Study Visit of GTU Representatives to Italy Within the Framework of the Erasmus+ Grant Project GreenEngine

On March 9-13, representatives of the Georgian Technical University paid a working visit to Italy within the framework of the Erasmus+ GreenEngine project. The visit aimed to introduce green technologies and creative engineering, which involves creating VR laboratories for students and providing sustainable education in accordance with European standards.

GTU representatives participated in workshops and coordination meetings held at the University of L’Aquila in Italy. The main focus of the visit was on the retraining of academic staff and the development of innovative curricula, which involves the training modules’ creation that combine creative thinking, modern problem-solving methods, and sustainability in engineering education.

The new training programs are focused on the priority of green technologies, which is fully consistent with the best practices of the European Union and international educational standards.

In intensive workshops and coordination meetings held at the University of L’Aquila, GTU academic staff, moderated by European partners, actively worked on the creation of new generation curricula. These programs are focused on creative thinking, innovative problem-solving methods and strengthening climate resilience, which will allow students to receive a competitive education in line with European standards.

The visit was packed with both academic and cultural activities, where GTU representatives, as the national coordinators of the project in Georgia, discussed ongoing activities and future action plans with partners.

The GreenEngine project, which will continue until 2028, aims to develop a new generation of engineers through the modernization of engineering education. This process involves strengthening social responsibility and innovative competencies among students, as well as developing appropriate infrastructure in educational institutions.

It is worth noting that the institutional coordination of the project at the Georgian Technical University is carried out by the Technology and Grant Projects Office. Initial piloting of the project results is planned at the Faculty of Transport Systems and Mechanical Engineering.

A modern laboratory based on VR learning will also be created at the university as part of the project. Speaking about the scale and importance of the project, Giorgi Mikiashvili, the institutional coordinator of GreenEngine, notes that this initiative is a strategically important step for the university.

According to him, GreenEngine is not just an academic program, but it is a guide to modern engineering thinking, which, by integrating sustainable education and green practices, opens up completely new opportunities for professional growth for GTU students and professors.

The GreenEngine consortium is quite large and includes partners from Italy, Turkey, Greece, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.