“Gtu Star 2026” – Winners Of The Student Music Competition Announced

The closing event of the popular student music competition “GTU Star 2026”, a gala concert, was held at Georgian Technical University, where the jury recognized two outstanding students for their exceptional vocal and performance skills. This year’s “GTU Star” title was awarded to Nini Imnadze, a bachelor’s student at the Faculty of Informatics and Control Systems, who was recognized as the best vocalist of the university competition. Ikako Aleksidze, a student of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies, won second prize for his impressive vocal performance.

The university project “GTU Star”, implemented with the support of the Rector of Georgian Technical University and organized by the GTU Department of Student Services, Culture and Sports, together with the Student Self-Government, was dedicated to the memory of Goga Giorgobiani, a graduate of Georgian Technical University and one of the leaders of the university’s youth movement in the 1990s.

The supporter of “GTU Star 2026” is “RMG”, a leading mining company in Georgia and a long-term partner of Georgian Technical University.

The final concert was attended by Rector Academician David Gurgenidze, Chancellor Professor Carlo Kopaliani, President of the GTU Supervisory Board Professor Zurab Gudavadze, Vice-Rector Tamar Tsereteli, faculty deans, members of the academic and scientific community, guests, and students.

GTU Four students performed in the final round of the competition, accompanied by a live band: Mariam Narimanidze – Faculty of Business Technologies; Nini Imnadze – Faculty of Informatics and Control Systems; Temuka Tsintsadze – Faculty of Architecture, Urbanism and Design; Ikako Aleksidze – Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies.

The finalists were evaluated by a five-member jury based on their musical and stage performance skills. The jury included: Keti Odzelashvili – musician; Natia Dumbadze – singer; Badri Lebanidze – Head of the Culture Department and GTU Department of Student Services, Culture and Sports; Professor Liana Targamadze – Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies; and Professor Ketevan Kutateladze – Dean of the Faculty of Power Engineering.

The final round was held in an atmosphere of excitement and ovation, the performers received enthusiastic support from student groups representing their faculties. The gala concert also featured performances by all contestants of “GTU Star 2026.”

By decision of the university administration, Nini Imnadze, the winner of “GTU Star 2026,” was awarded 3,000 GEL, while second-place winner Ikako Aleksidze received 2,000 GEL. In addition, “RMG” selected Nini Imnadze as its special prize recipient and awarded her an additional 2,000 GEL. All participants in the competition also received prizes.

According to the winner, Nini Imnadze, student of the Faculty of Informatics and Control Systems, “GTU Star” provided strong motivation for her creative development:

“I would like to thank the administration and rector of my university for supporting the competition, the dean and professors of my faculty for their support, my band members, my fellow students and friends, and the live band for their excellent performance, as well as the jury for such high recognition. Becoming this year’s “GTU Star” has strengthened my confidence and encouraged me to continue developing creatively alongside my main profession.”

– Student Nini Imnadze

Second-place winner Ikako Aleksidze, a student at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Chemical Technologies, noted, that “GTU Star” was an important and valuable experience for his future:

“I am deeply impressed — the final was especially emotional. Rehearsals lasted for several months, and during that time, I became very close to both the participants and everyone involved in the project. The experience I gained through “GTU Star” is extremely valuable, and I am sure it will play an important role in my future.”

– Student Ikako Aleksidze

The Rector of Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, evaluated the progress and results of the competition, and wished the winners continued success. According to the Rector, the student competition has become one of the most significant events in the academic and cultural life of the university.

He noted that the final round of “GTU Star 2026” had originally been planned for the end of March. However, following the death of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia, His Holiness and Beatitude Ilia II, students, in agreement with the university administration, decided to postpone the event until 40 days after the Patriarch’s passing, a decision the Rector described as a demonstration of respect for national traditions and public values.

According to the Rector, every student in the competition demonstrated remarkable talent and dignity, proving that Georgian Technical University is not only a center for scientific and engineering education, but also a space where students can develop creatively and express themselves fully.

“I would like to sincerely congratulate the winners and all participants, who have once again proven through their talent, hard work, and determination that Georgian Technical University is a place where young people can fully realize their potential. “GTU Star” has already become a cherished tradition — a platform where new voices, ideas, and opportunities are born, where intellect, youthful emotion, and creative energy come together. The competition not only promotes the discovery and development of talent, but also promotes healthy competition and a culture of partnership among the youth. Together with the winners, I wish success to all contestants – both in the educational process and in the creative direction. I am confident that the achievements of our students will continue to bring pride to Georgian Technical University and contribute to the intellectual and cultural development of Georgia.”

– Academician David Gurgenidze

The student music competition “GTU Star 2026” began on January 26th, and the semi-final round was held on February 27th.

For reference, the “GTU Star” project has been successfully implemented at Georgian Technical University since 2013. Its purpose is to encourage student involvement in cultural and creative activities, discover talented performers among university students, and support and promote their artistic development.

“GTU Star” is supported by the administration of Georgian Technical University. The project author is Natia Ivanashvili, the musical director is Ketevan Odzelashvili, and the event is organized by the GTU Department of Student Services, Culture and Sports, together with the Student Self-Government.