On June 4–5, the Caucasus University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center, in collaboration with the School of Tourism, hosted the Digital Tourism Ideathon 2026, bringing together students, industry professionals, and mentors to explore innovative solutions for the future of tourism and hospitality.
The two-day event was designed to encourage participants to address real challenges facing the tourism sector through the use of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and entrepreneurial thinking. Working in teams, participants developed creative and practical solutions aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the industry's ongoing transformation.
A highlight of the program was a masterclass delivered by Dipra Jha, Associate Professor at Washington State University, who served as the event’s keynote speaker. Drawing on his extensive academic and industry experience, Professor Jha shared insights into emerging trends in tourism and hospitality, the growing role of artificial intelligence, and the opportunities technology creates for the future of the sector.
The Ideathon was organized with the support of BOH Concepts, a Seattle-based Hospitality Workforce Solutions company committed to advancing innovation and technology within the hospitality industry.
Throughout the event, participants received guidance from experienced mentors and industry experts, refining their ideas and developing solutions to real-world tourism and hospitality challenges. The mentoring process actively involved faculty members from the Caucasus University School of Tourism, as well as the founders of the startup Consiergia.
The mentor team included:
- Giorgi Sanikidze – CEO of GNSS & Partners and Managing Partner at Consiergia
- Natia Silikashvili – Audit Manager at EY, Co-Founder of the AI startup Consiergia
- Nata Robitashvili – Tourism professional and expert in eco and sustainable tourism.
- Nino Tigishvili – Founder of Tigi's Home, mentor, and expert in eco and agritourism.
- Giorgi Bregadze – Professor at Caucasus University, tourism researcher, and international project consultant.
At the conclusion of the Ideathon, participating teams pitched their solutions to a jury panel. Projects were evaluated based on innovation, feasibility, technological integration, and their potential impact on the tourism sector.
The jury consisted of:
- Dipra Jha – Associate Professor at Washington State University and expert in tourism, hospitality, artificial intelligence, and international education.
- Irakli Svanidze – Acting Head of the Caucasus University Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center and startup mentor.
- Akaki Kapanadze – Director of the Project Management Department at Caucasus University.
Following the final presentations, the winning teams were announced and awarded cash prizes, while all participants received certificates recognizing their participation.
Winners
Paigo – 1st Place | 1,500 GEL
Gza – 2nd Place | 1,200 GEL
Frena – 3rd Place | 900 GEL
The Digital Tourism Ideathon 2026 provided participants with a unique opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world challenges, gain hands-on experience, and build meaningful connections with experts from academia and industry. The event once again highlighted the growing importance of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of tourism.
