Bishkek, 12–16 January 2026 — The kick-off meeting of the international project DIGITECH – Introduction of Innovative Technologies in the Digitalization of Technological Processes and Production took place in the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic. The project is implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ Programme (Capacity Building in Higher Education) with the support of the European Union.
The DIGITECH project (No. 101237882) aims to modernize higher technical education and integrate innovative digital technologies – artificial intelligence, machine learning, Big Data, and digital twin technologies – into study programmes in Automation of Technological Processes and Production at universities in Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Georgia.
The project is coordinated by Osh Technological University, which is acting as an Erasmus+ project coordinator for the first time in its history. This milestone represents a significant step forward in strengthening the university’s international capacity and contributes to the development of regional higher education as a whole.
The project also involves a new Erasmus+ beneficiary – the Kyrgyz-German Institute of Applied Informatics – highlighting the expanding participation of national higher education institutions in European educational initiatives.
The kick-off meeting brought together representatives of partner universities from the Kyrgyz Republic, Germany, Slovenia, Armenia, and Georgia, as well as representatives of relevant public authorities. During the official opening session, welcome addresses were delivered by the leadership of Osh Technological University, the National Erasmus+ Office in the Kyrgyz Republic, and line ministries. Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of international cooperation and on the valuable contribution of partners from Germany and Armenia in advancing the project and promoting the exchange of best educational practices.
On 14 January 2026, the National Coordinator of Erasmus+ Programme in the Kyrgyz Republic addressed the participants with a welcome speech. In her remarks, she congratulated the coordinator and the entire consortium on the successful launch of the project, noting that this achievement reflects the project’s relevance, strategic importance, and the high quality of the proposal. Special attention was drawn to the fact that Osh Technological University is coordinating an Erasmus+ project for the first time, which was highlighted as an important milestone for both the university and the national higher education system, demonstrating the growing institutional capacity of regional universities. The National Coordinator of Erasmus+ Programme in the Kyrgyz Republic also welcomed the participation of the Kyrgyz-German Institute of Applied Informatics as a new Erasmus+ beneficiary and underlined the value of international partners from Germany and Armenia in facilitating knowledge transfer and the adoption of advanced European and regional practices. The speech emphasized that DIGITECH fully aligns with Erasmus+ and EU priorities, including digital transformation, innovation, quality enhancement in higher education, inclusiveness, and stronger links between education and the labour market, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0.
Over the five-day meeting, participants discussed:
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the project management and quality assurance system;
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academic mobility plans and training programmes;
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sustainability and long-term impact strategy;
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equipment procurement in line with EU requirements;
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communication, dissemination, and visibility of project results.
One of the key components of the DIGITECH project will be the establishment of digital twin laboratories at partner universities, alongside curriculum modernisation and capacity building for academic staff. The project places strong emphasis on inclusiveness, ensuring equal opportunities for women, students from vulnerable groups, and learners from remote regions.
The project’s outcomes are expected to generate a lasting institutional impact and contribute to the development of innovative, practice-oriented technical education across the participating countries.
Agenda: DIGITECH Kick-off Agenda 12-16.2026
