The "ArmDron" community aims to develop the drone industry in Armenia, educate a new generation of specialists, and form a knowledge-based technological community.
Radar Armenia spoke with Hayk Karapetyan, the founder of the "ArmDrone" community, on the topic.
-When was the "ArmDrone" community created, and what was the main problem or gap that you saw in Armenia at the time of its creation that made you take the step to create a community?
-The "ArmDrone" community was founded in 2022. The goal and central problem of its creation was that there were very few people interested in FPV drones in Armenia. We decided to create a community where people involved in FPV drones could unite and jointly contribute to their development. When I noticed that the number of people who could distinguish FPV drones from ordinary Mavic drones was relatively small, I organized free courses that allowed people to gain their first knowledge. Unlike various organizations dealing with drones that existed before us, they did not focus on FPV drones, and their goal was limited to the military sector. There was a gap in the educational sector, so I decided to fill it.
-What was the most challenging moment when you thought that maybe you should stop, and how did you overcome it?
-In the beginning, it wasn't easy, because people did not understand anything. They were arguing that these drones were not very effective, and what could be done with them. However, the Russian-Ukrainian war also showed that these drones are actively used in both military and civilian life. After that, they began to show interest. It was difficult in the sense that I was financing it myself, and sometimes I thought, 'Is it possible that there is no interest? Have I chosen the wrong direction and should not continue?' Sometimes I was disappointed; I was broken. The beginning was quite tricky.
-You are the first in Armenia to create Armenian-language educational content on drones. What feedback have you received from children and parents, and how do you feel that the attitude towards technological education has changed?
-There is not much interest in the courses, because people strive to get everything quickly, and since we put our lessons with fundamental knowledge, steps, they miss all that, lose their property, and then return to the courses. Instead, they can learn from specialists.
-"ArmDrone" now already has international connections and participations. What is your next big goal, beyond regional competitions? How do you envision the community's development over the next 5 years?
-Our next goal is to participate in major international competitions, organize world and European competitions in Armenia, and work is being done towards that. China has applied to the International Olympic Committee to have it recognized as an Olympic sport. If it happens, we will have athletes, and we will represent Armenia as part of our group. During this time, we aim to expand our laboratories to various schools. By the way, we offer an after-school program, which the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology guarantees. If we secure sufficient sponsors, we will be able to implement the program.
Lilit Abrahamyan
