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Georgian Young Inventors Launch App that Helps to Find Lost Valuable Items 

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The hackathone ,,Gemification&Entertainment”, orginized by Garage48, ended on December 11. Within the frameworks of the event up to 100 participants with the help of Estonian mentors performed own innovative ideas during 48 hours.

The team of the company ARX, staffed by several members, has become the best technical team of the project. In a very short period of time the team members managed to create a sophisticated application called “Ladybug”, which will help users to locate valuable objects when lost.

One of the authors of the idea Nika Devashvili discussed the new application with “Doctrina” .

Ladybug – the application by Georgian young inventors will help people to find their lost objects. This is the system, where any person is able to take pictures of various items (for example a card, a phone, a wallet, a watch and so on) and upload them to the mentioned application, and then the app uses the algorithms of the computer to memorize them and, if any object is lost, and even a completely unknown person finds it, the founder will just need to look at the item with the app camera and contact to its owner immediately.

The application has one more function  of „Pokemon GO“ type, where the people, who have lost their items, are able to indicate approximate place, where the object was lost and to impose any promotional present for those, who will find the lost item. “If any user has lost a memory card with the important files, he\she can put on the map the place, where his/her item was lost and impose, for example, a certain cash prize for the founder. Those people who have free time and are close to the location can start searching for the lost item and the one, who finds the item first will be presented by the owner and will be awarded a new rank in our application,” – Nika explained.

In addition, for example, if you find a lost card, you can see how the cardholder actually looks and can easily connect to him/her through chat.

The author of “Ladybug” is the company “ARX” which consists of 5 members, among them are university and school students. Young people have earned the title of the best technical team in the hackathon, since the mentor and jury consider that it is almost impossible to create a similar product within 48 hours , but the youngsters have successfully completed the challenge and the application created by them will be available from February 10  on the App Store for iOS and Android devices.

Author: Tamar Devdariani

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

 

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AstronomyGEORGIAinnovation

“Cyanocirculation” – How to Create Oxygen on Mars – Winning Project of Space  Hackathon

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The idea of Georgian young inventors on the creation of oxygen on Mars, is the winner of the space  hackathon.

 The final stage of the project “Space Hackathon”, organized by the non-governmental organization “Laboratory of Democracy”, took place on December 13. Young people throughout the country (aged 18 to 25) were able to participate in the competition. As for the main topic of the hackathon, it was colonization of Mars and participating teams should elaborate ideas on this issue. “Everywhere Always” – the team of two young inventors, Davit Khutsishvili and Salome Tatoshvili, who are from Akhaltsikhe region of Georgia, has become the winner of the contest. “Doctrina” has interviewed the friends about their success.

 Davit Khutsishvili and Salome Tatishvili are 18 years old students. Davit Khutsishvili studies in the department of chemistry / biochemistry at San Diego State University chemistry, while Salome Tatishvili studies medicine at Ivane Javakhishvili State University. Therefore, they say that the scientific achievements are very important and good challenge for them, therefore, the friends have decided to participate in the contest. It’s notable that their project – “”Cyanocirculation” has become the winner of the  hackathon,  a contest among the 30 participants . Their  project was highly appreciated by one of the members of the the jury, former astronaut woman – Heide  Piper.

  The friends have decided to create oxygen using “Cyanocirculation”  on Mars. First of all they used  ultraviolet radiation protective glass and solar panels, which collect energy in the battery that transforms into light energy enabling the cyanobacteria to produce oxygen. “The process needs the soil enriched with organic and inorganic compounds, so we will use Martian soil and additional faeces, because human excrements contain water and minerals, which is absolutely enough for viability of cyanobacteria, ” – Davit Khutsishvili said.

It is notable that human faeces contain a variety of bacteria, they are “rivals” for cyanide baceria, therefore until the fecal masses move to hermetic environment, the friends decided to resist them with UV rays and low temperature resulting the dry freezing, just following the process processed fecal masses will enter the mentioned system.

“After taking oxygen it is necessary to control it in our closed system, for this we have created the clock with a built-in mechanism measuring O2 in the blood. The mechanism is  multi-functional one, it also has temperature, moisture and pulse measurement sensors. Thus, we can not only create oxygen, light energy and soil, but also control theem using the compact clock, ” – Davit Khutsishvili said.

    It is noteworthy that this is not the first victory for Davit Khutsishvili and Salome Tatishvili, they diserved the first place in the project “Your Voice Our Future” and have had a five-day visit to Rome.

     This time, with the support of TBC Bank, they will travel to the Netherlands to visit the space agency museum “Space Expo” and to spend some unforgettable days there.

   As for their future plans, the team plans to go on the chosen road and promote science among young people.

 

Author: Tamar Devdariani

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

 

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GEORGIAinnovationTechnology

16-year-old Georgian Inventor’s Platform Allows Remote Access to Personal Files

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10 best startups took part in the final stage of the startup competition – “Seedstars Tbilisi 2017“. Online platform “Deskomy” was among them. It allows any registered person to access the data stored in an own computer from any location via the website.

16-year-old Luka Kvavilashvili is the author of the startup. “Doctrina” has interviewed him. 

  • Luka, when and why the idea of creating “Deskomy” began?

– The idea of creating the “Deskomy” came to me in March of 2014 after I started learning  programming and I needed many of my important documents and photos to have always with me. After a while I found the so-called File Hosting websites like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and others. As soon as I used these sites, I had a question about why I could upload only my files and not my entire desktop. At the same time, the knowledge of programming that I already had, was enough to realize that fulfillment of “Deskomy” was actually possible.

– What functions are accessible for “Deskomy” customers and whether it is related to certain amounts?

–  For the time being, “Descom” is in the Beta version. Users can upload / download any type of file, to view the most types of files in the web browser (office documents, photos, videos, audio formats, PDF, photoshop, archives). Users can also share files, personalize desktop (change colors, photos and designs) and to use own e-mail in “Deskomy” in order to have files and e-mail in one space.

Registration is free, but the users are limited in memory. Customers get free 3GB memory and in case they need more volume, they will have to purchase it. We think of other business models, too, which will allow us to make the memory free and earn income from other sources (ads, paid applications, businesses, etc.).

–Creation of platform is a very difficult process, who provided it?

– For the first one year I was doing the platform alone. Later, upon my father’s initiative, I introduced my idea to “Start Business Solutions”, since that time we are closely working with its founder – Jaba Burjaliani and Project Manager – Sopho Kobaidze. They help develop and fund our idea. As for the technical side, I am working alone on it. However, with the funding of “Startup Georgia”, we will soon have other developers in order to speed up the process “Descom” development.

–What about your future plans?

– At this point, we are working on the integration of Microsoft Office in order to allow users to work on Word, Excel and PowerPoint files in the browser. In the future we plan to add a lot of features, such as chat, password files, and etc. In the future, our program will also be available on the App Store. We may launch own easy laptops, like “Chromebooks”, however, our customers will be more complete desktop than ChromeOS’s one.

 

Author: Tamar Devdariani

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

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EcologyeducationGEORGIA

Georgian Student Fights against Environmental Pollutants Using Microorganisms

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19-year-old Georgian student – Anano Mchedlishvili will work on degradation of environmental pollutants using microorganisms. She is the third-year student of the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at Tbilisi State University, where she studies ecology. 

Anano Mchedlishvili is especially interested in botany and she has decided to start her volunteer activities in the Botanical Garden. “In this period, I gained practical knowledge in addition to the theoretical knowledge gained at the university. I learned more about tropical plant care and reproduction.  In parallel to the care of plants, you monitor them and it is very interesting. Work in the Botanic Garden has brought me closer to my future profession, ”  Anano Mchedlishvili said.

Most of all, the Georgian student is concerned over the current ecological situation in Georgia. “”Environmental protection is still a secondary problem in Georgia. Nature is damaged most of all due to the predatory use of natural resources. Currently,  it is planned to conduct gold mining works on the territory of “Bneli Khevi” (black ravine) mine. Deforestation is undergoing in a large territory of the country and Fitareti Monastery, which is unique in Georgia with its frescoes, architecture and decorations, is under threat. Improvement of ecological conditions requires the whole ecological thinking of the whole society and we should try to work in this regard, “ – Anano Mchedlishvili said.

Anano Mchedlishvili is able to continue her future activity in several directions, including algology – the branch of biology concerned with the study of algae. It’s notable that nowadays, we do not have a relevant specialist in Georgia.

“Algae is quite widely used. Besides the fact that some of them are used as food, fertilizer, iodine, in the textile industry, etc., they are the main producers of organic substances in the water basins. For example, chlorella, a single –celled fresh water algae, almost completely absorbs the substances released by humans and animals. Thus, use of microorganisms in bioremediation (bioremediation involves degradation of environmental pollutants by microorganisms) causes degradation of many organic pollutants. The algae “Portieria Hornemannii” can even degrade such a toxic substance like a trinitrotoluene. Algae has not yet been studied fundamentally and this also boosts my interest,” – the Georgian student said.

According to Anano Mchedlishvili, on the background of the construction of nuclear power plants the need for radiation ecology grows rapidly. It requires a high level of nuclear physics  knowledge. The student says that she finds it difficult to make a final decision yet.  Until then, she is an executive assistant to director at the consulting company “Gergili” ltd.

The 19-year-old Georgian student tries to use the years of studying at the university fruitfully in order to overcome challenges in her own field.

 

Author: Tamar Devdariani

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina

 

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GEORGIAinnovationmedicineTechnology

Sign & Sound – Gesture Language Glove by Young Georgian Inventors

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Georgian young inventors have designed a glove that improves the lives of people with hearing and speech disorders.

The device helps individuals to communicate and integrate with the public. This is a program that will know the language of gestures, accordingly, it will translate the gesture made by the glove, while the speaker will voice the sentence.

There are three members in the team : Giorgi Bestavashvili, Beka Babunashvili and Giorgi Tskhovrebadze.

“There is the only school for hearing impaired children nearby us. We often noticed that the children talked only to each other and did not actually have contact with the public, because very few people know the sign language today. From this we got an idea, we wanted to invent a device that would help them to start communication with any person and we decided to design the gesture language translator gloves. We think this will greatly simplify their lives,” – said Beka Babunashvili.

“The glove sensors perceive user’s hand movements, translate, and then a speaker voices it. All this happens simultaneously and there is not any discomfort in conversation. The glove is very convenient and is useful in every situation. Of course, over time we will make it more and more comfortable and easy, ” – he added.

Hearing impairment can hamper a person’s intellectual development. People who have been cut off from the outside world are not able to socialize. In order the people with hearing and speech disorders to feel better about themselves, it is necessary that people around them to learn the language of gestures, which is quite difficult. Sign & Sound is an invention to benefit the public. After the development, improvement and establishment of the special glove, this problem will be solved and people with disabilities will be able to communicate with the public.

“We have been working for three months and the first month was too difficult because people with hearing disorders are not paid enough attention in Georgia. They do not have access to the Internet, to social networks, many of them are illiterate, and so they find it difficult to integrate into society. The only way to communicate with them is the language of gestures. In the future, hopefully, our idea will completely correct this situation,” – one of the members of the team Giorgi Bestavashvili said.

The team has only created the glove prototype. In the future, they are planning to obtain funding for the production of gloves.

 

Author: Nini Mshvenieridze

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

 

 

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GEORGIAinnovationTechnology

Airplane of Future- “Griffon” by 22-year-old Georgian Physicist

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  Giorgi Mchedlishvili is 22 years old Georgian physicist, whose international success has recently gained a lot of attention. The presentation of his team’s “Griffon”, the aircraft of future, will be held at NASA head office on September 26 this year.

“Doctrina” has interviewed the young physicist:

-George, first of all, tell us what the essence of “Griffon” is and how the project began? 

-“Griffon” is the model of the future commercial airplane that I have created together with my teammates. Last September, I learned from my friend, Ilon Gordon about NASA’s challenge and from the very beginning we had a very serious attitude to it, because we believed that we could make our contribution to the development of the future aeronautics. A 12-member group were working on the “Griffon”. The group consisted of three teams : engine, aerodynamics and aero design. I worked directly on optimization of engine burning and cooling systems. Just as we have improved burning, we have reduced the emission of the harmful substances by more than 80%, and correspondingly, we have satisfied the essential requirement of NASA. At the same time, improvement of the combustion system allowed us to reduce the fuel consumption by 50-60%.

-Presentation of the project at NASA’s head office is unconditionally a huge success, but, in your opinion, how will the events develop and what are your chances to release the project?

-The main purpose of the challenge was to create a commercial airplane, which implementation would be quite realistic in 2025-2035. Of course, this project includes a very serious financial calculation. The cost of our aircraft production was also competitive with regard to the prices of the market. We have worked effectively in this aspect, so in my opinion it is possible to fully implement a full or certain system (engine or aerodynamics) of this design in future airplanes.

-Giorgi, as I know, in the course of study you have your own business and you are the founder of “SAC Group”. What is your company and what should we expect from it in the near future?

-We established the “SAC Group” this summer and it is one of the first and the highest level consultation and investment services firms in the direction of agribusiness and biotechnology in Georgia and in our region. We are the official partners of the American International Agribusiness Firm, “GIC Group”, which has been involved in implementation of many successful projects throughout the world, including in collaboration with the Chinese government. Our goal is to establish new standards in the region and to develop a vital industry for Georgia. At the same time, it is also important that we have a close and friendly relationship with the founder of GIC Group, Mr. Richard Gilmour, who is a great supporter of Georgia. Richard Gilmour was a very successful advisor in the US government under different auspices. In addition, he taught at Harvard, Georgetown and at other leading universities. So, with the support of “SAC Group”, we should expect many important projects.

-Finally, perhaps, your nearest future plans are still related to “Griffon”, but it is interesting how can you imagine yourself after years or are you going to return to Georgia?

-Now it is very difficult to talk about future plans exactly, but my future is closely linked to the United States as well as to my Georgia, which will definitely get stood up by us!

 

Author: Tamar Devdariani

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

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GEORGIA

Second City under Tbilisi, which is being Destroyed

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There is the second city under Tbilisi. Its construction started from the 30s of the 20th century. In 1941, the Defense Committee of the State issued a secret order according to which the secret underground shelters were to be built for the purpose of evacuating the government.

Tunnels have acquired civil defense function over time. Today, most of the existing bunkers in Tbilisi are destroyed. They also say that the tunnel built on the initiative of Stalin and Lavrenti Beria can even stand atomic bomb. Its location is certainly not known. The underground part of the city is kept secret, so many people try to explore and see such places, they are called diggers.

“Doctrina”  has interviewed one of the diggers Luka Japaridze.

– First of all, tell us about how long you have you been studying the underground part of the city? What is your goal?

We started working about 4 years ago.  We were unified by one of the internet forums. Our team consists of four people and we do not yet think about expanding the group. As far as possible, we try to cross the Georgian borders and examine the underground places of other countries. For example, we were in Armenia recently, we visited Yerevan’s unfinished metro station “Ajapniak” and examined tunnels.

-As we know, construction of tunnels started from the 30s of the twentieth century. What purpose did they serve? It is known that they used the tunnels for civil defense, to protect from air bombing, etc. Do they have they the same feature currently?

According to our information, the first shelter was built in 1932 in Tbilisi. It is located under one of the school buildings in Tbilisi. But there is no conditions to take shelter there.  We also have information that there are about 480 underground shelters in Tbilisi and only two are ready to receive part of the population during the war. Most of the shelters were destroyed or turned into warehouses.

– We know that the location of the objects is secret, but there are several places that are known to the public. Tell us about them.

For example, the underground shelter near Rustaveli metro, which is one of the most famous places in Tbilisi. As a rule, the younger diggers are starting to work from here. The most interesting thing is that the object is of a corridor system and does not have many room. The shelter has been robbed over the years some people misappropriated a certain part and rebult them as storerooms.

-Which object has impressed you, and why? Which expedition would you choose?

-It is really difficult to pick out any object,  because when you find out any shelter and start to study it,  it’s always something different, but in my subjective opinion, the only object that is different from all the others in terms of construction, number of rooms and function is the underground shelter located  on the right shelter bank (of the river Mtkvari) . It is built in the cave. There are up to 100 rooms, and its main function was to give shelter to high-ranking officials during the war situation. It was equipped with a secret material room visitors were given special passes noting which room can they view.

– What is the benefit this area brings to the public?

– This field can bring great benefit to both the state and society. In many countries (for example, in Russia), a number of digers have been taken by security services under their control and they are involved in anti-terrorist operations. Also, this area can offer tourists urban tourism that is developed in many countries of Europe. It is possible to reconstruct objects into museums, hotels, casinos and other places where the state will have some income and the public will benefit from the renewed function of a certain object.

– How do you find similar objects?

– It’s a little difficult to explain. When you are new in this field and you know the structures, it is difficult to find something, but practice brings everything. It is enough to know what are the features of the underground object and how it is connected with the overground world, which objects were built with underground shelters and so on.

– And what about the threats?

– There is a lot of danger. Harmful substance may be ingaled or a ladder can be broken or so on. Many times I have had the cases of touching with asbestos, we have had to get rid of mercury several times, but we have not hinder our work.

– They say that many underground objects are being destroyed. Why? Have you asked anyeone for help? and what is the best way out of this difficult situation?

-They are being destroyed because of carelessness. When people were in need, radio equipment and other electrical equipment were brought from such facilities. When such valuable items were were not left, they started to sell scrap-iron. They removed the hermetic doors and almost everything that was made from metal. We have not asked for help, because they refused to open a museum at one of the objects and, therefore, we are past hope. The solution is that these places can be upgraded by another function. It is clear that most people will never be restored in the original form and can not actually fulfill the function, since these objects were designed at the level of development of that time’s devastating devices.

– What are you planning to do in this direction in the future?

We do not have a specific plan at this stage. We want to reconstruct one of the objects as a museum, where there will be stories on different objects, pictures, etc.

– There are many legends, tell us about one of them.

As for the legends, the most popular is the so-called Tbilisi Pentagram, which connects five different houses with each other, and therefore is a pentagram. There are also legends about the tunnel from one city to another. In general, we perceive them as unserious and we do not show any interest in the similar legends.

– Give advice to those who are interested in the underground city.

– I would like to advise those people, who are interested in the underground city, to start with an easy object, it will give them experience, to learn what do mercury and other dangerous materials look like, which are often found in underground objects. The most important thing is to evaluate their physical abilities, equipment and the complexity of the object.

 

Author: Nini Mshvenieridze

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

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educationGEORGIA

Peace Corps Georgia in Support of Education and Science in Georgia

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Since 2001 Peace Corps operates in Georgia. Peace Corps aims to promote World peace and friendship.

Peace Corps began its work in Georgia with the English Education program. In the framework of this program, American volunteers along their counterparts teach English in the regional schools. This program is still working successfully and more than 2000 volunteers did their bit in the development of communication skills in English language, teaching methods and resources.

Peace Corps Georgia runs two other programs as well. We Talked about these with Peace Corps Country Director, Steph Smith

-First, let us talk about the mission and aims of the organization. Which spheres are you interested in?

-Peace Corps was established in 1961 by the president of the United States John Kennedy. Currently Peace Corps operates in 64 countries promoting peace, providing technical assistance, helping people outside the United States to understand American culture, and helping Americans to understand the cultures of other countries. In Georgia Peace Corps has been working for 16 years. In any country Peace Corps starts working after being invited by the government and its will is very important. We cooperate with the ministries of Education and Science and Sports and Youth Affairs. Our aims are improving English language skills, implementing improved teaching methods and practices, developing resources and improving access to education. Thus, the biggest is the English Education Program. We have other programs as well, which are focused on youth and organizational development, as well as awareness building. The mission of Peace Corps is to provide qualified human resources to the interested countries.

–Mainly Peace Corps works in three directions – which are these directions and what are the results?

-In order to improve methods and approaches every year we do surveys and try to analyze our impact and results. Survey results are positive. Currently, Peace Corps Volunteers in Georgia work in three directions: English Education, Individual and Organizational Development and Response Program. Mainly volunteers are placed in the regions. Since 2001, we have been working with Georgian partners at schools, organizations and communities all over the country.

-How are American teachers selected and trained?

-It is not required to be professional. Each program has its criteria, but main is to have enthusiasm and wish to help others selflessly. It is very interesting that applicants do not know exactly in which country they will serve. After being accepted and placed in particular country, different kinds of trainings are held for them during 3 months. They get familiar with Georgian culture and teaching specifics, and they learn Georgian language. Most of all Volunteers are placed in small villages, where the need of assistance is higher. For two years, they leave in Georgian families. Volunteers might come from any state. This year’s group represents 32 states and most of all California. As of age, majority is young 20-29 year old, though we have older Volunteers as well, for example 75 year old. According to statistics of 2016, overall 179 volunteers worked in 10 regions of Georgia.

-While being in Georgia how do Volunteers participate in social life?

-Volunteers actively take part in social life. Some of them speak Georgian. They learn Georgian history, culture and they celebrate holidays. While being in Georgia they become goodwill ambassadors of Georgia by sharing their love of Georgia and Georgian culture to American via emails, blogs and websites. One of our volunteers in Imereti started learning poems of Galaktioni in order to learn Georgian culture even better.

-What are the teaching methods and how are Georgian students and teaching mastering the materials?

-English Education Volunteers along their Georgian colleagues try to develop English language skills for communication purposes. Volunteers and their counterparts develop critical thinking skills and raise awareness about gender issues. It is worth noting that extracurricular activities are held very often. Volunteers organize camps, different competitions and start clubs. In 2016, 7940 students attended formal lessons of English language, of which 5655 improved speaking, listening, writing and reading skills in English language. As for teachers, 189 teachers improved English communication skills.

-One of the directions is supporting organizations. What are the aims of the Individual and Organizational Development project?

-This project started in 2004 and promotes activities of individuals and organizations all over the country. Project helps Georgian citizens, especially youth, women and socially vulnerable population to improve their economic circumstances. Volunteers along their Georgian colleagues work in support of nonprofit, nongovernmental and governmental organizations, as well community groups, sustainable projects and programs. They also promote financial literacy and support development of employability skills. Volunteers and their counterparts organize different trainings and seminars. In 2016, 45 volunteers served in the framework of this program.

-What is the Response program about?

-In the framework of this program, Volunteers arrive with considerable experience and exceptional technical skills. They volunteer from 6 to 12 months. Main directions are organizational capacity development by means of management, fundraising, communication, etc, as well as individual development, English Education and improvement of professional skills of teachers.

-In partnership with USAID Peace Corps has Small Project Assistance program in support of local community development. In 2016, 9743 USD was spent, 38 projects were planned and implemented. Peace Corps promotes an understanding between Georgian and American people.

-How actively are you involved in the science development?

-Peace Corps aims to raise awareness about technologies in individuals and promotes technological development in classrooms, schools, organizations and communities. In 2015, Peace Corps Georgia launched girls empowerment initiative, which serves reinforcement of girls education and gender equality. The project already had 2000 beneficiaries. Apart from this, there are different writing contests and competitions held, both locally and internationally. We are going to keep going down this path. As for summer camps, on this season, more than 200 youth had chance to participate around Georgia. Among those camps there were GLOW Camp (girls leading our world), LIFE (Leadership, Integration, Fitness, through Education) Camp, BUILD ( Boys United in Leadership Development) Camp and SELF (Self Esteem through Leadership and Fitness)

METS (Math, Engineering, Technology and Science) Camp is interesting for its science direction. There girls and boys have access to different sciences and analyze how might math, engineering and technologies impact their lives and future.

-As for future plans, are any changes planned?

-We want to follow the path we have taken. We aren’t going to stop our projects. In the contrary, we hope to deepen our partnership and to have the local support.

 

Author:  Natalia Jalaghonia

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

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GEORGIAinnovationTechnology

Georgian WiFi Advertising Platform Putting Step into European Market

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In the modern world WiFi is a unique way to advertise and the Georgian company “Wifisher” is attempting to help different companies in promoting their products. The idea of setting up the company came up two years ago to two youngsters – Nodar Ivanidze and Davit Khosroshvili, who managed to implement it with the help of the Georgian investor.

“Doctrina” has interviewed Nodar Ivanidze about the successful initiative.

“Wifisher” is an online advertising platform that allows anyone to choose desired object for advertisement placement at the company’s website and to activate their ad in this point through a simple bank transaction.

According to Nodar Ivanidze, the platform is quite popular and effective. “The service provides us with the opportunity to interact directly with the customer. The modern man has already developed an instinct that cannot see advertisements in banners or social networks, and in these conditions, “Wifisher” creates some kind of alternative, “he notes.

“Wifisher” has an additional feature, too – cafes, restaurants, hospitals and hotels can use this system for internal communication with their consumers, for example, by means of the platform it is possible to find out how many times the user visited the site and, accordingly, loyal guests will be encouraged.

Currently, the company covers 150 objects throughout Georgia, including all airports, shopping centers, cinemas and several catering facilities. Statistically, 30% of the company’s customers use the platform to advertise their products, such as “Dunkin ‘Donuts”, “Wendy’s” and others.

“Wifisher” is the partner of almost all the largest Georgian companies, including VTB Bank, TBC Bank, tobacco and Insurance Companies, such as “Irao” and “Aldagi” and international companies – “Samsung” and “Philip Morris”.

Another advantage of the service is that the company enhances the Internet speed on all the facilities where their system operates. Special funds are allocated and the user receives much faster Internet access after viewing the advertisement.

The platform is innovative one in Georgia, but the similar programs exist abroad. Nodar Ivanidze noted that they cannot compete with their platform, so young people try to provide their service abroad. They already have partnerships in Azerbaijan and Armenia, and in the future they plan to cooperate with other countries in Europe as well as in Asia.

 

 

Author: Tamar Devdariani

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

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GEORGIAinnovation

„Optio Al “- Virtual Financial Assistant by Georgian Young Inventors

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Financial platform „OptioAl ” – developed by Georgian young inventors, is one of the successful projects of the “Start-up Georgia”. The projecthas become a winner of some international contests including  “Fincluders Startup Challenge”, held in Berlin where the team was awarded the “Most promising startup from EFSE region”.

“Doctrina” has interviewed one of the founders of the startup  -Shota Giorgobiani.

„Optio Al” platform offers a fairly simple, efficient and fun solution to financial problems. First of all, it is worth mentioning that the “Optio AI” consists of two parts :  so-called chatbot, a computer program designed to talk with, for instance,your family member or friend, and a web application, where you can get more detailed and in-depth analysis of your finances.

In order to provide consumers with effective and personalized advice, Optio-AI connects with their bank account through secure channels and analyzes the history of a given consumer’s financial data. Based on it, the user’s financial profile is created, which gives you detailed information about how much money you spend on a monthly basis, the stores and cafes you spend the most, and so on. According to Shota Giorgobiani,on the basis of this, the platform gives information about the future transactions, too. “step by step, we learn more about you and we start providing information about your estimated costs for the next week, next month and etc. Simultaneously, it helps us to assist you in planning and achieving your financial goals,” the founder said.

The idea of setting up OptioAI – the first Georgian finance chatbot, came about a year and a half ago, when friends, who now are the members of the “Optio Al” team, decided to create a tool for managing personal finances based on the analyzing the financial management methodology.

“Initially, we decided to create a Georgian product according to the Western analogues, but over time, we understood that due to the market size, setting up a just Georgian copy was pointless, therefore, the current product is designed for the global market and not only for Georgian one, because the management of personal finances is a universal challenge around the world.”

Optio AI” is currently undergoing internal testing, but in the nearest future, the number of people involved in testing will be gradually increased. The information and feedback received from them will become an indicator for the team to  achieve the desired goal and improve the product.

The team is also actively working with European partners to make financial and non-financial support from them and to properly select those countries where the product development will be the most interesting and productive.

 

Author: Tamar Devdariani

Translation: Tamar Tabatadze

 The Hall of Young Scientists & Analysts – “Doctrina”

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