factory City at Engineering City where the designs of sophisticated products will seamlessly and rapidly transition to high-quality manufacturing for the export market.

George Ignatius Foundation Trustee George Phillips, Sr., Honorable Walter J. Karabian, Honorable Michael Amerian & Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian

CENTURY CITY, Calif. – The Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California announced the launch of the new Elevate Campaign at the sold out Elevate Gala on Sunday, March 19. The signature event of the year welcomed a capacity audience of donors, supporters, public officials, and guests at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. The Elevate Gala raised $7 million in support of the Armenian American Museum through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations, and gift announcements.

The Elevate Gala kicked off with heartwarming and comedic welcoming remarks from the internationally acclaimed and award-winning entertainer Kev Orkian who served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

Museum Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian Elevate Gala Chair Diana Timuryan Museum Executive Director Shant Sahakian

The National Anthems were performed by the renowned Soprano Mariné Ter-Kazaryan.

The Invocation was conducted by Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Minister of the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America Reverend Hendrik Shanazarian, and Representative of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy of the United States and Canada Monsignor Parsegh Baghdassarian.

Monsignor Parsegh Baghdassarian, Bishop Torkom Donoyan, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian & Reverend Henrik Shanazarian

“The vision of the Armenian American Museum has infused in our spiritual and national life a most precious milestone which has unified us to justify the legacy of the Martyred Saints of the first Genocide of the 20th Century,” stated Board of Trustees Co-Chair Archbishop Hovnan Derderian in his remarks on behalf of the Board of Trustees. “Tonight’s Gala is another step forward to mobilize our efforts and send to the community a new level of hope, resilience, and commitment to serve this country and our ancestral land of Armenia.”

Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Avedik Izmirlian & Board of Trustees Representative Dr. Raffi Balian Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Talin Yacoubian & Board of Trustees Member Garbiel Moloyan Board of Trustees Member Dr. Nazareth Darakjian & Board of Trustees Member Vicky Marashlian

Elevate Gala Chair Diana Timuryan thanked the sponsors who generously supported the event and the Elevate Gala Committee members who contributed their time to help organize the event with the museum team.

Major Sponsors included Rima & Donnell Cameron, Armen & Gloria Hampar Family Foundation, Avadis & Nancy Tevanian, Jack & Zarig Youredjian, Ayvazian Family Foundation, The GASKA Alliance Foundation, Anonymous, Dr. Vicken & Sossy Aharonian, Ron & Kourtni Arakelian, Bank of America, Gregory & Gina Felikian, Steve & Sandi Hampar, Nabil & Hanan Karabetian, Berdj & Mary Karapetian, Matthew & Audrey Matoesian, William McMorrow, Nora Tertzag Hampar Charitable Trust Ara & Nina Ohanian, Sarkis & Nune Sepetjian, and Isaac & Frieda Vartanian.

Senator Anthony J. Portantino Glendale Mayor Ardy Kassakhian

The Elevate Gala Committee members included Mayda Altounian, Alvard Barseghian, Angela Bedoyan, Ani Bekarian, Araxie Boyamian, Garine Depoyan, Hilda Fidanian, Aida Gharakhani, Marie Jeanne Harmandayan, Natalie Hariri, Christine Hovnanian, Tanya Kalaydjian, Maro Kasparian, Dr. Alexia Kevonian, Erika Toriz-Kurkjian, Carmen Libaridian, Margaret Mgrublian, Narine Mouradian, Aleen Orucakciel, Dzovig Zetlian, and Elizabeth Zoryan.
 
Senator Anthony J. Portantino delivered remarks on behalf of the State of California, who has invested $19.6 million to support the historic project including a new $9.8 million grant in the 2022-2023 State Budget that was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Master of Ceremonies Kev Orkian Soprano Mariné Ter-Kazaryan Ara Dance Studio Dance Performance

Executive Director Shant Sahakian celebrated the Groundbreaking Campaign that helped the museum reach the historic groundbreaking of the cultural and educational center in Summer 2021 and successfully complete the first phase of construction featuring the museum parking garage and building foundation in November 2022. He announced the launch of the Elevate Campaign to set sights on the next major milestone of the project as the landmark center is elevated to the horizon as a destination for education, enrichment, and inspiration for generations to come.

“In the education world, we talk a great deal about the concept of windows and mirrors,” stated Executive Director Shant Sahakian in his message on behalf of the Armenian American Museum. “That if we want our children and our young people to thrive – they need mirrors. They need to be able to see themselves in the books they read, in the films they watch, in the stories they hear, and yes – in the museums they visit. They also need windows – that allow them to peek into the past to discover their roots, transport themselves into places that they have never been before, learn about cultures that are not their own, and in doing so, learn more about themselves and everyone around them.”

Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian & Master of Ceremonies Kev Orkian

Ara Dance Studio delivered an uplifting dance performance dedicated to the Armenian American Museum.

Master of Ceremonies Kev Orkian delivered a powerful musical performance on the piano with a self-written piece called “Freedom.”

Mayor Ardy Kassakhian delivered remarks on behalf of the City of Glendale, who has dedicated a premier location for the historic project in Central Park, where the museum campus will be going through a major expansion with the creation of a new central lawn, outdoor amphitheater, children’s park, and much more.

Board of Trustees Member Dr. Nazareth Darakjian representing the Armenian Missionary Association of America and Board of Trustees Member Vicky Marashlian representing the Armenian Relief Society Western USA presented the Park Entrance Plaza recognition. The Park Entrance Plaza will serve as the main entrance for visitors through Central Park, greeting patrons as they are welcomed to an immersive and impactful experience at the Armenian American Museum. The presenters announced that the Park Entrance Plaza will be sponsored by the Armen and Gloria Hampar Family Foundation in honor of the foundation’s generous gift to the museum.

The sold-out crowd at the Elevate Gala

Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Avedik Izmirlian representing the Armenian Cultural Foundation and Board of Trustees Representative Dr. Raffi Balian representing the Nor Or Charitable Foundation presented the Grand Elevator recognition. The Grand Elevator will elevate guests between the first level and upper levels of the museum with an unfettered view of the inspiring Grand Lobby on the first level and the beautiful Hazarashen Skylight rising to the sky. The presenters announced that the Grand Elevator will be sponsored by Rima and Donnell Cameron in honor of the family’s generous gift in the beloved memory of Rouzas and Janet Khoylian.

Board of Trustees Co-Treasurer Talin Yacoubian representing Armenian General Benevolent Union Western Region and Board of Trustees Member Garbiel Moloyan representing Nor Serount Cultural Association presented the Demonstration Kitchen recognition. The Demonstration Kitchen will provide a one-of-a-kind learning experience for patrons with a wide array of culinary opportunities including cooking presentations, cooking courses, and food-centered social events. The presenters announced that the Demonstration Kitchen will be sponsored by Avie and Nancy Tevanian in honor of the family’s generous gift to the museum.

Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian presented Master of Ceremonies Kev Orkian with a special Armenian American Museum Golden Pin in recognition of his impactful support of the Armenian American Museum and the Elevate Gala.

Executive Vice Chairman Zaven Kazazian introduced the Honorable Michael Amerian, Trustee with the George Ignatius Foundation, to make a special surprise announcement at the grand finale of the event. Joined by fellow Trustees George Phillips, Sr. and Honorable Walter J. Karabian, he announced that the George Ignatius Foundation will be contributing $1 million in support of the Armenian American Museum, an announcement that was greeted with a roaring applause by the capacity audience. The George Ignatius Foundation is a non-profit organization which has generously supported several charitable causes promoting Armenian history, culture, and religion since 1976.

“Together, we are going to elevate the Armenian American Museum, we are going to elevate the community, and we are going to elevate the future,” stated Executive Chairman Berdj Karapetian in his closing remarks for the successful event.

The Armenian American Museum is a world class educational and cultural institution that is currently under construction in the museum campus at Glendale Central Park. The museum will offer a wide range of public programming through the Permanent Exhibition, Temporary Exhibitions, Auditorium, Learning Center, Demonstration Kitchen, Archives Center, and more.

Contribute to the Elevate Campaign at https://www.ArmenianAmericanMuseum.org/Elevate.