CyberShield: Innovative ICT Education for a Secure Future – Final Meeting Held

On December 8, 2025, the final meeting of the I2Q Project funded by the Competitive Innovation Fund (CIF) grant competition – “CyberShield: Innovative ICT Education for a Secure Future” was held at the Georgian Technical University. CIF representatives attended the meeting.

The main novelty of the event was the presentation of a new, joint English-language master’s program in cybersecurity. The program is implemented by a consortium consisting of the Georgian Technical University and a British Teaching University in Georgia. The main goal of the new master’s program is to prepare highly qualified cyber specialists with theoretical and practical knowledge that meet the requirements of the international market.

The project group member made a detailed presentation to the attendees and noted that the process of developing the program’s curriculum was proceeding with exceptional intensity. The study of similar programs and consideration of current issues was the basis, which ensured the program’s relevance to the latest challenges. It was also noted that the principles of ABET (international accreditation standards) were observed during the preparation of the program, which indicates its high quality. Currently, the accreditation application for the master’s program is being submitted to the National Center for Educational Quality Development.

The uniqueness of the program is determined by the involvement of both universities in the implementation process. In accordance with the awarded qualification, the student will be awarded a qualification document – a diploma, which each university will award separately, respectively, the student will be awarded 2 (two) diplomas.

Industry representatives were involved in the development of the curriculum, which ensures that program graduates will be ready for real work challenges. The methodological framework of the study is focused on research, projects and problem-based learning, which contributes to the practical application of knowledge. International partners such as Adelphi University in the USA and Bar-Ilan University in Israel participated in the project implementation process.

Within the framework of the grant project, the Georgian Technical University made a significant investment in improving the material and technical base. A new, modern-standard big data processing laboratory has been set up in Building 9 of GTU, equipped with powerful computers, servers and other supporting equipment. This laboratory will be used not only in the educational process, but also in cybersecurity research. In addition, new textbooks and access to important databases were purchased for the needs of the master’s program, which will be available to students of both universities.

Within the framework of the project, special attention was paid to strengthening the academic staff. Master classes and trainings were held, which were led by foreign experts, recognized professionals in the field of cybersecurity. This will contribute to the development of both sectoral and educational-pedagogical competencies.

Also, the parties involved in the project implemented regional initiatives to disseminate knowledge: a series of workshops was held – “Cybersecurity – a Safe Future” – for schoolgirls from ethnic minorities and other interested persons in Georgia.

The project “CyberShield: Innovative ICT Education for a Secure Future” and the master’s program developed within it, which draws on the experience of leading international universities, including Adelphi University in the USA (which is a partner of the British teaching university), create an educational space that will respond to cybersecurity challenges and contribute to the training of strong professionals in the country.