Partners

Business and Technology University (BTU) is a dynamic higher educational institution in the country of Georgia, strongly focused on facilitating innovation in education, promoting use of digital technologies and generating social impact to the benefit of local communities in the country.

Founded as a part of the Silicon Valley Tbilisi initiative, BTU has so far engaged more than 7000 students in academic life. It unites University, school, Entrepreneurship Center, iOS and Android, Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Microsoft, Blockchain and Renewable Energy Sources Labs. The scope of the university is strongly oriented on delivering quality education and innovative training in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technologies. Its portfolio displays 5 ongoing BA level programs, 3 Masters, 2 PhD and 8 international double degree diploma programs. All these curricula emphasize application of information technologies, smooth digital experience, and strong information literacy skills.

BTU's influence extends beyond the classroom, as evidenced by its extensive project management endeavors. With support from international donors such as the European Commission, U.S. State Department, USAID, UN Women, Government of Norway, DAAD, Swedish Institute, EFSE, and more, BTU's project management team has spearheaded over 105 local and international projects. These initiatives have amassed a total budget exceeding 3,000,000 USD and have benefited over 10,000 individuals nationwide since 2016.

Project Team:

Ms. Ani Chelishvili

Head of the Development and International Relations Office and Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator at Business and Technology University, Georgia. With an 18-year history in higher education management, she develops and executes the university's internationalization plan, advocates for international education across campus and to external partners, and facilitates strategic development. Ani Chelishvili oversees international student mobility, agreements, and innovation projects, including Jean Monnet activities and International Credit Mobility programs. She also serves as the Director of the Project Task Group at EUMMAS and a Member of the Management Committee of COST Action CA20115 – ENIS. Ms. Chelishvili is an Honorary Ambassador for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in Georgia, contributing to international academic collaboration and development.

Ms. Mariam Keburia

Consultant of BTU’s International Relations and Development office, holds a PhD degree in English Philology from Tbilisi State University (Georgia) and an MA degree from Malmo University (Sweden) in Leadership and Organization. Over several years of working for Georgia’s STI system, Mariam has gained extensive experience in writing and administering international projects, mapping relevant stakeholders and coordinating actions towards stronger partnerships, and presenting Georgia’s research and innovation potential to the global academic community. She has contributed to the multilateral projects funded under Horizon 2020 (‘STI International Cooperation Network for EaP Countries’ EaP PLUS project, ‘Black Sea Horizon Project) and is currently engaged in developing innovation-focused initiatives together with the BTU team. Mariam is a National Contact Point for the European Research Council (ERC) in Georgia responsible for disseminating information on ERC grant schemes and popularizing ERC opportunities among Georgia’s researchers. As an Enrich Global member, Mariam is strongly motivated to facilitate international partnership and STI cooperation among Enrich Global members and interested actors not only from Georgia but also from the Eastern Partnership Region.

Prof. Dr. Maia Melikidze

Affiliated Professor at BTU and Executive Director of Georgian Renewable Energy Development Association (Greda); Chairperson the Energy Regulators Regional Association (ERRA); Vice Chairman of International Confederation of Energy Regulators (ICER). Ms.Melikidze is an executive MBA graduate from Harvard University in the field of Global Strategic Management. Furthermore, she has academic education in International Economic Law at Georgian Technical University and currently is working on renewable energy issues at Business Camp; Technology University (Silicon Valley Tbilisi); In July 2017, Ms. Melikidze was elected as a Commissioner at Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission for a 6-year term. Prior to this involvement, she had worked for the President of Georgia Mr. Giorgi Margvelashvili as an economic advisor. Earlier, Ms Melikidze had gained an extensive experience while working in a private sector for 12 years, inter alia at: International Audit Company “Ernst & Young” as a senior auditor; JSC Bank of Georgia – Tax Analyst; JSC Liberty Bank – Head of National Bank of Georgia and IFRS audit cooperation department. Simultaneously Ms. Melikidze is involved in the educational process and encourages the prosperity of the new generation. She is an associated professor at Business and Technology University, which ensures unique educational expertise by integrating business into technology and facilitating innovations. She supports Silicon Valley Tbilisi and works hard in order for Georgia to become an exporter of education in the region. Ms Melikidze is PhD in renewable energy issues; she published several researches on enhancement renewable energy sources usage in Georgia and founded Renewable Energy Resources Laboratory working on legal and economic assessments of renewable energy generation in Georgia. Ms. Melikidze is also an author of several publications at Forbes focusing on diminishing unemployment and ensuring economic growth: involvement of Finance Institutions in mobilizing public wealth.

Mr. Tornike Bolkvadze

Head of the Artificial Intelligence Lab at Business and Technology University (BTU), as well as the Manager of the Marketing and Projects Department. He is actively involved in the foundational establishment and strategic planning of activities within the BTU AI LAB, promoting synergistic collaborations between students, leading global technology organizations, and industry associations. Under his leadership, BTU AI LAB has initiated numerous projects and training programs aimed at integrating AI into strategic sectors, supporting scientific research, and promoting student projects that solve different issues in various sectors.