Artsakh STEAM Fest 2024 will take place on October 6, 2024 in Yerevan. The main goal of the fest is to promote STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) education, project-based learning, collaboration and networking among participants, educators, industry professionals and organizations.

IMPACT

1. Growing interest in STEAM areas.

2. Promotion of project-based learning.

3. Stimulating innovation and creativity

4. Creating a collaborative network.

5. Showcasing local talent.

6. Long-term educational impact.

7. Community engagement and empowerment.

8. Recognition and support of fantastic ideas.

PROBLEM

• Non-sufficient engagement among learners and young professionals in STEAM fields in comparison with the potential of Armenia.
• Limited opportunities for hands-on, project-based learning and real-world application of STEAM knowledge.
• Lack of collaboration and networking between local talent, educators and industry professionals.
• The underrepresentation of the arts in the traditional STEM framework downgrading creativity and innovation.
• A need for community-based initiatives that can promote economic and social development through STEAM activities.

SOLUTION

In order to solve the above mentioned issues and needs, we organized the "Artsakh STEM Expo" exhibition in Martakert city in 2022, which was attended by around 400 participants from RA and Artsakh. Last year we organized the "Artsakh STEM Expo 2023" exhibition in Stepanakert, which was attended by around 150 participants. Those were only from Artsakh, as it was in blockade.

Artsakh STEM Expo 2022 statistics:

• Number of participants from RA: 130,
• Number of participants aged 15-25 (including participants from RA): 204.
• 10 groups participated in the exhibition presenting scientific, engineering and technological projects.
• 4 teams that participated in the «Competition of Ideas» had mentors who worked with the teams to develop their ideas.
• Team Bitty, which won in the idea contest, raised $5,500 during the expo and beyond to develop their idea. And they started to implement their project in Martakert in 2023 and restarted it in Yerevan in 2024.

Artsakh STEM Expo 2023 statistics:

• The number of participants aged 15-25 is 70.
• 8 groups participated in the exhibition representing scientific, engineering and technological projects and works.
• 4 teams that participated in the ideas' competition had mentors and coaches who worked with the teams on the development and implementation of their ideas.
• The young people of Maghavuz and Chankatagh villages of Martakert region, won the 2nd and 3rd place in the competition, jointly launched the "Luys" youth center in Yerevan and Masis city.

STEAM Fest 2024 is a platform to promote STEAM education, innovation and collaboration among students, professionals and educators. The goal is to generate interest in STEAM fields and encourage project-based learning with a focus on creating a generation of creative and technically skilled individuals who can contribute to Armenia's growth and development.

Artsakh STEAM Fest includes several components:

1. STEM - TALKs

Thematic top speakers related in science, technology, engineering and business will present their experience and work, as well as present the opportunities, new trends, professions in the field to the participants.

STEM-TALKS provide an opportunity to create connections for cooperation among beginners and professionals who have achieved certain successes.

2. Panel discussion titled "The importance of project implementation experience".

The 3 invited panelists will answer the questions and present their vision on the activation of the field.

3. Ideas' Fest

The purpose of the ideas fest is to promote the active and initiative groups in Armenia, to create connections with scientific, engineering, technological and IT companies, creating an opportunity for mentoring.

Groups that have a project idea can participate in the competition. The minimum age limit for the participants is 12 years old. The teams presenting the 3 best ideas chosen by the jury will win the competition, and they will be offered incubation and acceleration programs and cash prizes. The names of the winners will be announced on October 6, during the closing ceremony of the Fest.

TEAM

Artavazd Boyajyan - օrganizer of "Artsakh STEM Expo 2022" and "Artsakh STEM Expo 2023", teacher of mathematics, graduate ambassador of Teach for Armenia educational foundation.

Gayane Achemyan - Erickson Coaching International graduate, ICF coach, MEM mentor, Artsakh Stem Expo 2023 mentor/coach

Nikolay Gerasimenko - Co-founder of ICF Armenia branch, ICF coach, manager and mentor

Hrachuhi Mirzoyan - Strategic communications and personal branding professional. Has been implementing projects for over 20 years, helping businesses and individuals create and tell their best story.

BUDGET

• "Food expenses for volunteers " 30,000
• "Print and Visibility" 408500
• Prize for the winning teams of the "Ideas Competition" 180,000
• "miscellenious items" 111400
•  "venue rental" 100,000
• "Other expenses" 150,000

Total: 979900

FAQ

1. What is STEAM Fest 2024?

Answer:

STEAM Fest 2024 is designed to inspire and engage participants in the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). It includes STEAM conversations and an ideas’ contest aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration.

2. Who can participate in STEAM Fest 2024?

Answer:

Pupils, students, educators and others interested in STEAM subjects aged 12 and above are welcome to participate.

3. What will participation in the festival give me?

Answer:

1. Inspiration and Knowledge

2. Skill Development

3. Networking Opportunities

4. Visibility and Recognition

5. Mentorship and Guidance

6. Empowerment and Motivation

7. Cultural and Community Engagement

8. Opportunities to use soft skills.

4. How to register for the event?

Answer:

Registration for the event will open in September. You can follow us on the STEM Artsakh Facebook page.

5. What are the criteria for the ideas' contest?

Answer:

The competition of ideas will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Integration between disciplines

2. Relevance to real-world problems

3. Stimulation of interdisciplinary thinking

4. Availability and use of resources

5. Realistic timeline and milestones

6. Technical and logistical viability

7. Sustainability

8. Impact

9. Presentation and Communication

10. Teamwork

6. Is there an entrance fee for participation?

Answer:

No, there is no entry fee to attend STEAM Fest 2024. The event is free for all participants.

7. Will the event be held online or offline?

Answer:

The Artsakh STEAM Fest 2024 will be held offline. However, some components of the event, such as the talks, may also be streamed online.

8. How will the winners of the ideas contest be announced?

Answer:

Winners will be announced during the closing ceremony on the day of the event. The winning teams will receive prizes and have the opportunity to have mentors who will support the development of the idea and facilitate its implementation.

9. Will there be contact opportunities?

Answer:

Yes, during STEAM Fest 2024 there will be many opportunities for you to meet, interact with STEAM professionals, educators and partners.

10. How can I contact the organizers for more information?

Answer:

You can contact us via Facebook page (STEM Artsakh) or via email at artsakhstemexpo@gmail.com. We are happy to answer any further questions you may have.

11. How can we support the project apart from the financial aspect?

Answer:

You can become a mentor for our ideas' competition teams, support in the steps of idea development and implementation. If you are a representative of any STEAM company, you or your company can become a partner and support further participating teams.