The Digital Julfa Network Venice 2026 brought together more than 55 Armenian business and industry leaders, investors, thinkers, and cultural representatives from around the world for a unique two-day gathering on the historic island of San Lazzaro degli Armeni in Venice.

Inspired by the legacy of New Julfa, the event aimed to revive Armenian business heritage as a strategic asset, strengthening global connections, fostering trusted partnerships, and creating new opportunities in business, investment, culture, and innovation.

The program featured:

• Panel discussions with leaders from business, finance, trade, law, history, and culture
• Cultural and business exhibitions
• Artistic performances, including the memorable Jazzical Komitas presentation
• Heritage tours and networking opportunities

About Digital Julfa Venice 2026

Digital Julfa Network is a global platform where business, diplomacy, culture, and innovation intersect to strengthen the Armenian global ecosystem. Following the 2025 inauguration event in Yerevan, Venice 2026 marked the next chapter in the journey—connecting centuries-old Armenian trade heritage with today’s digital economy.

The event created a high-trust environment for global leaders to exchange ideas, build partnerships, and explore opportunities for collaboration, investment, and sustainable growth.

Heritage is not history. It is strategy.

Relive the highlights of Digital Julfa Network Venice 2026:

Check the Photos | Watch the Interviews | Watch the Videos | View the Agenda

On June 23, we proudly hosted the inaugural Digital Julfa Network event at the Fastex Digital Space in Yerevan, uniting global leaders, historians, entrepreneurs, and tech innovators to reimagine the centuries-old Julfa legacy for today’s digital economy.

What began as a trade route built on trust, agility, and innovation is now being revived as a borderless digital platform for the Armenian and global business communities.

The event featured:

• Opening remarks by Emma Arakelyan and Souren Israelyan
• A powerful keynote on family business and resilience by Stefan Lucas
• Thought-provoking historical insights from Dr. Ani Margaryan and Dr. Rachele Zanone
• A live Metaverse showcase of the Digital Julfa marketplace by YoDoor

Full Recording of the Event is Now Available. Relive every moment, every insight, and every vision shared during this milestone gathering.

Link https://youtu.be/bWjGN7urwzk

Emma Arakelyan participated as a featured speaker at the Armenian Global Summit 2024, joining the panel discussion "Diaspora as a Bridge: Connecting Armenian Exports to Global Markets" at the Meridian Expo Center in Yerevan.

During the session, Emma presented the Digital Julfa Network (DJN) initiative, highlighting its vision of connecting Armenians around the world through innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and collaboration. She shared how the Digital Julfa Network is building a global platform that strengthens economic, cultural, and business ties across the Armenian diaspora.

The summit brought together leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from Armenia and the diaspora to discuss new opportunities for expanding Armenia's global presence and fostering international partnerships.

Learn more about the Armenian Global Summit 2024: https://wwe.highlandproject.com

The Digital Julfa Network was presented during the second panel of the Orion Summit 2023, held at the Harvard Club in New York. The discussion focused on positioning Armenian innovation, science, and leading companies on the global stage while introducing the vision of the Digital Julfa Network.

The initiative aims to establish the Digital Julfa Network as the modern evolution of New Julfa, creating a global platform that builds prosperity, strengthens advocacy for Armenia, and fosters partnerships, investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship across the Armenian diaspora.

The panel featured:

• Davit Sahakyan, Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia
• Souren Israelyan, Founder of Souren A. Israelyan Law Office
• Sebouh Nahabedian, Managing Director, Credit and Structured Solutions Group at Francisco Partners
• Rafayel Gevorgyan, Deputy Minister of Economy of the Republic of Armenia
• Mark Chenian, Board Member, Armenian Society of Fellows

The discussion was moderated by Dr. Armen Kherlopian.

Watch the Digital Julfa Network panel (starts at 1:45:15):
https://www.youtube.com/live/wfoDa3PaQbs?feature=share

The Digital Julfa Network (DJN) was officially launched during the Orion Summit 2022, in Yerevan at Matenadaran, introducing a global initiative designed to unite the Armenian intellectual, technological, commercial, and cultural potential.

The launch panel presented the vision of the Digital Julfa Network and its mission to strengthen collaboration among Armenians worldwide through innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and strategic partnerships.

The panel featured:

• Emma Arakelyan, Founding Partner, BAJ Accelerator and Orion Worldwide Innovations
• Dr. Vahan Ter-Ghevondian, Director, Matenadaran
• Mark Chenian, Board Member, Armenian Society of Fellows
• Dr. Armen Kherlopian, Co-Founding Partner, BAJ Accelerator
• Souren Israelyan, Head of Souren A. Israelyan Law Office
• Gayane Arakelyan, Director, Distrikt Foundation for Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Development

The launch marked the beginning of the Digital Julfa Network's journey to build a connected global Armenian ecosystem that fosters collaboration, economic growth, and long-term impact.

Watch the official launch:
https://youtu.be/ZFNQX6kYK9w