BTU Launches Georgia’s First Student AI Ecosystem

Business and Technology University, in partnership with the Georgian Artificial Intelligence Association (GAIA), is establishing the BTU AI Students Hub, Georgia’s first student AI ecosystem, bringing together students interested in artificial intelligence, mentors, industry experts, and partner organizations.

The Hub will give students the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed for the practical and responsible use of artificial intelligence, work on real-world challenges, gain professional experience, and share what they learn with other students and young people.

The initiative aims to help students understand artificial intelligence not only as a technological tool, but also as a resource that can be applied thoughtfully, practically, and responsibly across different professional fields. Knowledge gained through the Hub will be linked to real-world challenges, while students will also become active contributors to knowledge and experience sharing within the wider learning community.

The BTU AI Students Hub is now accepting applications for its first cohort. Students will have the opportunity to take part in building and developing the new AI ecosystem from the very beginning. Hub members will gain new knowledge, share it with others, connect with industry representatives, participate in professional dialogue, and work on real-world projects with the support of GAIA.

The activities of the BTU AI Students Hub will focus on three main areas:

• AI Literacy and Knowledge Sharing
• AI Consulting and Real-World Projects
• AI Community and Experience Exchange

The AI Literacy and Knowledge Sharing track will focus on developing the competencies needed for the practical and responsible use of artificial intelligence. Students will learn how to work with AI tools, create effective prompts, critically evaluate information, protect data, and apply the principles of AI ethics. After completing the relevant training, Hub members will share their knowledge with university students, school students, and other youth groups.

Within the AI Consulting and Real-World Projects track, student teams will work on practical challenges faced by companies and organizations. Projects may focus on business, marketing, education, technology, and other fields. With support from mentors and industry experts, students will be able to apply their knowledge in real-world settings, strengthen their professional portfolios, and gain experience relevant to the workplace.

The AI Community and Experience Exchange track will offer Hub members regular practical sessions, meetings with experts, opportunities to build professional connections, and discussions of student projects. This format will support the exploration of new AI tools and their practical applications, encourage the exchange of experience, help form interdisciplinary teams, and strengthen collaboration with mentors, alumni, and representatives from different industries.

As the Hub’s technical and ecosystem partner, GAIA will provide access to real-world projects, technical mentorship, and experienced experts. This collaboration will help students better understand how AI solutions are developed and applied in professional environments and how an idea can be transformed into a practical project.

In its first stage, the BTU AI Students Hub will operate in a pilot format. A core student group will be formed and, with the support of mentors and senior experts, will work on 3 to 5 real-world projects. The program will also include meetings focused on building professional connections and activities aimed at expanding AI literacy.

The semester will conclude with a Demo Day, where student teams will present the projects they have completed and the results they have achieved.

The activities of the BTU AI Students Hub will extend beyond the university itself. By sharing their knowledge with other young people, students will contribute to the wider adoption of responsible and practical AI use. As the first student AI ecosystem of its kind in Georgia, the Hub will give young people the opportunity not only to observe the development of artificial intelligence, but also to take an active role in it through their knowledge, ideas, and projects.