2016-09-12
Kutaisi regains its function of academic center - construction process of the region's largest campus university equipped with modern infrastructure and modern laboratories will be launched in the middle of Georgia. Joint budget of the Kutaisi Campus University and Tbilisi Technological Center is 1 billion EU and is fully funded by Cartu Fund.
The presentation of the Kutaisi Campus University project was attended by the Prime Minister of Georgia. Giorgi Kvirikashvili delivered a speech and elaborated on the importance of the project. According to him, selection of Kutaisi as a venue of the campus university is not a coincidence, since centuries ago it was Kutaisi that hosted the most important academic center - Gelati Academy.
On September 12 we cannot overlook the day of murder of Ilia Chavchavadze and not commemorate his immortal spirit. As Ilia Chavchavadze would say, "science and education shall be the armament of a Georgian man". Today our meeting serves this particular purpose. Foundation of the project of epochal importance is laid down today. The largest and the most modern educational center, Campus University of unparalleled scale in the region will be founded here in Kutaisi. Selection of Kutaisi as a location for the new campus university is not accidental. Kutaisi is the city that hosted Gelati Academy centuries ago and that bore the important function of the educational center in that period," - Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted.
According to the Prime Minister, returning the function of historical and educational hub to Kutaisi was the idea of the former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, who shared his opinion with the society in 2011 when he published his "First Letter" - however, he came up with the idea even earlier.
"Today we have witnessed realization of a dream. Project that seems unattainable for so many countries is being realized in Georgia. I would like to thank Mr. Ivanishvili for this. We have a huge intellectual potential that is being recognized unequivocally. We have a talented youth that require giving a path and provision of a modern knowledge. Existence of the university will maintain and develop intellectual resource in Georgia. I believe that this university will become the academic base that will produce highly qualified professionals and scientists. This will be the people and generations that will bring a breakthrough in development and promotion of our country," - Prime Minister noted.
According to Giorgi Kvirikashvili, the Campus University accommodating 60 000 students will be constructed on the area of 140 ha and the overall space of the buildings will be 1 million sq. m. According to him, high ecologic standards, renewable energy systems, "green technologies" will be followed in the construction process and everything will be done to retain existing nature.
In his speech Prime Minister outlined the importance of university education and underlined that the main profile of the higher educational institution will be technological and technical sciences. He expressed hope that the modern infrastructure, high quality Georgian and foreign academic professionals, modern academic and research programs, joint educational and research programs with the world's leading universities will give unique opportunities to Georgian and foreign students.
"The leading universities of the US, Germany and other countries will be supporting the University in implementation of this important project. Intensive cooperation has already been launched. I believe that the environment will be the same as at the famous American and European universities. Foreign students will also be willing to study at the University of such a quality, since there are many foreign students in Georgia. We would like to increase attractiveness of our country - safe environment, our hospitality, tolerance and high living standard intertwined with the relatively low educational costs give us this opportunity. I am convinced that this Campus University will be distinguished in its potential and will become an educational hub of regional importance," - head of the Government noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted that establishment of the Campus University is in line with the Government's vision of development of the country. According to him, Government is working hard to ensure that education system fits modern demands, economic requirements and human resources are developing rapidly for the wellbeing of the country.
"As you area aware, it has become a trend to establish business incubators, innovation parks, startup-companies at the Campus Universities. Many inventions and successful businesses have been developed within the universities. We have already launched state funding of the startup project to foster Georgian entrepreneurs and young innovators. I am convinced that many interesting projects will be created at this university as well. Alongside with the major educational and scientific functions, the Campus University will contribute to the development of Kutaisi as well. Kutaisi shall regain the positions it has historically held. It has been an industrial city, where the best engineers, technologists, professionals at various areas worked. I believe that the Campus University will say its decisive word. Naturally, implementation of such a large scale project will create additional working places for residents of Kutaisi and this region at large. Many locals will be engaged in the construction process. After the Campus University becomes functional, relevant staff members will be needed and working places will be created," - Prime Minister noted.
Giorgi Kvirikashvili noted that expressed hope that Kutaisi Campus University and Tbilisi Scientific-Research Center will give a new boost to the development of higher education and science in Georgia, He thanked the author of the idea, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who will donate both facilities to the state.
"Cost of both of these projects is 1 billion EU and is completely covered by Cartu Fund. The whole cycle, starting with the projecting of the Campus and ending with its equipment and functioning of the Campus University is organized by Cartu Fund. This support will continue till the University and the state have sufficient resources to maintain the Campus University. I would like to thank Mr. Bidzina Ivanishvili for this historic project once again. This is a great gift to the Georgian people. Investment undertaken for the benefit of future generations will bring us tenfold, hundredfold the benefits to whole Georgia," - Prime Minister noted.
The presentation of the campus university was attended by the founder of Fund Cartu Bidzina Ivanishvili as well as representatives of diplomatic corps accredited in Georgia, members of international and scientific organizations, students and scientists.
The Campus University of Georgia includes: main campus that will unite educational spaces, multidisciplinary scientific and research centers, living spaces of students and invited professors as well as sports infrastructure, entertainment and recreational zone.
The Campus University accommodating 60 000 students will be constructed on the area of 140 ha and the overall space of the buildings will be 1 million sq. m.
Kutaisi Campus University will provide high-qualified specialists needed by the country for the rapid development of its economy. The main areas taught at the university will be: technologies, computer sciences, various branches of engineering, agronomy, exact and natural sciences and their interdisciplinary modern programs. Bachelor and Master Degree programs will also be offered based on the need analysis conducted by the state.
Tbilisi Technologic University and Hadron Therapy Research Center with its unique research infrastructure will become parts of the united educational system.
Fund Cartu is allocating finances essential for the projecting, construction, equipment and functioning of Kutaisi Campus University and Tbilisi Technological University and research center. Both mega complexes will be owned by the state and represent public entity.
Prime Minister's Press Office