The Armenian National Polytechnic University (ANPU) held a final event of the academic year, during which the university's achievements were presented, employees and partners were awarded, and new development programs were announced. One of the key events of the occasion was the extension of the partnership agreement between ANPU and Philip Morris Armenia for five years, which aims to implement new initiatives in education, research, and infrastructure.
In his opening remarks, ANPU Rector Gor Vardanyan thanked the faculty, administrative, and service staff, emphasizing that the foundation of the university's successes is teamwork. He noted that in recent years, the Polytechnic has consistently been shaping a modern corporate culture and implementing a strategy aimed at making the university a leading center for technological science and education in Armenia.
The rector reminded that 2026 is an important phase for the university: a new development strategy has been adopted, a new brand identity has been presented, and the university's priorities remain competitive education, research activities, and the expansion of international cooperation.
The key event of the occasion was the extension of the partnership agreement between ANPU and Philip Morris Armenia. The parties will continue the cooperation that started in 2019, reaffirming the effective partnership formed between education, science, and the private sector.
The foundations of the cooperation were laid back in 2017 when Philip Morris International Management signed a memorandum of understanding with the Armenian government to collaborate in research, innovation, and education. In 2018, the legal framework for the implementation of the program was established, and in 2019, Philip Morris Armenia established the PMI Science research center in the university's 13th building to unite science, education, and high technology on a single platform.
According to Gurgen Mardoyan, head of the PMI Science research center, the signed document is not the beginning of new cooperation but a continuation of successful partnership formed over the years. He emphasized that his connection with the Polytechnic has not been interrupted since 2004, and he is pleased to continue participating in the university's development.
Over the six years, the cooperation has significantly expanded. Philip Morris Armenia has funded scientific topics and research projects, supported international accreditation and the implementation of industrial doctoral programs, and invested in the development of the university's infrastructure.
According to Rector Gor Vardanyan, this phase of cooperation is a logical continuation of the joint work carried out in previous years. He recalled that a few years ago, partners envisioned a modern university environment, and today that vision has become a reality.
The new agreement provides for a complete renovation of the first and semi-basement floors of the university's 13th building, where a modern dining area for students will be created. As part of the project, the building will not only be thoroughly renovated but also reinforced to meet modern safety requirements.
