1988
Professor Gocha Chogovadze was elected Rector at the extended meeting of the Scientific Council
About us
History
1922
Establishment of the Faculty of Engineering
The history of the Georgian Technical University begins in 1922.
At the beginning of the 20th century, on January 16, 1922, the Faculty of Engineering was opened at Tbilisi State University. The mission of the faculty was to train engineering personnel of various profiles and thereby contribute to the creation of a future-oriented national infrastructure.
At the beginning of the 20th century, on January 16, 1922, the Faculty of Engineering was opened at Tbilisi State University. The mission of the faculty was to train engineering personnel of various profiles and thus contribute to the creation of a future-oriented national infrastructure.
1922-1926
By the decision of the University’s Board of Professors, the author of the idea of establishing the faculty, a distinguished scientist, Georgian physicist, energy expert, Professor Aleksandre Didebulidze was elected Dean of the Faculty (1922-1926).
In 1922, the Polytechnic Faculty had the following directions:
Construction Department
Architectural specialty
Hydrotechnical specialty
Road specialty
Mechanical department
Electromechanical Specialization
Hydromechanical Specialization
Thermomechanical Specialization
Mining Department
Mining specialty
Metallurgical specialty
Chemical-technological specialty
Petre Melikishvili, founder of the Georgian Scientific School of Chemistry, with students in the laboratory
The competitive subjects at the Polytechnic Faculty were: algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.
From this period, the publication of Georgian-language textbooks in technical science began, as well as the development of Georgian technical terminology.
1928
The first Georgian engineers
The first graduation of Georgian engineers took place on June 28, 1928. On that day, 6 students of the Polytechnic Faculty defended their diploma projects. They were: Nikoloz Kalatozishvili, Viktor Mamaladze, Aleksandre Mikaberidze, Evgeni Chikovani, Ivane Gwichia and Irakli Maghalashvili. Soon they were joined by four more engineers – Konstantine Peradze, Parmen Jikia, Mikheil Khevsuriani and Malakia Bregvadze.
Establishment of the Georgian State Polytechnic Institute
In October 1928, the Engineering Department of the Transcaucasian Polytechnic Institute, founded in 1917, joined the Polytechnic Faculty of Tbilisi State University, which included:
Engineering, Economic, Hydromechanical, Agricultural Faculties, Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Crystallography, Geodesy, Zoology, Botany, Beekeeping, Animal Anatomy and Physiology, Meteorology and Climatology, Political Economy and Statistics, Geodesy, General and Caucasian Geography, Mathematics, and Cabinet-Laboratories.
As a result of the above-mentioned merger, the Georgian State Polytechnic Institute was formed, with the following faculties:
Faculty of Civil Engineering
Dean Kyriak Zavriev
Roads and Bridges Department
Hydrotechnical Department
Civil Construction Department
Transportation and Operation Department
Faculty of Electro-Mechanics
Dean Giorgi Gedevanishvili
Mechanical department
Faculty of Mining and Chemistry
Dean Giorgi Tsulukidze
Mining Department
Chemical-Technological Department
1930
He worked at the Polytechnic Institute in the 1930s.
20
Professor
19
Associate Professor
104
Lecturer
38
Assistant
SPI training building on Arsenal Hill
The Board of Professors elected the People’s Commissar of Education of Georgia (Minister of Education) at that time, a prominent representative of the Georgian intelligentsia, and one of the authors of the idea of establishing the institute, David Kandelaki, as the first rector of the institute, and the founder of the Georgian Scientific School of Mathematics and Mechanics, Professor Nikoloz Muskhelishvili, and Professor Evgeni Petkevich, as vice-rectors.
David Kandelaki
1895-1938
Niko Muskhelishvili
1891-1976
In 1930, a reorganization of higher education institutions in Georgia was carried out.
Professor Al. Didebulidze in the Electromechanics Laboratory (1934)
Georgian Engineering and Construction
In 1933, as a result of reorganization, it became part of the Transcaucasian Industrial Institute.
Transcaucasian Mining and Metallurgical
In 1932, about 1,500 students studied there. In the same year, it merged with the Transcaucasian Chemical-Technological Institute and the Transcaucasian Mining and Chemical Institute was created.
Transcaucasian Institute of Road Traffic Engineers
In 1947, it was reorganized into the Tbilisi Institute of Railway Transport Engineers.
Transcaucasian Energy
In 1933, more than 1,000 students studied there. In the same year, as a result of the reorganization of higher education institutions, it became part of the Transcaucasian Industrial Institute.
Transcaucasian Chemical-Technological Institute
In the same year, as a result of the reorganization of higher education institutions, it became part of the Transcaucasian Industrial Institute.
Transcaucasian Engineering and Reclamation
In 1930, about 600 students studied. In 1931, it was transferred to Ganja (Azerbaijan Republic).
1940
Construction of Polytechnic Institute buildings
At the end of the 1940s, a plan for the prospective development of the Georgian Polytechnic Institute was developed and the construction of the institute’s unified educational and scientific complex began.
1948
Named after the Georgian Polytechnic Institute
At that time, the institute had 6 faculties.
Construction
Power Engineering
Mining geological
Chemical-technological
Mechanics and mechanical engineering
Metallurgical
The Georgian Polytechnic Institute trained engineering professionals in 22 specialties.
1972
At the beginning of the 1972 academic year, 50 years after its existence, the institute had 28 faculties and 102 departments.
15 faculties operated at the day hospital.
Construction
Dean, Professor Gabriel Ninua
Power Engineering
Dean, Professor N. Tsivtsivadze
Faculty of Mining
Dean, Associate Professor David Bezhashvili
Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology
Dean, Associate Professor Elmira Chkhikvadze
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Dean, Professor Nikoloz Tsivtsivadze
Faculty of Metallurgy
Dean, Professor Jemal Lomsadze
Faculty of Automation and Computing
Dean, Associate Professor G. Chikhladze
Faculty of Transport
Dean, Associate Professor A. Shalamberidze
Faculty of Engineering Physics
Dean, Professor Vladimer Sanadze
Faculty of Architecture
Dean, Assoc. Prof. Nodar Mgaloblishvili
Faculty of Hydraulic Engineering and Plumbing
Dean, Prof. Nikolozi Motsonelidze
Faculty of Geology
Dean, Professor G. Japaridze
Faculty of Communications and Electronics
Dean, Professor A. Kereselidze
Faculty of Automotive Engineering
Dean, Associate Professor D. Petriashvili
Kutaisi Faculty of Science
Dean, Professor K. Imedashvili
There were 7 faculties operating in the evening for stationary education: Tbilisi, Rustavi, Batumi, Chiatura, Tkibuli (with a branch in Zestaponi), Poti and Gori. There were also faculties of correspondence education in Tbilisi and Sukhumi (with consultation points in Telavi and Zugdidi).
Georgian Technical University
New era
The heads of the Georgian Polytechnic Institute were appointed by the government until 1988. In 1988, the first rector elections were held.
1990
This year, the Georgian Polytechnic Institute received the status of a technical university.
1992
In 1992, the Faculty of Humanities and Technology was established.
At the end of the 90s, reforms were initiated with the aim of adapting to the European education system, establishing the principle of democratization and autonomy (Rector, Professor Gocha Chogovadze). A three-level system of education was introduced at the Technical University, which includes a combination of bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral studies (Rector, Professor Ramaz Khurodze). The foundation was laid for the teaching of new specialties, such as: engineering management, public administration, banking, business administration, law, etc.
1995 GTU joins the European University Information Systems Association
In 1998, GTU became a member of the Black Sea Universities Network.
1999
On July 28, 1999, the first Georgian space object was launched into outer space, with the inscription:
"The First Georgian Construction, Georgian Technical University".
Designer - Doctor of Military Sciences, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Academician, Major General Elguja Medzmariashvili
2005
In 2005, the “Innovation Fund-Technology Park” was established, which serves to develop students’ innovative ideas.
2006
Since 2006, a student self-government has been established at GTU so that the opinions of students are taken into account in the process of making important decisions related to university life.
2009
In 2009, GTU begins cooperation with the European University Association (EUA).
2012
In 2012, GTU joins the World Forum of Universities on Sustainable Resources
2023
In 2023, GTU receives accreditation from the American Accreditation Agency for Engineering and Technology (ABET) for its English-language undergraduate program in Biomedical Engineering.
Georgian Technical University
Today
Georgian Technical University is a higher educational institution with rich traditions in engineering, technology and humanities, with high quality of teaching, scientific research and innovative activities.
GTU is a member of the European University Association and is guided by the principles of the Magna Carta of European Universities. The current rector of the university is the distinguished scientist, holder of the Order of Honor for his personal contribution to the education of student youth, Georgian hydrotechnician, academician David Gurgenidze.
GTU in numbers
13
Faculty
15
Independent scientific research institute
151
Department and division
The university operates laboratories, including a mine laboratory that is unique in the world – a mini-model of a mine located under one of the GTU buildings, 16-30 meters below the ground surface.
Central Library
2000K+
Total fund
4K+
Rare book
1k+
Guide
Unique photo archive
E-books
Electronic scientific journals
Studying at the university
17 443
Student
Teaches
1125
Professor
Teaching at GTU
Three-tier system
Bachelor's programs
Duration 4 years
Duration 4 years
Master's programs
Duration 2 years
Duration 2 years
Doctoral programs
Duration 3 years
Duration 3 years
University students
offers
75
Bachelor's program
60
Master's program
33
Doctoral program
These programs cover fields such as: engineering, technology, architecture, design, humanities, law, business, and social sciences.
Teaching is conducted in Georgian, English and Russian.
International mobility
GTU has close cooperation with 68 universities in 17 European countries, where students of all levels can carry out international mobility within the framework of the Erasmus+ program and with the funding of the same program. These countries are: Italy, Spain, Germany, Turkey, Poland, France, Portugal, Sweden, Greece, and others.
Students of all levels in technical, humanitarian, agricultural, and social programs can participate in international mobility.
Dual degree programs
Program Production Management in the Dairy Industry
At the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Biosystems Engineering, where the Georgian-French bachelor’s program “Production Management in the Dairy Industry” is implemented in close cooperation between the Technical University and the French University of Rennes, students receive a diploma from the French university along with a diploma from the GTU.
Viticulture-Enology Program
Students of the Bachelor’s Program in Viticulture-Enology receive diplomas from the Technical University and the University of Milan.
Logistics program
A German-language logistics educational program is being implemented at the Faculty of Transport and Mechanical Engineering.
Unique educational programs at GTU
The following educational programs are taught only at the Georgian Technical University throughout the region:
Construction Management
Mechanical Engineering
Geodesy
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Sustainable development of mountain rural environments
Sustainable Mountain Tourism and Hospitality Management
Management of organic farming systems in mountainous regions
Natural hazards, sustainable environment and protection
36 free programs
GTU offers 36 fully funded bachelor’s degree programs, which is part of the state’s strategy to popularize fields important for the country’s development.
Inclusive learning environment
Several dozen students with special educational needs are enrolled in professional programs at the Georgian Technical University. GTU, as a leading higher education institution, recognizes its most important role in creating an accessible, supportive, and inclusive educational environment.
The Georgian Technical University, under the leadership of its Rector, Academician Davit Gurgenidze, actively supports and ensures that inclusive services are created and developed for people with disabilities and that the door to education is open to everyone.
Practice-based learning
In the university’s state-of-the-art laboratories, students work on real-world problems and collaborate with leading experts in various fields.
For example, in the Mini-HPP Laboratory and Bridge Testing Center, students have the opportunity to conduct experiments in real-world conditions.
Talented public school students study at the university’s Engineering Academy, and graduates of the academy are winners of many local and international competitions, including those of the US space research agency NASA.
In addition, the only holographic interferometry laboratory in the Caucasus allows solving oncological problems through the synthesis of nanoparticles – this is just part of the experiments that contribute to the upbringing of new generations of inventors.
Theological Educational and Scientific Center
The Georgian Technical University has been operating the Theological Educational and Scientific Center since 2001, where scientific research is successfully conducted.
The center is headed by Professor, Metropolitan Anania Japaridze, under whose direct leadership, scientific research in theology and the education of young professionals are successfully carried out.
Theological education and research at the university correspond to the experience of leading European universities and research centers.
Since 2001, more than 50,000 students have mastered the basics of theology at one of the largest universities in Georgia, distinguished since ancient times by its ethnic and confessional diversity.
A photo of students of different ethnicities and confessions or a scholarly event in theology
GTU in the international arena
GTU partners around the world
Georgian Technical University has many years of fruitful cooperation with the world’s largest research centers and universities.
Among them are:
European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN)
Japan High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK)
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Universities of California, Yale, Bern, Glasgow, etc.
GTU has also signed memoranda of understanding with reputable companies and brands around the world, which provide students with the opportunity to complete internships and gain European experience in high-tech and successful companies.
International recognition of teaching
GTU is the first educational institution in the South Caucasus to be awarded international ABET accreditation for its English-language bachelor’s program in “Biomedical Engineering”.
ABET accreditation is a kind of guarantee that the university is growing competitive professionals in the field of engineering and technology and provides graduates with the opportunity to realize themselves in both the Georgian and international labor markets.
Achievements of Georgian polytechnicians
Over the centuries-old history, Georgian polytechnics have implemented a number of important projects for the development of the country – starting with the construction of one of the most daring ideas in Georgian engineering thought, the Enguri Hydropower Plant, and continuing with the launch of the first Georgian space object – the Reflector into space.
GTU actively participated in the creation of universally recognized scientific schools of construction mechanics and construction seismology, whose representatives later initiated the construction of industrial and civil structures, gravity and arch dams, underground hydroelectric power plants in difficult terrain conditions, and other types of construction in Georgia.
Georgian scientists have made a special contribution to the planning, construction, and operation of railways.
Representatives of the first generation of Georgian miners, who were students of one of the founders of the university, Grigol Tsulukidze, gave rise to the mining industry.
Geologists, under the leadership of famous scientists: Aleksandre Janelidze, Aleksandre Tvalchrelidze and Kalistrate Gabunia, began to use complex structural-tectonic, geophysical and geochemical methods in prospecting. It became possible to discover new deposits of minerals in Madneuli, Shaori, Tkvarcheli and other places.
Georgian energy specialists also made a great contribution to the development of the country. A unified energy system was created, the republic was covered with a network of high-voltage transmission lines. The Rion Hydropower Plant, Khram Hydropower Plant, Enguri Hydropower Plant, Tbilsres and many other energy facilities represent the beginning of Georgian energy traditions.
1930s
In the 1930s, the development of machine learning began.
1950s
In the 1950s, the foundation was laid for a new field - automatic control and management systems.
In 1963, the first Georgian electronic calculating machine “Delis” was created at the Institute of Electronics, Automatics and Telemechanics of the Georgian Academy of Sciences (later the Institute of Control Systems).
The active participation of Georgian polytechnicians in World War II is particularly noteworthy. Six graduates of the institute who participated in World War II were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union. The professors and students of the institute also actively participated in the post-war period, in the process of restoration and development of the national economy.
Along with the development of chemical science, metallurgical science was developing.
1960s
In 1959, the Georgian Polytechnic Institute was joined by the Tbilisi Institute of Railway Transport Engineers. After that, the faculties of automation and computing technology, hydraulic engineering and plumbing, communications and electronics, and auto mechanics were launched, as well as problem and sectoral laboratories, where scientific research work necessary and necessary for the country was carried out.
In 1969, the Faculty of Architecture was established at the Georgian Polytechnic Institute, the first dean of which was Professor Akaki Berishvili (1969-1972).
Beginning of the 21st century
At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the structure of the Georgian Technical University as a higher educational institution changed significantly. Many scientific and research organizations with strong human resources and material and technical base joined it. A new university charter was developed.
Today, in independent Georgia, young specialists, scientists and researchers in engineering and technical fields have been given the opportunity to do much more, which is a prerequisite for the Georgian Technical University and its graduates to continue the centuries-old tradition.