In Kutaisi, Georgia’s third largest city, a new university has been created in 2020 with the goal of becoming a leading education and research centre in Georgia and the larger region. The Kutaisi International University (KIU) has been built based on the model of Technical University of Munich (TUM).

TUM International has been advising KIU for several years on behalf of the Georgian government on, among other things, the development of a business model, design of educational programmes, and international accreditation.

Similar to its role model TUM, the KIU aims to have an entrepreneurial and application-oriented research and academic focus. Strong ties with local, national, and international companies are important, as are activities to strengthen the "entrepreneurial spirit" among students. To this end, TUM International supports the formation and long-term development of an innovation ecosystem with KIU at its heart (e.g. as co-host of the very successful KIUInnovate Business Forum in fall 2022).

KIU is committed to offering education programs in line with international standards of leading universities. The campus also offers a modern dormitory and well-equipped teaching and research facilities to provide an inspiring environment for students. The campus will be continuously expanded and upgraded over the coming years. 

The first academic year at KIU has been successfully completed. The three Bachelor's degree programmes offered - Computer Science, Mathematics and Management - are to be expanded to include Master and doctoral programs in 2023, with further degree programmes in the natural and human sciences to follow soon. As internationalization is at the core of KIU's guiding concept all study programmes are offered in English.

On the occasion of the official opening ceremony of KIU on 21. October 2020, the honorary President Prof. Wolfgang A. Herrmann created a video statement.