Haigazian University successfully hosted Teen Innovators, a half-day experiential workshop held on January 31, 2026, on its campus. The event brought together a vibrant academic community of over 100 participants, including around 50 Grade 12 students from 25 schools, 40 Haigazian University students and alumni serving as coaches and logistics coordinators, as well as 11 faculty members from the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (FBAE). The initiative was organized by the FBAE and the Haigazian University Business Society (HUBS) and was designed and championed by Dr. Christine Arzoumanian, faculty member at FBAE. The workshop aimed to foster creativity, innovation, teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking among high school students through an academically grounded, practice-oriented learning experience.
The workshop officially opened with a welcoming address by Dr. Fadi Asrawi, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, who emphasized the critical role of innovation in shaping future business leaders. His remarks were followed by inspiring and motivating comments by Haigazian University President, Rev. Dr. Paul Haidostian, underscoring the University’s mission in promoting youth creativity and empowerment. A promotional video was also featured, presenting an overview of the Faculty’s academic majors alongside testimonials from current students and alumni holding leading positions in the market, who shared their unique educational journeys at Haigazian University.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in a series of mini knowledge sessions delivered by faculty members, including Dr. Christine Arzoumanian on Entrepreneurial Skills, Dr. Najeoie Nasr on Customer and Consumer Behavior, and Mrs. Vera Karageuzian on Costs and Revenues. In parallel, students benefited from close mentorship by 26 certified coaches, including HUBS, Capstone course senior students, and Alumni, ensuring continuous guidance and hands-on support throughout the workshop.
The academic experience was further enriched by inspirational entrepreneurial talks delivered by jury members Dr. Hovig Kozobiokian (Dekerco) and Mr. Anto Balabanian (The Bros), who shared practical insights drawn from their professional journeys. The workshop culminated in a competitive “Shark Tank” simulation, during which students developed and pitched innovative business concepts before a distinguished jury composed of Dr. Hovig Kozobiokian, Mr. Anto Balabanian, Dr. Fadi Asrawi, along with fellow faculty members, ensuring a rigorous and academically grounded evaluation process.
The competition concluded with the announcement of the winners as follows:
•First Place:
Layan Ghalayini – Broumana High School (BHS)
Garen Jehizian – Yeghishe Manougian /ACUSA
Coach: Alumna Christelle Kassabian
•Second Place:
Khaled Ahmad Hasbini – Khaled Ibn Walid Al Hori
Kevin El Berberi – Broumana High School (BHS)
Coach: Senior student Maggie Koulekjian
•Third Place:
Vana Avedissian – United Armenian College
Malek El Ghoul – Broumana High School (BHS)
Coach: Senior student Antranik Barounian
The Teen Innovators workshop offered academic prizes totaling USD 10,000, and all participants received a certificate of participation and souvenirs gifts from HU.
Closing remarks were delivered by the organizers, along with Mr. Arman Der Bedrossian, senior student and President of HUBS, who thanked the FBAE faculty and shared his experience in innovation, and student leadership.
“Teen Innovators” stands as a testament to Haigazian University’s commitment to excellence in business education, innovation-driven learning, leadership and meaningful engagement with the wider school community, while empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
Mira Yardemian
Public Relations Director