“We Are Proud of Our Students’ Achievements, Participation in International Exchange Programs and Local Competitions”

The Dean of the Faculty of Transport Systems and Mechanical Engineering, Professor Boris Githolendia, recently highlighted the achievements of our students, including their participation in international exchange programs and local competitions. He mentioned that they have successfully graduated 60 bachelor’s students, 25 master’s students, and 1 doctoral student. The faculty is conducting international scientific and research projects, the process of infrastructure renewal is underway, laboratories and training centers of modern standards are being established. Professor Boris Githolendia stated during the summing up of the 2024/2025 academic year.

This academic year, the faculty has undertaken significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the teaching and research environment. Notable initiatives include the establishment of the “Thinking Laboratory,” the “Autotechno” company training center, and the B2B sales laboratory.

Additionally, to support the short-term professional program, the Engineering Service Center and the Refrigerant Recycling Collection Center have collaborated to renovate and equip a training laboratory specifically designed for refrigeration service technicians.

Currently, the rehabilitation of the Baumer Training Center and the auditorium for the freight forwarding professional program is underway. The faculty, in coordination with the Grant Projects Office, has been involved in the grant project of the KA102 activity of the ERASMUS+ program – “Circular Economy Energy Education Initiative Focused on Common Societal Challenges between Azerbaijan, Georgia, Greece, Moldova and Romania (EU-AGM – ERASMUS-EDU-2024- CBHE- STRAND-2101177142). Additionally, the ReINNOVA project, “Research and Innovation Support Program to Stimulate and Improve Cooperation with Industrial Businesses in Engineering Education,” is currently underway. 

The project is funded by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, the Competitive Innovation Fund of Georgia (CIF), and the World Bank. The partner is Keele University (United Kingdom). Also, within the framework of the KA2 activity of the ERASMUS+ grant program, the project “Learn – Innovate – Sell – Succeed – LISS24” is successfully underway.

As the Dean of the GTU Faculty of Transport Systems and Mechanical Engineering, Associate Professor Boris Githolendia notes, the university supports innovations and the development of modern engineering education.

“The Faculty of Transport Systems and Mechanical Engineering, which is one of the traditional and historical faculties, implemented several modest initiatives in the 2024-2025 academic year. I would like to highlight a few of them, namely: It is noteworthy that the faculty, with the active involvement of administrative departments and international partners, successfully implemented important grant initiatives, including the ReINNOVA project, which, with the support of the Ministry of Education and the World Bank, promotes the integration of research and cooperation with industries. In the same context, we highlight the ERASMUS+ LISS24 project, which allows students to develop practical and entrepreneurial skills, especially in terms of B2B sales. We are proud of our students’ achievements, including participation in international exchange programs and local competitions.

We have made significant progress in renovating the infrastructure this year. With the financial support of the university administration, we completely renovated the bathrooms and related facilities in the I academic building. Additionally, we upgraded the so-called “student spaces”. Under the guidance of international projects and with the personal involvement of the university rector, we also improved and equipped the “Thinking” and “B2B Sales” laboratories, which stand out for their content and innovative concepts. It is worth mentioning the involvement of the industry in enhancing the learning environment. We are pleased that, with the support of the company “Autotechno,” we improved and equipped the company’s “Learning Center.” Furthermore, in collaboration with the Refrigeration Recycling Association, we updated and enhanced the training program for refrigeration technicians. Thanks to the university administration financial support, the graphic design classroom was fully updated and outfitted with the latest technology. Overall, we submitted applications for accreditation for five new professional educational programs. Notably, this year the faculty received approval to implement a new and innovative master’s program in “Entrepreneurship Management”, which is the only one of its kind in the Georgian educational landscape.

It is important to note that the faculty is actively engaged in scientific research. Faculty professors and researchers have published several articles and scientific papers. Among these, a notable project focuses on the study of broadband antennas and innovative polymer electronics related to the technologies essential for Industry 4.0. It is encouraging that the university administration, particularly the rector, Academician David Gurgenidze, remains informed about the faculty’s progress and fully supports its development and international collaboration. The faculty’s significant potential provides a strong foundation for it to continue growing as a hub for education and innovation,” states Boris Gitolendia.