digital julfa network roadmap

Note: All times are in Gulf Standard Time (UTC/GMT +4)

3:00 PM - 3:10 PM | Welcoming Guests

Guests are welcomed into a space that blends heritage with innovation - introducing the vision of the Digital Julfa Network: a global initiative inspired by the Armenian merchant legacy of Julfa, now reimagined for the digital age.

3:10 PM - 3:30 PM | Opening Remarks

“From Silk Road to Silicon Road: Reviving Julfa Through Digital Innovation”

EMMA ARAKELYAN, Orion Worldwide Innovations, CEO & Founder, Digital Julfa Network Initiative Founding Partner

SOUREN ISRAELYAN, LAW OFFICE OF SOUREN A. ISRAELYAN, Digital Julfa Network Initiative Collaboration Partner

- The purpose and mission of Digital Julfa: rebuilding global trade networks rooted in Armenian excellence.

-How Digital Julfa fosters awareness, historic revival of trust, advocacy, economic

growth, global partnerships and collaboration.

- The strategic role of innovation ecosystems in reigniting Armenia’s, Armenian  Diaspora and New Julfa’s historic networks.

- Highlighting Digital Julfa Network activity across 40+ countries, New Julfan family

offices and the vision for a new era of interconnected trade platforms.

3:30 PM - 3:50 PM | Keynote Speech: Family Business Perspective

“From New Julfa to the World: A Family Legacy of Trade, Culture, and Innovation”

Stefan Lucas, FinTech Armenia - Founding CEO, New Julfan Family Representative

- Share his family history and roots to New Julfa, how they survived and thrived for over

400 years through resilience, innovation, and global trade.

- Connect how businesses today seek that same spirit: to go beyond borders, connect

with trusted global markets and investors, adopt cutting-edge technologies, and build

trusted business networks poised for lasting international success.

4:00 PM – 4:10 PM | Keynote Speech: A Historian's Perspective

Dr. ANI MARGARYAN, Art Historian

"How Armenian Silk Road Merchants Shaped Modernity: Trade, Culture, and Economic Power"

Insights into:

- The rise of New Julfa as a global trade powerhouse in the 17th–19th centuries.

- How Armenian merchants created a trusted brand of integrity and innovation.

- The significance of New Julfa's diaspora networks and self-organized economic systems.

- The cultural impact of New Julfa as a bridge between East and West.

4:20 PM - 4:40 PM | Metaverse Showcase – YoCerebrum Platform

NIKO NIKOYAN, Fastex Marketing Director

Highlights to include:

- Use of immersive technology to create cultural, e and trade-based digital experiences.

- Live demo: a virtual “Digital Julfa” marketplace and exhibition space.

- Vision for metaverse-based accelerators, education hubs, and diaspora engagement.

4:40 PM – 5:00 PM | Q&A and Closing Remarks

Open-floor Q&A with speakers and Digital Julfa Network leadership.

- Key takeaways for building the next Digital Julfa chapter.

- How participants, investors, innovators, and cultural stewards can engage.

- A call to action for global Armenians to co-create a borderless innovation network anchored in heritage and purpose.

Note: All times are in Gulf Standard Time (UTC/GMT +4)