YEREVAN, Armenia — The Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) at the American University of Armenia (AUA) has opened applications for its Fall 2025 programs: Incubation, EPIC Jam, and STRIVE. All three programs are open to the public, regardless of affiliation with AUA, welcoming innovators from across Armenia and beyond. Together, these initiatives form a unique pathway for entrepreneurs at any stage, from exploring opportunities to building market-ready startups. By combining hands-on learning, expert mentorship, and access to a vibrant network, EPIC continues to equip Armenia’s innovators with the tools and community they need to launch and grow impactful ventures.
EPIC’s flagship programs create a seamless entrepreneurial journey, guiding participants from initial idea exploration all the way to market-ready startups. The Incubation Program offers a 15-week intensive experience, where early-stage teams receive the resources and mentorship needed to validate their ideas, discover customers, and prepare for launch. EPIC Jam is a fast-paced, two-day ideathon that brings together innovators to form teams, tackle real-world challenges, and pitch their concepts to a panel of judges. Meanwhile, the STRIVE Program provides a 10-week pre-incubation experience focused on cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset and foundational skills, welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds, regardless of prior experience.
Since its founding, EPIC’s integrated pipeline has engaged over 400 entrepreneurs and supported the launch of more than 120 startups, contributing significantly to the growth and dynamism of Armenia’s startup ecosystem. Participants have the flexibility to enter the pipeline at any stage, ensuring tailored support for innovators, whether they are just beginning to explore ideas or ready to accelerate their ventures.
EPIC Incubation Overview
The Incubation Program remains at the heart of Armenia’s startup ecosystem, offering a 15-week intensive journey that fast-tracks early-stage ventures. EPIC has now opened applications for its 2025 Fall cohort, inviting driven entrepreneurs from within Armenia and beyond to join a dynamic community built on mentorship, expert workshops, and invaluable connections to investors, advisors, and legal support.
Among recent success stories is SoftGuardian, a startup focusing on sleep disorder diagnosis through advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technology that collects and analyzes comprehensive brain and physical activity data. SoftGuardian has earned notable recognition, winning both the special prize at GIST Innovates South Caucasus and second place at the Seaside Startup Summit 2025 Starter Program. Reflecting on its EPIC experience, the SoftGuardian team shared: “EPIC Incubation was the very first program we joined, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities it opened for us. It introduced us to incredible mentors and a community of brilliant minds that helped shape the foundation we continue to build on today.”
One of the key benefits of the EPIC Incubation Program is the personalized mentorship offered to each team. Experienced mentors, both local and from overseas, provide invaluable insights and feedback, helping teams navigate the challenges of startup development. In addition to mentorship, the Program includes comprehensive workshops and sessions held three times per week, focusing on critical topics such as customer discovery, business model validation, and pitch preparation.
Participants also benefit from legal and advisory support, including pro bono legal consultancy provided by the AUA Technology and Innovation Legal Clinic, as well as access to a vast network of business and tech advisors. EPIC further enhances the experience by facilitating introductions to investors, angels, and venture capitalists, opening doors to potential funding opportunities.
Teams enjoy access to EPIC facilities, creating the ideal environment for incubation and collaboration. Additionally, the top startups have the opportunity to compete for non-dilutive funding during the annual Demo Day, further incentivizing excellence. Entry to the EPIC Incubation Program is extremely competitive, involving a thorough selection process that includes application screening, an interview with the EPIC team, and a pitching session where independent judges select candidates for the Program from the shortlisted applicants.
STRIVE Pre-U Incubation
The STRIVE Program continues to serve as a unique entry point into Armenia’s startup ecosystem, offering a pre-incubation experience that helps aspiring professionals develop an entrepreneurial mindset and essential skills. Open to participants from all backgrounds, STRIVE focuses on experiential learning, encouraging individuals to apply entrepreneurial principles in real-world settings. The program combines interactive workshops, hands-on activities, and community-building events designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.
This year, STRIVE is set to engage a new cohort of motivated innovators, preparing them to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journeys, whether that means joining EPIC Jam, applying to Incubation, or pursuing their ventures independently.
As STRIVE Program Lead Sona Martirossian explained: “STRIVE is about more than just learning business concepts; it’s about igniting a mindset that empowers participants to embrace challenges and see opportunities everywhere. We aim to create a supportive community where everyone feels inspired to take bold steps forward.”
Participant Angelina Balayan reflected: “Being part of EPIC was an amazing opportunity for individuals to dive deep into the world of startups, from understanding the core structure and principles to gaining the motivation and inspiration needed to start something meaningful and sustainable.”
EPIC Jam 2-Day Ideathon
In September, EPIC is bringing back once again its signature two-day ideathon, designed to ignite creativity and collaboration among aspiring entrepreneurs. This high-energy event challenges participants to form teams, brainstorm innovative solutions to pressing problems, and pitch their startup ideas to a panel of expert judges.
As always, EPIC aims to stay ahead of the curve by aligning the workshops and problem statements with the latest industry trends. For this year’s Jam, the focus will be on AI, offering participants the chance to develop AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges.
Top-performing teams will earn the exclusive opportunity to fast-track their application process into EPIC’s Incubation Program, gaining access to intensive support to bring their concepts to life.
Anahit Hovelyan, EPIC communications coordinator, said: “EPIC Jam offers innovators the unique opportunity to experience what it’s like to build a startup from the ground up, refining their ideas, connecting with diverse talent, and receiving mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, all within an inspiring, fast-paced weekend. This year, we are especially excited to focus on AI, encouraging participants to address some of the most relevant challenges and opportunities in today’s tech landscape.”
Get Involved in EPIC’s Fall 2025 Programs
Whether just starting to explore entrepreneurship or ready to launch a startup, interested individuals are welcome to join any of EPIC’s programs — Incubation, Jam, or STRIVE — at the stage that fits their journey best. Each program offers tailored support, mentorship, and resources designed to empower Armenia’s innovators.
Applications are now open, with the following deadlines: EPIC Jam closes on August 24, EPIC Incubation on September 14, and STRIVE on September 30. To learn more or apply, visit the EPIC website or contact the Center directly at [email protected].
The Entrepreneurship and Product Innovation Center (EPIC) is a platform of the American University of Armenia (AUA) for promoting entrepreneurial education, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and startup venture incubation. EPIC provides an ecosystem for emerging entrepreneurs consisting of first-class facilities and collaborative workspace, programs and events, and a network of mentors, advisors, and investors. EPIC fosters the understanding and application of entrepreneurship in students and faculty at AUA to craft high-impact multidisciplinary ventures.
