How the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Is Investing in Armenia’s Scientific Future

In Armenia, conversations about nation-building often centre on defense, infrastructure, and diaspora support. But one area rarely gets the attention it deserves, yet quietly underpins all the others: science. 

From education and research to innovation, science plays a vital yet often overlooked role in shaping Armenia’s future. Recognizing this, the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation has spent the past several years backing science-driven projects that strengthen the country from the ground up.

These initiatives don’t always get the spotlight, but they’re making a real impact. Whether it’s supporting Armenia’s first satellite launch or helping communities tackle water issues through hands-on technical training, the Foundation is helping lay the groundwork for long-term scientific growth and the people who will lead it.

Supporting a Culture of Innovation

Among the initiatives supported by the Foundation in this space is Gituzh, a grassroots science advocacy and policy initiative launched in 2021. Backed by over 190 company founders and 24 associations from Armenia’s private sector and academic community, Gituzh promotes systemic reform in Armenia’s research and development (R&D) landscape.

In 2024, the Foundation helped support Science Week, Gituzh’s flagship effort to spark public interest in science. Held each October, the week-long annual event tackled a major challenge in Armenia: the lack of awareness and excitement around science and R&D. By bringing together researchers, students, educators, and policymakers, it showcased the value of science in everyday life and aimed to inspire a new generation of Armenians to pursue careers in the field.

Gituzh operates along two key tracks: advocacy for science policy reform and public engagement through workshops, festivals, and journalism bootcamps. Over two consecutive years, Gituzh has partnered with Yerevan State University (YSU) and the ISTC Foundation to train emerging science and technology journalists, further contributing to a more informed and engaged public.

“Hovnanian’s support for Science Week 2024 and the development and launch of Hayasat-1—the first satellite created in Armenia—was crucial to their success, and it reflects a crucial shift,” says Tigran Shahverdyan, co-founder of Gituzh and board member of Bazoomq Space Research Laboratory, which has also received funding from the Foundation. “Armenian organizations and individuals have long been active in funding educational projects. However, we haven’t paid enough attention to an adjacent domain: strengthening Armenia’s R&D application capacity to meet its challenges,” he says. 

According to Shahverdyan, there are significant gaps in the field, including building institutional capacity to formulate strategic R&D projects, defining the types of scientific and engineering talent the country needs, and inspiring youth to pursue professions where they can serve Armenia in a truly meaningful way. “Investing in closing these gaps is essential to Armenia’s security and prosperity,” he says. 

Space Research from the Ground Up

In a strategic continuation of this vision, the Foundation has supported Bazoomq, a leading force in Armenia’s growing aerospace scene. Founded by astrophysicist Avetik Grigoryan and his team, Bazoomq was instrumental in the development of Hayasat-1, Armenia’s first satellite. With the Foundation's help, the organization was able to upgrade and expand its satellite ground station, a critical component for collecting and processing data, and laying the groundwork for future space missions. The bigger picture? Building lasting infrastructure for research, education, and even commercial space projects right here in Armenia.

Bazoomq’s work is rooted in the belief that space science is not only about reaching orbit, but about building interdisciplinary knowledge, training new generations of scientists, and putting Armenia on the map as a contributor to global scientific progress. 

Investing in Science Through Workforce Development

The Foundation’s commitment to science goes beyond theory. In recent years, it has backed several hands-on technical training programs designed to bridge the gap between education and employment in scientific and technical fields.

The Foundation’s commitment to science goes beyond theory. In recent years, it has backed several hands-on technical training programs designed to bridge the gap between education and employment in scientific and technical fields.

One recent example is the Foundation’s partnership with the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) to launch a workforce development program in Syunik focused on sustainable energy. The initiative provides hands-on training in solar energy system design, installation, and maintenance, specifically targeting displaced individuals from Artsakh, as well as local youth and adults. Over the span of a year, at least 50 participants will gain practical skills and job placement support, thanks to collaborations with local businesses. Additionally, the project will establish Energy Education Centers in Sisian and Goris, and formalize a new green energy curriculum at one of the regional colleges.

Meanwhile, up in Armenia’s northern Tavush region, the Foundation is working with JINJ Engineering & Consulting to provide hands-on technical training for local utility workers. The goal is straightforward: ensure the drinking water systems in Berd and nearby villages are correctly maintained for the long term. Through these training sessions, municipal staff are learning key skills, such as pipe welding, repairing pump stations, and following proper chlorination procedures, ensuring that past infrastructure investments continue to serve their communities well into the future.

Notably, one of the engineers involved in this project, Mher Kelian, is a second-year iGorts Fellow and a graduate of the Hovnanian Public Service Fellowship. As an iGorts Fellow, he worked for the Water Committee of the Republic of Armenia. His continued engagement in the field is a reflection of the Foundation’s investment not only in programs, but in the people who implement them.

Building Capacity for the Energy Transition

The National Polytechnic University of Armenia (NPUA) is also playing an important role, with support from the Foundation. In anticipation of a new law requiring industrial facilities to undergo regular energy audits starting in 2025, NPUA launched the Energy Audit Capacity Building Program to help fill the skills gap.

Through a mix of short- and long-term courses, the program is training at least 700 people in energy auditing, efficiency, and renewable energy practices. Participants range from industry professionals looking to sharpen their skills to unemployed and early-career individuals hoping to break into the field. Special attention is being paid to regional inclusion and gender balance, with dedicated programs for women and youth in Armenia’s provinces.

The program also includes partnerships with private companies to offer internships and job placements, ensuring the training aligns with actual labour market needs.

A Broader Strategy for Impact

These grants may focus on different areas—such as space, energy, water, and education—but they all point in the same direction: using science to build a stronger, more resilient Armenia.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation is doing this by backing local teams that know the challenges firsthand and are committed to the long haul. It’s a quiet, steady kind of support; less about headlines, more about real change.

In a country facing serious economic and geopolitical pressures, having skilled scientists, engineers, and technical experts might just be one of Armenia’s biggest strengths. And thanks to efforts like these, that strength is starting to grow.

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Coming Soon: The HIVE AI Forum

As Armenia quietly builds capacity in science, energy, and education, its tech sector is preparing for a bold leap forward.

In late spring 2026, the HIVE AI Forum will return with a sharpened focus on artificial intelligence and the future of Armenian innovation. 

Backed by the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, the Forum will feature immersive AI demonstrations, curated startup showcases, and high-impact networking that brings together founders, investors, and experts from across the globe!

Stay tuned!