Advance Armenia Gala 2023

We were excited to announce that we once again united the greater Los Angeles community at the Advance Armenia Gala, welcoming hundreds of distinguished guests on May 11 at the Landmark in Mission Hills, CA.

The Gala’s keynote speaker, Dr. Ardem Patapoutian, a distinguished Nobel Prize laureate, delivered a compelling speech that delved into his personal experiences growing up in Lebanon during times of war. He reflected on how these experiences helped him build resilience and embrace uncertainty—two qualities that ultimately contributed to his remarkable success in the field of science. He emphasized the importance of supporting the advancement of Armenia’s scientific ecosystem, stating, “With programs like Advance and Generation AI, FAST is supporting research and education that will inspire the next generation by providing access to knowledge and mentors.” He added, “So please let us work together to improve STEM education, and you will see that many more students, just like me, will help humanity and lift the nation of Armenia with it.”

With the funds raised from the previous year’s inaugural gala, FAST was able to launch 10 exciting research projects in Armenia, supporting the work of nearly 50 research scientists who were able to continue their innovative efforts. Attendees directly contributed to the funding of research teams in Armenia working on competitive research in AI, Life Sciences, and Advanced Materials under the leadership of distinguished international scientists. The funds raised during this year’s gala helped sustain FAST’s ADVANCE Research Grants program, which funded research teams led by distinguished international scientists producing globally competitive research. Additionally, FAST moved one step closer to launching Generation AI—an educational and career pipeline designed to equip high school students in Armenia with foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence and prepare them for careers in this critical field.

Thanks to FAST’s supporters and partners, the Advance Armenia Los Angeles Reception was a tremendous success. Because of this incredible support, FAST was able to continue its mission and help drive positive outcomes for the future of Armenia, its people, and its economy. FAST recognized Mr. and Mrs. Sarkis and Nune Sepetjian for fully funding the ADVANCE Computer Vision Research Project led by Prof. Sos Agaian, as well as an anonymous donor who supported the first two years of the ADVANCE Materials Science Research Project led by Prof. Alexander Mukasyan. FAST also extended its gratitude to Stepan Gevorgyants and Noah’s Children for their generous support.

Advance Armenia Gala Supporters

Innovators
Anonymous
Sepetjian Family Foundation in Memory of Pogos & Eghsabet Sepetjian

Champion
Fastex
Mr. Stepan Gevorgyants

Advocates
Anonymous
Bayramyan Family Foundation
BluIP Inc.
Mr. and Mrs. Armen & Katherine Panossian
Mr. and Mrs. Kevork & Elizabeth Zoryan