AGP Executive Report

Science Funding: Nearly 240 Armenian researchers are urging the government to increase 2027 science funding, warning that current plans risk derailing goals to expand research and development and grow the public-sector research workforce. 5G Expansion: Viva says its 5G+ network now reaches seven cities in Syunik and Vayots Dzor, including Goris, Kapan and Jermuk, covering about 80% of Armenia’s inhabited areas. Space and High Tech: During a visit to Poland, Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan met space-technology firm Creotech Instruments to discuss potential cooperation on satellite systems; Armenia and Poland also discussed wider high-tech and digital-services ties. AI Research: Armenia is exploring joint research with Barcelona technology centers, including cooperation in AI and quantum computing. COP17 Connectivity: Team Telecom Armenia is preparing telecommunications and technology infrastructure for the biodiversity summit in Yerevan, while Ucom plans to showcase its environmental partnership. Digital Resilience: Recent Yandex data-center outages disrupted services used in Armenia, highlighting the risks of relying on digital infrastructure based abroad.

Space Technology: Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan visited Poland’s Creotech Instruments, where officials presented satellite-system and space programs as the two sides explored cooperation. Armenia and Poland also agreed to deepen high-tech and digital-services ties. AI and Quantum Computing: Armenia and Barcelona’s Supercomputing Center discussed joint research, specialist training and cooperation in artificial intelligence and quantum computing, drawing on the center’s MareNostrum 5 supercomputer and quantum systems. Digital Resilience: Disruptions at Russian tech company Yandex’s data centers left some services used in Armenia unavailable, including taxi bookings and public-transport arrival information, highlighting the risks of relying on infrastructure outside the country. Technology for Nature: Ucom plans to showcase technology-driven conservation work at COP17 in Yerevan, alongside its environmental partnership with the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets.

AI and Supercomputing: Armenia and Barcelona’s Supercomputing Center explored cooperation on AI, quantum computing, joint research and specialist training, including links to its MareNostrum supercomputer infrastructure. Cybersecurity: U.S. expert Shane Tews met with technology leaders, students and media in Yerevan and Gyumri to discuss superintelligence, cybersecurity, data privacy and responsible technology use. Medical Research: Armenia conditionally approved a one-year authorization for the cancer treatment combination botensilimab and balstilimab. Tech Education: TUMO opened its first center in Georgia, in Kutaisi, where teenagers can study programming, robotics, game development and generative AI for free. COP17 and Conservation: Ucom plans to present its technology and environmental initiatives at the biodiversity summit in Yerevan, working with the Foundation for the Preservation of Wildlife and Cultural Assets.

Tech Education: Armenia-founded TUMO opened its first center in Georgia, in Kutaisi. About 1,550 teenagers have registered, with 600 already taking free classes in programming, robotics, design and generative AI. AI Infrastructure: Armenia is weighing the power needs of a major Firebird AI data center, with grid connection and energy planning under discussion. The High-Tech Ministry has also discussed AI infrastructure with Cerebras, as Russia warns the project could strain electricity supplies. Space and Science: Armenia plans a new satellite launch in 2028–29, while Armenian students won four medals at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. Armenian Tech Abroad: Picsart, Armenia’s first unicorn, ranked among the world’s top 10 mobile AI apps.**

Digital Resilience: Drone strikes that knocked Russian Yandex data centers offline disrupted services, including Yandex Go in Armenia, raising questions about the country’s reliance on digital infrastructure based abroad. AI Infrastructure: Armenia’s High-Tech Minister discussed AI development with Cerebras, while officials examined connecting the proposed Firebird AI center to the power grid. Russia has warned the project could strain electricity supplies. Space and Skills: Armenia is planning a satellite launch for 2028–29. An international Engineering Week also brought local engineers together with overseas experts to explore physical AI and innovation. Digital Skills: Armenia and Djibouti discussed cooperation in AI, entrepreneurship and digital training, including learning from education programs such as TUMO and Armath.

Digital Resilience: A reported drone attack shut a third Yandex data center in Russia, disrupting services including Yandex Go, with outages also reported in Armenia. The incident highlights the risks of relying on digital infrastructure based abroad. AI and Skills: Armenia and Djibouti explored cooperation in AI, innovation and digital training, including possible models inspired by TUMO and Armath. Powering AI: Armenia is planning grid capacity for the Firebird AI data center as Russian officials warn of electricity shortages and question the project. The debate underscores the challenge of meeting tech-sector demand while securing reliable energy. Mining Technology: Amulsar gold mine operations have begun, with modern equipment and skilled technical jobs among the promised benefits, while environmental concerns remain. Armenia’s Tech Profile: Picsart, Armenia’s first unicorn, ranked among the world’s top 10 mobile AI apps; the country is also planning a satellite launch for 2028–29.

AI Skills: Armenia and Djibouti explored cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital skills and entrepreneurship, including possible use of Armenia’s TUMO and Armath education models. Digital Services: Armenia’s high-tech minister activated a digital identity in the imID app, as the government also discusses modernizing migration data systems. AI Infrastructure: Plans for the Firebird AI data center have renewed debate over electricity capacity and data security. Firebird says its US export licence restricts computing resources to civilian use; Armenia has also discussed connecting the center to the power grid. Research and Space: Armenia plans another satellite launch in 2028–29. The country’s high-tech sector also received a boost as space entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian was named a State Prize laureate for contributions to high technology. Industry: Operations have launched at the Amulsar gold mine, a major investment project that will use modern equipment and require specialized workers.

AI Infrastructure: Armenia’s planned Firebird AI center in Hrazdan is at the center of a dispute over power and security. Russia warned its planned 300-megawatt capacity could strain the electricity grid; Firebird rejected the security allegations and says its computing resources are restricted to civilian use. Energy Strategy: Armenian officials say diversifying energy sources and partners is vital to national security, as the government weighs options for a new nuclear plant. Digital Services: High-Tech Minister Davit Tadevosyan activated a digital identity in the imID app, highlighting efforts to build secure, interoperable trust services. Science and Skills: Armenian students won four medals at the International Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad, while the country is planning a satellite launch for 2028–29. AI and Rights: Armenia’s resolution on women’s rights in digital technologies was adopted unanimously by the UN Human Rights Council.

AI and Energy: Russia’s Security Council warned that Firebird AI’s planned 300-megawatt data center in Hrazdan could strain Armenia’s power supply and raise security concerns. Firebird rejected the allegations, saying its U.S. export license limits computing to civilian use. Nuclear Power: The dispute has sharpened debate over Armenia’s next nuclear plant. Russia is promoting a Rosatom-built unit, while Armenian officials describe energy diversification as a strategic priority. High-Tech Recognition: Space entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian, founder of Axiom Space and Intuitive Machines, has received Armenia’s 2026 State Prize for Global Contribution to High Technologies.

AI and Energy: Russia’s Security Council warned that Firebird AI’s planned expansion in Hrazdan to 300 MW by 2027 could strain Armenia’s electricity supply. Armenia is reviewing options for a new nuclear plant as demand rises, with a decision on its model expected in 2027. Biodiversity Science: Researchers and Tribal leaders are among those preparing for the UN biodiversity summit in Yerevan on Oct. 19–30, where delegates will discuss conservation and Indigenous participation. High-Tech Recognition: Space entrepreneur Kam Ghaffarian, founder of Axiom Space and Intuitive Machines, has won Armenia’s State Award for global contributions to high technology. Armenian AI: Picsart, founded by three Armenians, ranked among the world’s top 10 mobile apps using generative AI in a new a16z list. Space and STEM: Armenia plans a satellite launch in 2028–29, while Armenian students won four medals at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics.

AI Infrastructure: Amazon is interested in investing in Armenia if the country can guarantee reliable power, with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan citing a need for roughly 1,000 megawatts. Firebird AI plans to expand its Hrazdan data center to 300 MW by the end of 2027; a Russian security official warned of electricity and data-security risks. Energy Plans: Armenia is weighing nuclear proposals from Russia, the U.S., Europe, China and South Korea, with a decision on the plant’s model expected in the first half of 2027. AI Success: Picsart, founded by Armenians, made a16z’s global top 10 mobile generative-AI apps ranking. Digital Rights: A resolution sponsored by Armenia and unanimously adopted by the UN Human Rights Council calls for stronger protection and participation for women and girls in digital technologies, including AI.

AI Success: Armenia-founded Picsart ranked among the world’s top 10 mobile generative AI apps in venture firm a16z’s latest list, based on monthly users. Power for Tech: Amazon is interested in investing in Armenia if the country can guarantee a reliable 1,000-megawatt power supply, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said. Armenia is weighing nuclear plant proposals from several countries, with a model decision expected in the first half of 2027 as AI projects drive up electricity demand. Digital Governance: Armenia’s Interior Ministry has proposed AI tools for crime analysis in a planned unified government data system. Separately, a UN Human Rights Council resolution sponsored by Armenia on women’s rights in digital technologies and AI was adopted unanimously. Science Education: UWC Dilijan will launch a four-week astrophysics academy in summer 2027 for teens, featuring student research on variable stars.

AI in Government: Armenia’s Interior Ministry is proposing AI tools for crime analysis, linking data across agencies in a unified electronic system. AI Investment: The World Bank says AI and digital infrastructure are attracting investment, including through Firebird’s data-center project, but Armenian firms still rarely sell AI solutions to local businesses. Powering Compute: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says the growth of AI factories could drive electricity shortages, prompting a review of plans for a large nuclear plant, with a decision expected in 2027. Space and Research: Kam Ghaffarian, co-founder of Axiom Space and Intuitive Machines, has won Armenia’s 2026 Global High-Tech Award; Armenia also plans a new satellite launch in 2028–29. Industrial Technology: Armenia and India are discussing local assembly or production of Pinaka Mk-II rockets, potentially with Indian technical support and training.

UN & AI Rights: Armenia’s UN Human Rights Council resolution on women and girls’ rights in the age of digital technologies (including AI) was unanimously adopted, focusing on closing the gender digital divide, boosting participation in tech governance, and tackling risks like discrimination and algorithmic bias. AI Infrastructure & Power: Armenia’s PSRC discussed connecting the Firebird AI data center to the national power grid, including capacity needs and grid impact as the project scales toward 300 MW. Telecom Next-Gen: Huawei met Armenia’s PSRC to discuss 5G development and 6G deployment plans. Space Program: Armenia plans a new satellite launch in late 2028 or early 2029, building on Armsat-1 (2022) and Hayasat-1. Engineering & Education: Armenia Engineering Week 2026 wrapped up with “Physical AI” themes, while Armenian students won medals at the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics. Biodiversity & UNESCO: Armenia’s UNESCO commission session advanced new heritage nominations and education initiatives ahead of COP17 in Yerevan. Agriculture Tech: A seminar at the Russian Trade Mission covered modern fertilizer use to improve yields and efficiency. Regional Connectivity: PM Pashinyan pushed the TRIPP corridor and expects border and rail openings with Turkey and Azerbaijan alongside it.

AI & Telecom Infrastructure: Armenia’s PSRC met Huawei on 6G prospects and telecom modernization, while also discussing how the Firebird AI data center can connect to the national power grid and secure major capacity for scaling. Climate Tech & Finance: The Central Bank of Armenia unveiled its “Armenia Climate Risk Maps,” turning climate vulnerability into tools for financial and planning decisions. Space & High-Tech: Armenia plans a new satellite launch in late 2028–early 2029, and engineer Kam Gafarian received the 2026 State Award for Global Contribution to High-Tech. Digital Governance & Data: High-Tech Industry officials met IOM on modernizing Armenia’s migration data management system with EU-aligned standards and AI-enabled interoperability. Energy & Industry Cleanup: Rosatom says it’s ready to decontaminate the former Nairit chemical plant site. Education & Social Tech: Viva supported a sensory integration room at the “Step Forward” center, and Armenia added school buses for students in newly built regional schools. Biodiversity Watch: COP17 in Yerevan will be the first major global stocktake of progress toward the Kunming-Montreal biodiversity targets.

AI Infrastructure: Armenia’s High-Tech Industry Minister Davit Tadevosyan met Cerebras to discuss AI development, high-performance computing, and building AI infrastructure, with both sides exploring cooperation with international tech firms. Digital Education: Armenia is drafting a new automated textbook readability audit, using a language committee tool to flag hard-to-understand sections and guide revisions. Sustainable Tech Finance: Swedfund and Armenia’s high-tech leadership discussed digitalization, telecommunications, startup support, and secure digital communications for sustainable infrastructure projects. Public Services Upgrade: Armenia introduced new school buses to transport students from five regional communities to newly built schools. Water Safety Probe: Armenia’s Investigative Committee opened a criminal case over alleged water poisoning in the Tsav village watershed, linked to illegal mining and exploration near the water source. Industrial Engineering: Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine is changing dam reinforcement and raising methods at the Artsvanik tailing pond after stability monitoring, aiming to boost seismic resilience and improve water management. Trade Framework: The UAE–EAEU Economic Partnership Agreement entered into force, creating preferential trade access for Armenia and other EAEU members and targeting growth in bilateral trade.