Strengthening the alumni network to promote entrepreneurship education (V4)
Official platform for news, events, schedules and results. Starts: 20.09.2025, ASUE
About
This is the official website of the program, which aims to strengthen the alumni network and promote entrepreneurial education based on the experience of the Visegrad Four.
Events
Pre-launch (event – internal), Yerevan, Armenia
16/10/2025 • online
The project will officially launch with an online kick-off meeting with key stakeholders and partners. The objectives, deliverables, roles, and timelines will be presented.
Deep requirements assessment (product)
02/10/2025 – 15/12/2025
4 focus groups will be held with business representatives. The result: a report of up to 4 pages with methodology, engagement, and conclusions (with the participation of ASUE, UFAR, and V4 experts).
Two-day training for academic and administrative staff (event – internal), Yerevan, Armenia
12/02/2026 – 13/02/2026 • ASUE
A 2-day training course with materials prepared by 2 experts from the Warsaw University of Technology on the topics of matching business needs and engaging graduates (40 participants, ASUE+UFAR).
Development of a graduate mentoring program (product)
05/02/2026 – 11/02/2026
A group of 4 experts (ASUE+UFAR) will be formed to develop the structure and content of the program. 20 mentors × 4 students = 80 students, in repeated cycles.
2-day workshop for ASUE and UFAR alumni (Event – Private), Yerevan, AM
09/03/2026 – 10/03/2026 • ASUE
A 2-day workshop focused on skills for effective entrepreneurship mentoring. Delivered by V4 experts. Participants: 20 ASUE and 10 UFAR alumni. Post-event feedback survey included.
Promotional kit of the Alumni Mentoring Program (Product)
01/04/2026 – 20/04/2026
A 1-1.5 minute video and an alumni-student podcast (YouTube) to share the program, mentors, and benefits, engaging ASUE, UFAR, and V4 partner HEIs.
Alumni Mentorship Program and Final Pitching (Product)
25/04/2026 – 25/07/2026 • ASUE & UFAR
A joint launch followed by a 3-month mentorship cycle for ~80 students with 20 alumni mentors. Culminates in pitching events at both universities; one winning team per university wins a V4 study visit.
Study visit at Brno University of Technology (Event – Private), Brno, CZ
07/09/2026 – 11/09/2026 • BUT:
A three-day visit hosted by BUT. entrepreneurship centers, experienced mentors, successful alumni entrepreneurs, and active students.
Partners
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News
On October 16, the project “Reinforcing the Alumni Network to Enhance Entrepreneurship Education, Based on V4 Expertise”, funded by the International Visegrad Fund, was officially launched online.
The Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE), as the coordinating institution, presented the project’s objectives, key activities, and collaboration opportunities. The project aims to strengthen entrepreneurship education through alumni engagement at ASUE and the French University in Armenia.The kick-off meeting brought together representatives from Armenian and partner universities, including Bialystok University of Technology (Poland), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), and Brno University of Technology (Czech Republic), as well as public and business sector partners, students, and alumni.Discussions focused on current trends in entrepreneurship education and the important role of alumni as mentors.
Business Sector Needs Assessment Successfully Completed
As part of the project, an in-depth needs assessment was conducted among representatives of the business sector. Four focus group discussions were organized to identify the key skills and knowledge required by employers and to explore the main gaps in existing university entrepreneurship education programs.
The assessment was carried out by a working group consisting of one expert from the Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE) and one expert from the French University in Armenia (UFAR). The findings were summarized in a detailed requirements assessment report (up to four pages), presenting the methodology, participant engagement, and key results.
Experts from V4 partner countries reviewed the report and provided valuable feedback, contributing to the quality and relevance of the outcomes.
In total, 20 business sector representatives participated in the focus group discussions, selected from the existing partner networks of ASUE and UFAR.
Please find the report at the following link. https://bit.ly/4koIumX
On February 12 at the Armenian State University of Economics (ASUE) and on February 13 at the French University in Armenia (UFAR), training sessions were held within the framework of the project “Reinforcing the Alumni Network to Enhance Entrepreneurship Education, Based on V4 Expertise” (RANent). The events aimed to strengthen entrepreneurship education through alumni engagement and align it with current labor market needs.
The project is funded by the International Visegrad Fund and brings together ASUE (project coordinator), the French University in Armenia, and partner universities from Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of both universities, who emphasized the importance of international cooperation and alumni engagement in enhancing entrepreneurship education and creating a more practice-oriented academic environment.
The training was delivered by Prof. Joanicjusz Nazarko and Assoc. Prof. Lukasz Nazarko from Bialystok University of Technology. The sessions focused on developing university entrepreneurship ecosystems, alumni engagement mechanisms, mentorship program structures, and university–business cooperation models. Participants also discussed international best practices and their adaptation to the Armenian context. At the end of the training, participants received certificates recognizing their participation and contribution to strengthening entrepreneurship education.
On March 9–10, ASUE hosted a two-day training session for alumni entrepreneurs within the framework of the international project “Reinforcing Alumni Network for Promoting Entrepreneurial Education based on V4 Experience” (RANent).
The training brought together 30 alumni (20 from ASUE and 10 from UFAR) with strong entrepreneurial backgrounds, aiming to support students in developing business ideas through mentoring.
In his opening remarks, ASUE Rector Armen Grigoryan emphasized the university’s strong focus on entrepreneurship education in recent years and highlighted the importance of engaging entrepreneurs in this process.
The project and its key components were presented by Arpine Mayilyan, Coordinator of the Alumni Network at ASUE.
The training was delivered by international experts from V4 countries, covering topics such as entrepreneurship mentoring, teamwork, leadership, and innovation.
The program combined theoretical sessions, practical workshops, and networking opportunities, equipping participants with essential mentoring skills and tools.
Within the framework of the international project “Reinforcing the Alumni Network to Enhance Entrepreneurship Education, Based on V4 Expertise” (RANent), the Alumni Mentorship Program was successfully developed and launched.
The program was designed by a joint working group consisting of experts from ASUE and UFAR, with the support and feedback of V4 partner universities. The initiative aims to strengthen students’ entrepreneurial mindset, develop practical skills, and support the creation of business ideas in a real-world environment.
The mentorship program brings together 20 alumni mentors and 80 students from ASUE and UFAR. Throughout the program, mentors will work closely with students, providing guidance, sharing professional experience, and supporting the development of entrepreneurial projects.
As part of the launch activities, introductory meetings and networking events were organized to present the program and encourage student participation. The program will also include regular mentoring sessions, teamwork, and practical work based on Business Model Canvas development.
The Alumni Mentorship Program has been institutionalized under the responsibility of the Career Centers and Business Management Chairs of ASUE and UFAR to ensure its sustainability and continued implementation beyond the project duration.
Promotional Kit for the Alumni Mentorship Program Developed within the RANent Project
Within the framework of the international project “Reinforcing the Alumni Network to Enhance Entrepreneurship Education, Based on V4 Expertise” (RANent), a promotional kit for the Alumni Mentorship Program was successfully developed.
As part of the initiative, a short introductory video was prepared to present the program’s goals, mentors, duration, and benefits, while encouraging student participation. In addition, alumni–student talks and podcast-style discussions were organized to explore current topics and trends in entrepreneurship and business innovation.
The discussions brought together successful alumni, students, and representatives of partner institutions, creating a platform for experience sharing, networking, and entrepreneurial dialogue.
The promotional materials were disseminated through the project website, social media platforms, newsletters, and university communication channels. The introductory video was also presented within ASUE and UFAR to increase awareness and engagement among students and alumni.
The activity contributed to strengthening alumni involvement, promoting entrepreneurship education, and increasing the visibility of the mentorship program among the wider university community.
Alumni Mentorship Program Launch Event Successfully Held within the RANent Project
Within the framework of the international project “Reinforcing the Alumni Network to Enhance Entrepreneurship Education, Based on V4 Expertise” (RANent), launch events for the Alumni Mentorship Program were successfully organized at ASUE and UFAR.
The events introduced the structure, objectives, and registration process of the newly developed mentorship program. Students received detailed information about the program and the opportunity to apply for participation through an open selection process.
The initiative brought together students, alumni mentors, and academic staff, creating a platform for networking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial engagement. During the upcoming three-month mentorship cycle, selected students will work closely with alumni mentors to develop their entrepreneurial ideas through regular mentoring sessions and teamwork.
The program will conclude with pitching events, where student teams will present their projects before a professional jury composed of business representatives, academic staff, and university leadership. The winning teams will receive a study visit to a V4 partner university.
The launch events contributed to strengthening alumni–student cooperation, promoting entrepreneurship education, and encouraging innovation-driven learning within the university community.
Contact Us
If you want to be a mentor in this program, you can register here.
