The Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST) is excited to invite you to our annual Advance Armenia Gala on May 11, 2023, at The Landmark in Mission Hills, CA. 

This special evening will unite diasporans and other global citizens passionate about supporting the betterment of our nation and its future. In addition to an inspiring program, the evening will include welcoming remarks from the FAST Co-Founder, Dr. Noubar Afeyan and a presentation by FAST’s Founding CEO, Dr. Armen Orujyan. Dr. Afeyan will also host the keynote speaker Dr. Ardem Patapoutian, 2021 Nobel Prize Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Professor in the Department of Neuroscience at Scripps Research and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

Our successful inaugural Advance Armenia Gala in 2022 raised $1.4 million for the ADVANCE research grants program. Those who participated were able to directly contribute to the funding for teams in Armenia conducting competitive research in AI, Life Sciences, and Advanced Materials under the leadership of distinguished international scientists.

In 2023, we aim to further expand our impact on research in Armenia through ADVANCE, while building a sustainable pipeline of scientists by focusing on enhancing education.  

FAST recently launched the Generation AI program, which aims to create a continuous talent pipeline that motivates students toward STEM research and AI careers in Armenia. This fall in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports a pilot program will commence at the high school level to introduce Advanced Mathematics, Computer Science, and foundations in Machine Learning.

With our Advance Armenia Gala, we are excited to start a tradition of an annual gathering of hope and ingenuity that helps advance the transformation of Armenia into a top global innovator country in the years ahead. 

Join us as we collectively advance our shared vision of steering Armenia toward scientific, technological, and innovative greatness!

Host Committee 

Co-Chairs:  Lenna Hovanessian, Esq. and Elizabeth Zoryan

• His Eminence Archbishop Hovnan Derderian
• Dr. Lusine Abgaryan
• Avetis Antaplyan
• Irene Darbinyan
• Derik Ghookasian 
• Anna Grigoryan
• Silva Katchiguian
• Hayk Mamajanyan, Esq.
• Armen Martirosyan 
• Natalie Noravian
• Alice Petrossian
• Yana Saakyan 
• Vrej Sarkissian
• Elena Semerdjian
• Arthur Stamboltsyan
• Fred Tatlyan

To reserve your seat at the Gala, please follow the link. 

For sponsorship opportunities and further questions, please reach out to us at gala@fast.foundation, call +13106201687 or visit our website