Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi (GTWT) is set to return for its largest edition yet, running from June 19 to 21, 2026. This regional technology movement aims to drive transformation across the Caucasus and beyond by mixing technology, culture, education, and business into a city-wide celebration. Organizers expect more than 10,000 attendees over three days, with events spread across multiple venues in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital.
The movement was founded with the goal of connecting local talent with global expertise. According to co-founder Jaba Kikvidze, this year's edition features twice as many international guests as the previous one. The reasoning behind this expansion is clear: local tech ecosystems cannot evolve without synchronizing with global experience and staying connected to international trends. Knowledge exchange is seen as one of the most powerful ways to achieve regional transformation.
What is Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026?
Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi is a series of networking events, lectures, workshops, conferences, and cultural experiences that bring together globally recognized brands, industry leaders, founders, investors, creators, and innovators. The scale of the 2026 edition is impressive: over 200 speakers, more than 150 companies, upwards of 300 investors, and over 80 separate events spread across the city. The flagship event will be held at Factory Tbilisi, a former Coca-Cola bottling plant that has been repurposed into a creative and cultural hub.
The program is divided into three days, each with a distinct focus. June 19, a Friday, is dedicated to side events hosted by partner companies in hotels, co-working spaces, universities, and cultural institutions across the city. More than 80 events are scheduled, including workshops, conferences, private working sessions, networking gatherings, and educational talks. The full schedule is available on Luma.page, allowing attendees to plan their personalized itinerary.
June 20: Main Day at Factory Tbilisi
Saturday, June 20, marks the main day of GTWT 2026. Factory Tbilisi, an iconic industrial space turned creative hotspot, will be transformed into sectored pavilions hosting conferences, exhibitions, networking experiences, and interactive activities. Doors open at 11:00 AM and programming continues until 11:00 PM. The conference program will focus on ten major themes: Artificial Intelligence and Deep Tech, Fintech and Banking, Innovation Web3 and Blockchain, Urban Innovation and Architecture, Gaming and eSports, Creative and Fashion Technologies, Tourism and Hospitality, Health Technologies, Media and Digital Marketing, and Art and Culture.
Attendees can expect keynote presentations, panel discussions, and fireside chats from global thought leaders. In addition to the main stage events, Factory Tbilisi will feature Innovation, Technology, and Expo Zones, dedicated Networking and Business Connection Areas, art installations and interactive experiences, entertainment and sports activities, live football match broadcasts, food and beverage areas, and relaxation spaces. This mix ensures that every participant, regardless of industry or background, finds relevant opportunities.
June 21: Cultural Experiences and Closing Ceremony
The final day, Sunday June 21, offers a more relaxed pace. The program focuses on cultural experiences, community gatherings, and informal business meetings throughout Tbilisi. The official closing ceremony and a cocktail party will continue late into the evening, providing a fitting end to a weekend of intense networking and learning.
Global Brands and Distinguished Speakers
GTWT 2026 boasts an impressive roster of international brands and speakers. Companies such as Google, Apple, Revolut, Nike, and Fuckup Nights are represented on stage. The speaker lineup includes experts, founders, investors, executives, artists, and innovators from around the world. Among the confirmed speakers are Amy Nordrum from MIT, Ronald Weissman (Immediate Past Chairman of the Angel Capital Association), Luciano Freitas (co-founder and CEO of Aftermoon Agency with a background at Uber and Airbnb), artist Timothy Goodman, Pepe Villatoro from Fuckup Nights, Catalin Butnariu from Amber, Monika Bielskyte (founder of Protopia Futures and Nike's first Futurist in Residence), Mike Fischer from Firstpoint VC, Agne Rakstikaite from Monday.com, Thomas Kolster (author of Goodvertising and founder of the sustainable marketing movement), Abhishek Das from Concentric AI and Google, Marco Tombolini (Global Head of Business Analysis at Dolce and Gabbana Beauty), Marcello Messina (Worldwide Head of Global E-Business at TOD'S), and Hugo Barbera from Nike.
These speakers represent a wide range of industries and expertise, from academia and venture capital to fashion tech and digital marketing. Their presence underscores the event's ambition to bridge local innovation with global best practices. The complete speaker roster and event schedule can be found on the official GTWT website.
Partnership Ecosystem and Sponsorship
The event is supported by more than 150 partners from various industries. Key sponsors include TBC (a major Georgian bank), STUDIO LIBERTY, City Mall, Wissol, Solana (the blockchain platform), Cellfie, SMH Sports, Setanta, and Forbes. Medea Janjghava, Head of Partnerships at GTWT 2026, noted that the growth in the partner ecosystem reflects the increasing diversity and reach of the event series. Every industry represented across the stages is reinforced by businesses and organizations that share the vision of accelerating innovation in the region.
Tickets are available through multiple platforms: gtwt.ge, TKT.GE, Biletebi.ge, and whatabout.live. Attendees are encouraged to purchase early as demand is expected to be high given the expanded scale.
Background on Georgia's Tech Scene
Georgia has been steadily emerging as a technology hub in the Caucasus region. The country boasts a strong IT workforce, competitive business environment, and a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Tbilisi, in particular, has seen a rise in tech startups, co-working spaces, and innovation events. Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi aligns with the government's efforts to position Georgia as a regional tech leader. The movement also supports the growth of the local startup ecosystem by providing access to international investors and mentors. Past editions have led to increased foreign investment in Georgian tech companies and more cross-border collaborations.
The focus on regional transformation is crucial. Many countries in the Caucasus are working to diversify their economies beyond traditional industries like agriculture and tourism. Technology offers a pathway to high-value jobs and sustainable development. Events like GTWT help create the networks and knowledge flows necessary for such transformation.
What Attendees Can Expect
Participants can look forward to a busy three-day schedule. The side events on June 19 provide intimate settings for deep dives into specific topics. The main day on June 20 is a large-scale expo and conference experience. The final day offers cultural immersion and informal networking. Whether one is a startup founder seeking funding, a corporate executive exploring new markets, a developer looking for the latest trends, or a creative professional interested in art and technology intersections, GTWT 2026 has something to offer.
The event's diverse program also includes hackathons, startup pitch competitions, and mentorship sessions. Many of the workshops are hands-on, allowing participants to learn by doing. The networking areas are designed to facilitate meaningful interactions rather than superficial exchanges. Organizers have also included relaxation and entertainment zones to ensure attendees can recharge between sessions.
Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026 represents a significant step forward for the regional tech community. By bringing together global expertise and local energy, it aims to accelerate the transformation of Georgia and its neighbors into innovative, connected economies. The combination of world-class speakers, diverse programming, and a supportive partner ecosystem makes this edition the most ambitious yet. For those looking to be part of the change, June 19-21 in Tbilisi is the place to be.
Source:Cointelegraph News