February 19, 2026

Georgia’s technology sector is entering a decisive phase — and ICTA’s first quarterly meeting of 2026 reflected exactly that urgency.

On February 19, member companies, institutional partners, and sector leaders gathered at Hive Moedani for an evening built around one central question: where is Georgia’s technology ecosystem headed, and what will it take to get there?

Setting the Stage

The evening opened with a panel discussion on Georgia’s positioning as a regional technology hub — covering policy, investment, and innovation. The conversation brought together voices from parliament, government agencies, and the private sector, underscoring a growing consensus: ICT is no longer a peripheral sector. It is becoming central to Georgia’s economic competitiveness, and the institutions shaping that environment are increasingly aligned on its importance.

Market Intelligence and Talent Development

Galt & Taggart’s Senior Research Analyst presented a data-driven outlook on IT sector trends, offering members a grounded view of where the market is heading and what conditions are defining Georgia’s competitive position regionally. This was followed by the presentation of the Georgian Tech Olympiads Hub — a BTU-led initiative that speaks directly to one of the sector’s most persistent challenges: building a pipeline of technical talent that meets industry demand.

2025 in Review, 2026 in Focus

ICTA Chairman Tornike Sulaberidze closed the formal program with an honest review of 2025 — what was achieved, what the association learned, and what comes next. The 2026 priorities are clear: deepen institutional engagement, grow the membership base, and position ICTA as a structured driver of ecosystem development rather than a coordination platform alone.

Looking Ahead

What the Q1 meeting made evident is that the groundwork is in place. The conversations happening inside ICTA — between companies, institutions, and policymakers — are the kind that translate into regulatory progress, talent investment, and long-term sector growth. 2026 is the year those conversations become measurable outcomes.

Stay connected with ICTA for updates on upcoming initiatives, events, and the next steps in advancing Georgia’s digital economy.

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Georgia’s technology sector stands at a critical juncture. While the country has established itself as an emerging tech hub in the region, challenges remain that could determine whether it reaches its full potential or falls behind competitors.

At ICTA’s recent quarterly meeting held at Radio City, industry leaders gathered to discuss three pressing issues that continue to shape the sector’s trajectory: IT residency programs, the development of the Informatics hub, and persistent internet quality challenges. These conversations revealed not just technical hurdles, but fundamental questions about infrastructure, policy, and Georgia’s competitive positioning in the global tech marketplace.

Discussions at ICTA’s quarterly meeting focused on the structural factors shaping the future competitiveness of Georgia’s tech sector, including regulatory frameworks, ecosystem coordination, and infrastructure readiness.

Particular attention was given to the recently introduced IT residence permit, which was presented as an important step toward attracting and retaining international technology professionals by offering clearer, longer-term residency pathways for qualified specialists.

The meeting also featured the presentation of the Digital Innovation Roadmap, outlining priority directions for coordinated ecosystem development and closer alignment between the private sector, educational institutions, and policymakers.

At the same time, participants emphasized that persistent challenges related to internet quality, stability, and nationwide coverage continue to affect companies operating at scale or serving global markets, underscoring the need for further infrastructure improvements to support sustainable growth and investment attractiveness.

Looking Ahead

The discussions at Radio City reaffirmed that Georgia’s tech ecosystem is poised for growth, with strong human capital and increasing global interest. ICTA remains committed to supporting dialogue and collaboration that translate into tangible outcomes. By addressing regulatory frameworks, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering ecosystem-wide partnerships, Georgia can overcome current obstacles and accelerate its development as a vibrant regional tech hub.

Stay connected with ICTA for updates on initiatives, collaborations, and the next steps in advancing Georgia’s digital economy.

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A central theme of the meeting was regulatory development. Participants received updates on planned changes in technological regulations, offering valuable insight into the evolving policy landscape that will shape the operating environment for tech companies in Georgia. This information is essential for businesses aiming to navigate the sector effectively and remain aligned with national digital priorities.

The agenda also included a panel discussion “Fostering the Development of the Technological Ecosystem in Georgia.” The session featured voices from the public and private sectors, as well as academia, who shared their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in building a resilient and forward-thinking tech ecosystem. The conversation emphasized the need for greater coordination, innovation, and long-term investment in talent and infrastructure.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ICTA and the America-Georgia Business Council. This agreement aims to strengthen international collaboration, encourage knowledge sharing, and open up new pathways for investment and partnership between Georgian and American tech communities.

In the area of professional development, Skillwill introduced a new offer tailored to ICTA members, focusing on building practical digital skills that meet industry demands. This initiative responds directly to the sector’s growing need for qualified talent and supports continuous learning within tech companies.

Another major highlight was the presentation of Georgia’s first Industrial PhD Program, set to launch in September 2025. The program is designed to bridge academic research with real-world industry challenges, offering professionals an opportunity to pursue doctoral studies while contributing to innovation within their organizations. This marks a significant step in aligning higher education with market needs and encouraging research-driven progress.

The meeting reaffirmed ICTA’s ongoing role in connecting stakeholders, promoting knowledge exchange, and driving strategic progress within Georgia’s technology sector. As the country continues to develop its digital capabilities, ICTA’s quarterly gatherings remain an essential mechanism for building alignment and supporting sustainable growth.

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Participants from various member companies came together for a day of sport and camaraderie, highlighting the community spirit within the ICT sector.

Congratulations to DataArt, who emerged as the champions of the tournament.

This event is part of ICTA’s ongoing efforts to foster stronger connections among its members through diverse and dynamic initiatives beyond the professional environment.

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This dynamic and inclusive event created a space where participants could openly share their journeys in the tech industry—highlighting achievements, lessons learned, and the challenges they’ve faced along the way. The atmosphere encouraged networking, mentorship, and mutual support among women at various stages of their careers.

The ICT Association of Georgia is proud to support this important initiative, which plays a vital role in promoting women’s active participation in the ICT sector. By backing the Tech Women Community, the association reaffirms its commitment to diversity and inclusion while helping create new opportunities for women in technology across Georgia.

This is just the beginning—more events and programs are planned to further empower and connect women in tech.

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As part of this strategic alliance, a series of informative events, training programs, and panel discussions will be organized specifically for BTU students. These initiatives are designed to provide students with practical knowledge, exposure to current industry trends, and opportunities to engage directly with ICT professionals.

The first joint event was held on March 20, featuring a panel discussion on the topic:
“Educational Sector and ICT Industry Cooperation to Improve the Technological Ecosystem.”
The session brought together experts from both academia and the tech sector, who shared insights on how collaboration can address existing challenges, align educational outcomes with market needs, and ultimately contribute to a more robust digital landscape in Georgia.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of BTU and the ICT Association to equip the next generation of professionals with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving ICT field.

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During the opening session, the ICTA Board outlined the organization’s key priorities for the upcoming year. These included initiatives focused on enhancing digital infrastructure, supporting talent development, and advocating for a more favorable regulatory environment for ICT companies in Georgia.

A representative from EY Georgia delivered a compelling presentation on the current landscape of personal data processing, addressing both legal obligations and best practices for ensuring data protection compliance. The session sparked valuable discussions among members, especially in light of evolving data privacy regulations.

One of the central highlights of the meeting was a panel discussion dedicated to bridging the gap between industry needs and the academic sector. Representatives from leading tech companies and educational institutions exchanged views on how to better align curricula with market demands, improve internship and employment pathways for students, and encourage collaborative research and development efforts.

The event concluded with an engaging presentation from D Block about their latest project, Radio City, showcasing innovative uses of technology in urban environments.

To further strengthen ties between academia and the ICT sector, the meeting culminated with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the ICT Association of Georgia and Caucasus University. This agreement marks a significant step toward collaborative initiatives in education, research, and workforce development.

The post ICTA Annual Members’ Meeting Highlights Strategic Vision and Strengthens Industry Partnerships appeared first on Georgian ICT Association.

Building Momentum for Georgia’s Tech Ecosystem

In his opening remarks, Tornike Sulaberidze, Chairman of ICTA, outlined the day’s agenda and emphasized the importance of strengthening the local tech industry through cooperation and international engagement. “Today, we explore key issues concerning the future of the Georgian technology industry, including the role of US tech companies in the local market,” Sulaberidze noted.

Ani Dabrundashvili, Director of D Block, added: “We believe that innovation flourishes in spaces where partnership and openness are encouraged. That’s the environment we’re working to create here.”

Spotlight on US-Georgia Tech Relations

A major highlight of the meeting was a session on bilateral tech relations between Georgia and the United States, led by Giorgi Tsikolia, Vice President of Lineate, and Marc Nordberg from the US Embassy. Tsikolia presented compelling data, noting that US tech companies have created 8,000–9,000 high-paying jobs in Georgia over the past three years, contributing 2–2.5 billion GEL annually to the national economy. These companies primarily export services to the U.S., offering salaries three times higher than the local average—a clear indicator of the sector’s growing international relevance.

Exploring AI’s Role in Economic Transformation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was a central topic during a panel moderated by Natia Sirbiladze, ICTA Board Member. Zaal Gachechiladze, CEO and Co-Founder of AI Lab, provided an insightful look into AI’s potential to drive economic growth and transform industries in Georgia.

As AI adoption accelerates globally, local players see Georgia as a promising hub for AI talent development, research, and innovation.

Empowering Women in Tech

The event also underscored the importance of gender diversity in the technology sector. Maria Voskanyan, Chapter Director of Women in Tech® Georgia, emphasized the need to break down barriers for women in the field. “The tech sector thrives with diverse perspectives. We must empower women to take on leadership roles,” she said.

New Partnerships for the Future

The meeting concluded with the signing of two key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs):

• ICTA and Women in Tech Georgia committed to building a more inclusive tech community through mentorship, advocacy, and joint initiatives.

• ICTA and D Block formalized a partnership to strengthen cooperation and foster innovation between the two organizations.

“These agreements are essential steps toward a stronger, more collaborative tech ecosystem,” said Sulaberidze. “Together, we can build a future where Georgia is recognized as a regional innovation hub.”

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Avtandil Kasradze, Chairman of the Georgian Innovation and Technology Agency (GITA), Tornike Zirakishvili, Deputy Director of “Enterprise Georgia”, and Tamuna Koriauli from the Tourism Administration were present. They provided important updates on the upcoming reforms within their respective agencies.

Galt & Taggart delivered an informative presentation on the findings of their Tech sector research, offering an intricate analysis of the IT sector’s performance in 2023.

Member of the board, Natia Sirbiladze, announced the association’s plan to introduce an educational platform featuring training resources and courses from member companies.

Furthermore, “Enterprise Georgia” presented a new program tailored to support IT companies through state funding and facilitate their participation in international events. This initiative is designed to aid Georgian IT companies in expanding their client base while remaining attuned to global trends.

Avtandil Kasradze discussed the rapid growth of Georgia’s IT sector and outlined the agency’s new strategies under GITA 2.0. The plans include augmenting investments in research and development, fostering innovation, and enacting new legislation to lend support to startups and SMEs through tax reliefs and incentives for research activities.

The ICT Association of Georgia is resolutely committed to fostering a collaborative environment for its members and propelling the nation’s technological advancements forward.

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Under the memorandum, the Association will provide comprehensive support to KIU students, including internships, educational practices, and employment opportunities. The collaboration extends to implementing KIU’s academic programs, including cybersecurity training programs supported by USAID.

Moreover, the partnership aims to foster advancements in science, engineering, and technology (STEM) fields. This will contribute to forming an innovation ecosystem within the region, nurturing human capital and driving economic growth. This initiative aligns with KIU’s broader mission, supported by international and local partners, to become an entrepreneurial hub and cultivate skilled professionals poised to drive economic growth and development in Georgia.

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