More than 50 representatives of Diaspora are ready to develop their  startups in Armenia within the framework of the "NerUzh" program

ArmInfo.More than 50 representatives of the Armenian Diaspora declared their readiness to participate in the NerUzh program (translated from Armenian as  "potential" - Ed. note). This was stated by Minister of High-Tech  Industry Hakob Arshakyan on December 5 at a government meeting. He  recalled that within the framework of the program, winners of the  best startup ideas receive government assistance in the amount of up  to 15 million drams.

According to him, the program, which was initiated in 2018 by the  Ministry of Diaspora, is currently being implemented by the Ministry  of High-Tech Industry jointly with the office of the Chief  Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.

The program promotes not only repatriation, but also the development  of innovative directions in the RA. It is aimed at attracting young  representatives of the Armenian Diaspora to the country who have  business ideas or start-up projects and who are ready to implement  them in Armenia, having moved permanently to the RA.

As Arshakyan pointed out, this year 50 people from 14 countries of  the world - the USA, Ireland, England, France, Spain, the Czech  Republic, Russia, Egypt and others applied for participation in the  program. They will take part in seminars, get acquainted with the  business environment, investment opportunities and innovations.

According to the results of 2018, three companies were recognized as  winners - two from the USA and one from the Netherlands, which  created 15 jobs in Armenia. "The program will be continuous - we will  provide grants to start-ups from the Diaspora, who create their own  companies in Armenia," Arshakyan said.

According to the official website of the program, NerUzh aims to  attract the huge potential of the Armenian Diaspora (7 million people  living outside of Armenia in different countries of the world) to  participate in the development of Armenia, by establishing its own  startup in the country. The winning teams will have the opportunity  to move to Armenia and will receive grants ranging from $ 15,000 - $  30,000 plus support for the development of their enterprises in  Armenia. The launch of the program will take place in Armenia during  the 4-day event from December 16 to 20, 2019 at UWC, Dilijan.