Georgian Technical University Wins the Grand Prix of “Studfest 2026”

Georgian Technical University has been named the sole winner of “Studfest 2026”, earning the festival’s prestigious Grand Prix. The university received the top award at the closing ceremony of Georgia’s largest student festival, where outstanding students, university sports teams, and creative groups were also recognized for their achievements.

The “Studfest 2026” closing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth Givi Mikanadze, and Tbilisi City Mayor Kakha Kaladze, who addressed the audience, highlighted the festival’s importance, and congratulated the winners. The event also brought together members of the Government of Georgia, representatives of local authorities, university rectors, and students, including GTU Rector, Academician David Gurgenidze, GTU Chancellor Professor Karlo Kopaliani, and GTU students.

The winning students of “Studfest 2026” received special awards, while the Grand Prix was presented to Georgian Technical University by Minister Givi Mikanadze.

Throughout this year’s festival, GTU students demonstrated exceptional performance in sports tournaments, cultural competitions, and creative contests, achieving outstanding results across multiple disciplines. The university won a total of 28 medals, including 13 gold medals: Chess (Men), Judo, Rugby Sevens, Backgammon (Women), Sport Climbing (Women), Padel, Tennis (Men), Volleyball (Men), Volleyball (Women), 3×3 Basketball, Clay Target Shooting (Women), Pop Song Competition (Duet), Best Organized Fan Group; 4 silver medals: Georgian Dance (Choreographic Ensemble “Merani”), Georgian League (“Sherekili”), Theatre Performance (Theatre Studio “Modinakhe”), Georgian Wrestling; and 11 bronze medals: Tennis (Women), Musical Band, Solo Pop Performance, Cybersports, Karting, Table Tennis (Men), Backgammon (Women), Checkers (Men), Checkers (Women), Rafting.

GTU Rector Academician David Gurgenidze congratulated the winning students, athletes, coaches, artistic directors, creative groups, and the entire university community on their remarkable success.

“Winning the Grand Prix of “Studfest” 2026 is a testament to the talent, determination, and hard work of our students, as well as to the Georgian Technical University’s commitment to supporting their comprehensive development. I sincerely congratulate every student who contributed to this outstanding achievement. The 13 gold, 4 silver, and 11 bronze medals earned by our students reflect their dedication, perseverance, and excellence.

“Studfest” is one of the most significant youth initiatives in Georgia. It provides students with a unique platform to showcase their talents in sports, culture, education, and the arts while fostering friendship, teamwork, leadership, healthy competition, and civic engagement. These are the values that shape an active, creative, and future-oriented generation.

The festival is equally important for universities, as it highlights student potential and promotes a vibrant campus environment where academic excellence is complemented by achievements in sports, culture, and social life. Such initiatives are essential for the holistic development of the youth.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Government of Georgia and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze for supporting youth development and initiatives that strengthen the country’s youth policy. I also thank the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth and Minister Givi Mikanadze, whose leadership has helped “Studfest” grow into an even larger national project. My appreciation also goes to the Youth Agency, Tbilisi City Hall, Tbilisi City Mayor Kakha Kaladze, Rustavi City Hall, the Association of Student Organizations of Georgia, and everyone involved in organizing this remarkable festival. Their joint efforts created opportunities for thousands of young people to demonstrate their talents and achieve success. For Georgian Technical University, this victory is both a great honor and an important responsibility. It inspires us to continue expanding opportunities that support the academic, creative, athletic, and personal development of our students”.

– Academician David Gurgenidze

For information: “Studfest 2026” was organized at the initiative of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Youth of Georgia, funded by the Youth Agency, and implemented in partnership with Tbilisi City Hall, Rustavi City Hall, and the Association of Student Organizations of Georgia. The festival brought together nearly 20,000 students from 42 higher education institutions across Georgia. A total of 582 students were recognized as winners, while 45 educational, cultural, and sporting competitions were held in Tbilisi and other major cities throughout the country.