INNOVATION CENTER OPENS
Abrand new Innovation Center opened its doors on Wednesday to support young entrepreneurs and startup businesses, and allow people to get advice and consultation directly from successful entrepreneurs.
The center was initiated by Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold to resolve office issues faced by young people who wish to put their new ideas and innovation plans to practice. The opening was joined by Mayor S.Batbold, his deputies D.Enkhtur and Sh.Ankhmaa, CEO of Ard Financial Group Ch.Gankhuyag, economist D.Jargalsaikhan and other associated people.
“This is the first time this type of center is opening in Mongolia. The establishment of the Innovation Center was included in the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Action Plan. It is also one of my dream projects that I wanted to do. Establishing an innovation center and developing startup businesses is a social issue. From a bigger picture, it is essential for diversifying the economy. We must develop and grow companies that can promote Mongolia worldwide using the intellectual capacity of Mongolian young people instead of remaining dependent on mining and agriculture,” the mayor stated.
He added that the Innovation Center provides an office, equipment and laboratory young people need to develop their ideas.
“The center used to be the Youth Cultural Palace. Until today, public and private companies have been using it as an office. We have vacated all of the companies to return it to young people. I’m confident that many young Mongolians will come to the center to compete with their innovative ideas and create a company that can represent Mongolia at the global platform,” remarked S.Batbold.
Head of the Ulaanbaatar Industry and Innovation Agency B.Bat-Erdene noted, “The Innovation Center is aimed to grow startup companies and produce products for local and foreign markets. Young Mongolians are entering foreign markets and broadening their scope in the information and technology sector. We established a laboratory equipped with advanced technology here. We’re also negotiating with the Science and Technology Exchange to introduce the first technological exchange in Mongolia.”
The Innovation Center comprises of office rooms, meeting rooms, training rooms, resting area, laboratory and more.
CEO of Ard Financial Group Ch.Gankhuyag said, “We can see a realistic public-private partnership through this new center. It’s an excellent example of the city administration supporting young people. We often talk about diversifying the economy. However, the state has never actually done anything until now.”