Armen Orujyan, Ph.D., stands as a strategic force for national and global advancement, renowned for his
expertise in catalyzing systemic innovation and cultivating thriving ecosystems. He currently serves as
founder and CEO of Curio Ventures, where he leads the firm in building and scaling ventures that address
critical global challenges through deep-tech innovation and growth-focused business models. As the
former Founding CEO of the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology (FAST), he architected a
comprehensive strategy that significantly elevated Armenia’s standing in the international innovation
landscape, particularly within Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and other critical STEM fields.
While at FAST, Armen spearheaded nearly thirty ambitious national initiatives that fundamentally
reshaped Armenia’s science and technology sectors. These ranged from establishing advanced research
and development hubs to constructing integrated educational frameworks, creating a powerful pipeline
for innovation. His leadership directly empowered tens of thousands – scientists, students, defense
personnel, and entrepreneurs – solidifying FAST as a central institution in Armenia’s transformation into
a hub for cutting-edge innovation and scientific excellence.

Before his transformative work with FAST, Armen founded Athgo Corporation, a pioneering global
entrepreneurship platform recognized by the United Nations system. Through Athgo, he cultivated a
generation of over 10,000 young innovators from over 600 universities across 80 nations. His approach
extended from nurturing national-scale entrepreneurship to fostering “intrapreneurship” within
multinational corporations, seeding innovation programs that continue to shape economies and
industries worldwide.

Armen’s strategic acumen extends to the highest levels of global policy. His insights have informed digital
development strategies internationally through his role as a Founding Member and Co-Chairman of the
UN’s Global Alliance for ICT and Development (GAID). Further demonstrating his commitment to building
robust digital futures, he served as a Commissioner on the UN’s Broadband Commission for Digital
Development, contributing to policies that enhance digital infrastructures and market dynamics across
the globe.

Beyond technology and policy, Armen’s capacity to mobilize action is evident in his founding of a human
rights movement in Los Angeles. This initiative, now an annual event drawing over 150,000 participants,
exemplifies his ability to translate vision into tangible action, transforming local engagement into global
influence.

Globally recognized as a leader in innovation and technological progress, Armen was honored as a UN
e-Leader for ICT and Youth and named among Asia Society’s top young leaders. His strategic counsel is
regularly sought by global institutions, evidenced by his past prestigious advisory role at Rice University’s
Baker Institute for Public Policy and his membership in the Asia Society Global Council. He holds a Ph.D.
from Claremont Graduate University, where he received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and earned his
undergraduate degree with honors from UCLA.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Armen addresses international forums on innovation,
education, science, technology, and the crucial intersection of humanity and technology. His unique
ability to bridge national transformation with organizational innovation positions him as a vital catalyst
for nations and organizations seeking to enhance their innovation capacity and drive sustainable
progress.