About SASTIC
Sovereignty, funded piece by piece.
SASTIC was founded in 2021, in the aftermath of the 2020 Artsakh war, by a working group of Armenian professionals. The premise is simple: Armenia doesn't have a talent problem - it has a coordination, continuity and commitment problem. We exist to fix that, one first check at a time.
Our purpose
Why Armenia needs SASTIC.
Armenia stands at a strategic crossroads. As external threats grow, our economy remains overly reliant on trade and services - over 60% of GDP tied to non-strategic sectors. For decades, we've lacked the deep, coordinated investment needed to build resilient, future-oriented industries.
SASTIC is building a new engine for national prosperity - rooted in science, technology and systems thinking, and guided by integrity, collaboration and long-term impact.
Not with slogans. Not with charity. But with honest, expert-led work focused on real problems - building the infrastructure, companies and talent Armenia needs to survive and thrive.
We believe security and sovereignty begin with innovation - driven by long-term commitment, professional collaboration, and courageous investment in what truly matters.
Our strategy
The three pillars.
The Shield
Security & Resilience Sovereignty
Fund the research and domestic production of critical technologies that strengthen Armenia's resilience and reduce its dependence on foreign hardware.
Key initiatives
- Autonomous systems & applied AI
- Resilient, secure communications
- Cybersecurity for critical national infrastructure
- AI-assisted open-source intelligence & situational awareness
The Engine
Economic & Industrial Sovereignty
Build globally competitive, export-oriented deep-tech industries - diversifying Armenia's economy and creating high-value jobs.
Key initiatives
- Deep-tech venture fund - semiconductors, biotech, advanced materials, quantum
- AI for industry - fintech, agritech, personalized medicine
- Global market access to the US & EU for mature Armenian companies
The Mind
Talent Cultivation & Retention
Reverse brain drain by building world-class research, education and careers inside Armenia - turning the country into a magnet for talent.
Key initiatives
- STEM pipeline - robotics clubs, coding bootcamps, science competitions
- SASTIC Fellowship - top talent placed with leading labs & companies
- Mentorship Match - members paired with founders and students
How we're governed
Member expertise decides - not a single office.
Ten directors. Six PhDs - physics, engineering, computer science. Harvard · Stanford · Columbia · Cornell · Purdue · Virginia Tech.
Board of Directors
Executive officers
Armen Khachatryan CEO · Anna Galstyan Managing Director · Armen Poghosyan CFO · Karen Hayrapetyan VP Full board & bios
Projects Review Committee (PRC)
A standing committee of members who screen and evaluate every application, consulting outside experts in the relevant field. Every active member is welcome to join a committee and take part in evaluation, funding and decision-making. Meet the members
SASTIC is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-2559987) and a registered NGO in Armenia. Founded 2021. Based in Glendale, CA, working across Armenia.
Become a member