The winner of “BIG IDEA CHALLENGE 2020” is known at the Georgian Technical University.
“BIG IDEA CHALLENGE 2020” has been completed at the Georgian Technical University. Today, on May 28th, within the framework of the British “Creative Spark’s” global competition “Big Idea Challenge 2020”, the concluding online meeting has beem held at GTU, where the winner team was announced.
According to the decision of the jury, the idea “Contacting Agro-Cam” won, the authors of the mentioned idea are Salome Nepharidze and Ekaterine Khetaguri, students of the Faculty of Business Engineering of the Georgian Technical University. The project management team congratulates the authors of the idea on the victory.The winners will be awarded with cash prize of 500 £ and continue their path in “Big Idea Challenge 2020” competition in Georgia.
The jury also identified the top 10 ideas from a total of 18 teams based on the relevant criteria. These ideas and their authors will continue their participation in the competition throughout Georgia.
– top 10 ideas in GTU:
1. Smart Air Monitoring Display System;
2. “Miniatures”;
3. Smart Lamps;
4. Little Grower;
5. Multifunctional ”Delta pen”;
6. Contacting Agro Camp;
7. SmartWear;
8. Greenline;
9. „Tablet soap“;
10. Ecar support.
The competition was being held as part of the British Council’s ”Creative Spark” programme within the partnership of Georgian Technical University and Keele University.
The Creative Spark project work continues online – “Stay at Home”
In order to effectively implement the activities envisaged by the Creative Spark project plan, another online meeting was held between GTU and Keele university project coordination groups.
As an expert, In the meeting also was participating General Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Georgia; Representative of the Government of Georgia to the ,,New Silk Road,, Project; Invited Professor at the Beijing University of International Business and Economics, Mr. David Aptsiauri.
The main purpose of today’s meeting was to discuss the further sustainable development of the project Creative Spark and the possibilities for trilateral cooperation.
The possibilities of further sustainable development of the project “Creative Spark” were discussed at the meeting. In this regard, special emphasis was placed on the prospects of trilateral cooperation. In particular, the meeting focused on possible involvement of the third-party in the ongoing cooperation between GTU and Keele University. In this context, ways to involve the Chamber of Commerce and other institutions in project activities were discussed. Colin Rigby, professor of the Keele University talked about the many years of experience in cooperation between the Keele University and Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce. He also presented the specific projects that currently are being implemented in cooperation with these two institutions.
Professor David Aptsiauri, in his turn, focused on the importance of the best practice, knowledge sharing and opportunities for joint research. For his part, specific co-operation projects were proposed, such as the possibilities of holding joint public discussions, online workshops and expert meetings. In order to facilitate cooperation, the initial format of further cooperation was selected at the meeting and the next few activities were planned, about which the interested persons will be informed soon.
Georgian Technical University, as a partner institution, in a collaboration with Keele University, is participating in British Council Grant Program: “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Program” 2nd years’ project.
We would like to note that “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme”. is a 5-year initiative aimed at promoting international university and institutional partnerships in the development of entrepreneurial skills and creative industries. The program is implemented in Great Britain, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See more information.
https://www.britishcouncil.ge/programmes/education/creative-spark
The project is implemented by GTU International Relations and Standards Office, the main partner of the project is GTU Student Self-Government and the Department of Social Affairs, Sports and Culture. The project is coordinated with the GTU Commercialization Department. Organized by GTU Innovation Center.
Creative Spark “Big Idea Challenge” application submission deadline extended Big Idea Challenge – 2020 
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 disruption, Creative Spark innovation competition Big Idea Challenge-2020 deadline has been extended
Accordingly, GTU project organization team will continue receiving applications before April 30th. Everyone, willing to participate has still got the chance.
Detailed information about the project: Georgian Technical University is participating in British Council’s “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme” (2nd year project), in partnership with Keele University Great Britain). Within the framework of aforementioned project, Big Idea Challenge – 2020 was announced at GTU. Students at any level, members of academic and administrative staff, under the age of 35, who have innovative ideas and want to realize them, are eligible to participate. Participation is possible individually or with groups with no more than 3 members. Categories: Winners will be announced across GTU at the first level, and across country on the next level, and then across the project internationally. Final winner on country level will travel for a study visit to the London Metropolitan University, that will be provided by the International Organizing Group of the project. In the first stage, the organizing group will review the submitted ideas. In total, 10 innovative ideas will be selected by a special jury at the Georgian Technical University, that will be presented as 60 second pitch to the innovation competition at GTU, and then on country level, where participants from other universities will also be presented. Winners of country level will participate in international competition with other competitors from: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan and Uzbekistan. The People’s Choice Winner will also be announced throughout the project. Application deadline Download the application (must be filled in Georgian language) Please, send filled out application form at: innovations@gtu.ge Planned activities: The main task of the Big Idea Challenge 2020 is to generate student ideas and then implement them in practice through incubation and consulting with professors; Encouraging innovation and creative business ideas; To arouse interest in the commercialization of the results of scientific research in the university environment; Assist those who have innovative and creative ideas but do not have enough know-how and financial resources to implement them. Project aims: Detailed information : https://creativespark-bigidea.uk/ Info We would like to note that “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme”. is a 5-year initiative aimed at promoting international university and institutional partnerships in the development of entrepreneurial skills and creative industries. The program is implemented in Great Britain, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. See more information. https://www.britishcouncil.ge/programmes/education/creative-spark The project is implemented by GTU International Relations and Standards Office, the main partner of the project is GTU Student Self-Government and the Department of Social Affairs, Sports and Culture. The project is coordinated with the GTU Commercialization Department. Organized by GTU Innovation Center. The programme is fully funded by British Council For more information about the event, please contact the GTU Innovation Center, GTU Administrative Building, I Floor, Room N144. If you have any questions or seek advice, please contact us at: innovations@gtu.ge or call us at: 2 36 51 29 Contact: web: innovations.gtu.ge FB: https://www.facebook.com/InnovationsGTU e-mail: innovations@gtu.ge Tel.: 2 36 51 29
Visit In Batumi
In the frame of British Council Grant Program: “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Program’s” 2nd years’ project, in case of enhancing cooperation with regional universities, in Batumi Shota Rustveli State University, whose administration has expressed its desire to attend mentioned activity, on February 13-14th, 2020, within the framework of the Georgian Technical University and Keele University (UK), was held “Entrepreneurship Day”, which was hosted by the Faculty of Technology.
“Entrepreneurship Day” included various events, in particular, within the “Entrepreneurship Day” at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, GTU representatives presented the results of the Creative Spark project to local audience, also was held an online conference which was joined by representatives of Keele University to discuss specific issues on developing entrepreneurial skills and enhancing further collaboration between educational institutions; for local students, GTU representatives, who were trained with the help of British partners, conducted a one-day training workshop on “Entrepreneurial Skills” where participants were awarded with relevant certificates.
For information, we have to note that Georgia Technical University, as a partnership University, in a collaboration with Keele University, is participating in British Council Grant Program: “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Program” 2nd years’ project; “Creative Spark” is a five-year initiative to support international university and institutional partnerships to develop enterprise skills and creative economy. The program is being implemented in the UK, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The program is fully funded by British Council.
Within the host of Business Technologies Faculty in Georgian Technical University was held “Entrepreneur’s
Day”
Within the framework of “Creative Spark: Entrepreneurial Education Program for Higher Education” 2nd year
project, with the organization of GTU’s Innovation Center, on December 25th ,2019, in Georgian Technical
University, for the second time, was held “GTU Entrepreneur’s Day”.
The host and the partnership, for the mentioned event, was the faculty of Business Technologies, with the
participation of students from other faculties. The one-day training program consisted of motivational and
session presentations, individual and group works. In the end of the day, students were presenting their business
canvas’ models, in front of specially selected jury.
In total there were presented nine business ideas. Five of them were selected by the jury for the participation in
“GTU’s Big Idea Challenge” project, which will be held in the spring of 2020. The project has been already
officially announced (for more information visit GTU’s official web page). By the end of the day all, the
participants were given relevant certificates.
We should recall, that the project “Creative Spark: Entrepreneurial Education Program for Higher Education” is
being held within the collaboration with UK’s Keel University, and is funded by the British Council. The project
is being implemented by GTU’s International Relations and Standards Office, the project is coordinated with
GTU’s Commercialization Department. The main project partner is the GTU Student Self-Government and the
Department of Social Affairs, Sports and Culture. The project is organized by GTU Innovation Center.
CREATIVE SPARK – Big Idea Challenge
Georgian Technical University, in partnership with Keele University (Great Britain) is
implementing project “CREATIVE SPARK: Higher Education Enterprise programme”, funded
by British Council.
Aims of the project:
• Develop entrepreneurial skills in students and young people involved in creative
industry;
• Support new and existing small and medium-sized businesses with the help of
incubation process;
• Stimulate and support close cooperation between Georgian Technical University and
Business Sector;
• Knowledge sharing.
Within the framework of the project, International Pitch Competition – BIG IDEA
CHALLENGE preliminary round was held at GTU.
THE BIG IDEA CHALLENGE was announced at GTU at the beginning of April, 2019 and
application deadline was on May 6th, 2019. GTU students, graduates, academic and
administrative staff (between the ages 18-35) were able to submit applications.
Competition has three categories: 1. Digital Technologies; 2. Social Impact; 3. Creative.
On May 8th, workshop was conducted at Georgian Technical University, with participation and
moderation of academic representatives of Keele University. During the workshop, authors of the
ideas participating in BIG IDEA CHALLENGE presented 1 minute pitches to present their ideas, in
total 17 presentations were conducted.
After listening to the presentations, English partners conducted group and individual
consultations and masterclasses aimed at developing ideas, taking into account the specifications
of the competition, to prepare applications and presentations in full compliance with the
competition requirements. After the end of the workshop participants were awarded with
relevant certificates. It should be noted that part of the projects presented at the presentation,
were also presented in another competition within the framework of another Erasmus+
project.
After the workshop, 1 minute video pitches were recorded at GTU student television studio.
International judges, which included representatives from Keele University, selected top 10
applications. The applications were divided into three categories.
Top 10 applicants at GTU:
1. All In One;
2. Recruiter / Employer Platform;
3. RainBow (Bracelets);
4. Wine’s Bro;
5. Inform Children;
6. Hangout With Me;
7. Giftsbook;
8. Construction and renovation in one space – „Easy UP”;
9. SmartION;
10. Helping Hand.
These 10 applications will participate in Country Panel. Winners of Country Panel will be
announced until July 16, 2019. In case of success, they will participate in International panel,
where competitors will be applicants from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan,
Kirgizstan and Uzbekistan who will also participate in international stage of the competition. In
addition, People’s Choice winner will also be chosen based on public vote. National competition
winners will be awarded £ 3,000 cash prize, public choice winner will receive £ 2,000 cash
prize, winners in all categories will travel to London Metropolitan University for study visit.
The programme is fully funded by British Council.
Detailed information about the competition see here.
“Creative Spark” is a five year initiative that supports international university and institutional
partnerships to develop enterprise skills and creative economy. The programme will be
implemented in United Kingdom, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan
and Kyrgyzstan.
At Georgian Technical University interested persons could be involved in the project in two
ways:
1. New Business Idea – Generating students’ ideas and participating in Big Idea Challenge
international pitch competition has already been completed;
2. Working on real business project – Which involved working on real cases of existing
businesses in partnership with business representatives and mentorship of professors.
This direction of the project is not yet completed, it is still being processed and will be
implemented in the second stage of the project. (This part of the project is implemented
as analogue to existing, successful Keele Research and Innovation Support Programme“
(KRISP) initiative. Which was created to support close cooperation between educational
institutions and business sector in UK. It should be noted, that any interested person can
still become involved in this activity.
The institutional coordination of the project at Georgian Technical university is jointly
implemented by International Relations and Standards Office and Commercialization
Department. The main partners of the project at GTU are GTU Students’ Self-Government and
Department of Social Affairs, Sports and Culture.
For any additional information about the competition, please contact GTU Innovations Centre
(International Relations and Standards Office. GTU Adm. Build. 2nd floor, room 221-223).
Project Creative Spark – Project Launch Event
On February 19-22, within the framework of British Council’s “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme” project, representatives from Keele University (UK) visited Georgian Technical University: Project coordinator at Keele University, Prof. David Collins and “Innovation Adviser” of the project Philippa Chapman.
It should be noted, that GTU, with the status of partner university, won British Council grant competition: “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme” with Keele University (Great Britain).
The aim of the British colleagues planned visit at GTU was to analyze project ongoing activities and conduct preliminary monitoring.
In addition, on February 22, with the participation of British partners, Project Launch Event was held at Georgian Technical University, organized by GTU International Relations and Standards Office. The representatives of business organizations, students and Professors, as well as the representatives of GTU administration took part in the event.
The event was conducted by round table principle. Representatives of business organizations emphasized the importance of similar projects and expressed their willingness to be actively engaged in it. British partners shared their experience in the implementation of similar projects over the years at Keele University and presented achieved results.
During the visit British guests took part in various activities held at Georgian Technical University: they had meeting with GTU Students Self-Government representatives and got acquainted with the activities of the Students Self-Government.
English partners also held a working meeting in GTU FAB LAB and media-lab “StuNET” and received detailed information about ongoing processes and activities.
The project with the partnership between GTU and Keele University, aims to:
• Develop entrepreneurial skills in students and young people employed in creative industry.
• Support new businesses with the help of incubation process.
• Share knowledge.
Plans for the first year (2019) within the project:
– Trainings for entrepreneurial skills development (for teachers, students and graduates);
– Develop 10 business ideas by the moderation of experts (trainers);
– Incubate these business ideas;
– Organize international online competition of business ideas;
– Offer online English language courses to students and staff.
Students can join the project in two ways:
1. Presenting their own business ideas – The project envisages generation and practical implementation of student ideas, through incubation and consultations with professors.
2. Working on a Real Business Project – cooperation with business sector, processing real business cases and design solutions to business goals, through consultation with business representatives and professors.
GTU students, academic and administrative staff as well as the graduates, who have innovative entrepreneurial ideas and want to share their ideas with real business proposals or wish to work on real business projects, can participate in the project.
Those who are willing to participate, can be involved both individually and in team principle (in case of the team it is possible to have a maximum of 3 members in the team).
As for the business sector participation in the project, this project is intended for the persons and business sector representatives (SMEs) who are thinking or creating a new product, process or service.
GTU academic staff also have the opportunity to participate in the project. As a project manager and in cooperation with students and business sector they can prepare real projects, which will eventually be presented at the local and international pitch competitions organized by British Council.
For the people involved in the project, who will be able to submit the completed projects (in total 10 projects) at the final stage, various motivational measures are taken into consideration.
The institutional coordination of the project at Georgian Technical university is jointly implemented by GTU International Relations and Standards Office and GTU Commercialization Department. The project is implemented under the auspices of GTU Innovations Center.
Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme project is implemented in Great Britain, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The programme is entirely funded by the British Council.
Project Creative Spark – ToT Course Opening Event
On January 10, at Georgian Technical University was conducted ToT Training Course opening event within British Council “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme”, organized by GTU International Relations and Standards Office.
It should be noted, that GTU, with the status of partner university, won British Council grant competition: “Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme” with Keele University (Great Britain).
The project with the partnership between GTU and Keele University, aims to:
• Develop entrepreneurial skills in students and young people employed in creative industry.
• Support new businesses with the help of incubation process.
• Share knowledge.
Plans for the first year (2019) within the project:
– Trainings for entrepreneurial skills development (for teachers, students and graduates);
– Develop 10 business ideas by the moderation of experts (trainers);
– Incubate these business ideas;
– Organize international online competition of business ideas;
– Offer online English language courses to students and staff.
Among the event participants were Dr. Colin Rigby (Keele University); Mr. Giorgi Razmadze, Project Coordinator (British Council); Ms. Larisa Pataraia (managing partner at Start Business Solution); Prof. Zurab Gasitashvili, GTU Deputy Rector for Science and other representatives of GTU administration as well as GTU Professor-teachers and students.
Dr. Rigby and Mr. Razmadze made the presentation about the Creative Spark Project and its future planned activities. Ms. Pataraia delivered the lecture about Georgian Start Up opportunities and challenges.
According to the activities planned within the framework of the Georgian-British project, Train the Trainers (ToT) course will be conducted at Georgian Technical University on January 10-14, led by the project British partners. The aim of these activities is to facilitate professional development of university staff and train the trainers and moderators of relevant qualifications, in order to share gained knowledge and experience with their colleagues and students for successful implementation of the project activities.
Erasmus+ – Teaching and Training Mobility Activities of Keele University Professors at GTU
27-10-2018
On 24 – 28 September, Prof. Philippa Chapman and Prof. David Collins from Keele University visited Georgian Technical University within ongoing Erasmus+ ICM project, coordinated by Keele University (UK).
English guests are Professors at School of Computing and Mathematics of Keele University. They visited GTU for Erasmus+ teaching and training mobility activities.
During the mobility stay at GTU, Professors from Keele University met academic staff and PhD students of the Faculty of Informatics and Control Systems. At the meetings were discussed various issues in entrepreneurship and industry relations, industry links as well as sharing experience in teaching and learning process of Higher Education entrepreneurship system in UK.
Academic collaboration issues, best practice and UK models of working were considered during the intense working meetings at GTU International Relations and Standards Office. Herewith English Professors together with their colleagues from the Office had been working on the details of new joint project proposal within Creative Spark Partnership Fund and its Creative Spark: Higher Education Enterprise Programme.