AGP Executive Report

Cybersecurity: Armenian police say a suspected trafficking operation at a Yerevan hotel forced foreign nationals into computer-related theft; at least 41 people were involved, and the suspected organizer is in custody. AI Infrastructure: Firebird’s 70,000-GPU project points to Armenia’s push into large-scale AI computing; the company has made its first electricity payment to the national grid, exceeding 244 million drams. Armenia has also launched a major EU-backed AI research project. Local Innovation: Young Armenian innovators have developed an affordable underwater drone to help preserve cultural heritage. Nuclear Technology: U.S. and Russian proposals remain in play as Armenia weighs a replacement for its aging Metsamor plant, with a U.S. diplomat discussing the project in Yerevan. Biodiversity Science: COP17 discussions in Yerevan highlighted the need for stronger biodiversity data and monitoring, while education officials explored bringing nature and climate learning into school curricula.

AI and Research: Armenia has launched a major EU-backed AI research project as Firebird advances plans for a 70,000-GPU computing project, strengthening the country’s bid to join the global AI race. Nuclear Technology: Armenia is still weighing options for a new nuclear unit. A U.S. diplomat discussed the project in Yerevan, while Rosatom says it is receiving positive signals; the government has yet to choose a technology. Biodiversity Science: COP17 in Yerevan brought new global findings, including an IUCN assessment that 96% of shallow-water coral reef ecosystems are critically endangered. Delegates also discussed bringing biodiversity into school curricula, while IDBank, the Matenadaran and Armenia Tree Project broke ground on a biodiversity park near the manuscript institute. Transport Infrastructure: More than half of construction is complete on the 32-kilometer Kajaran–Agarak section of Armenia’s North-South corridor.

COP17 and Biodiversity: Yerevan is hosting the first global review of progress on the UN’s 2030 nature goals. At the summit, the IUCN warned that 96% of shallow-water coral reef systems are critically endangered, with climate change the main threat. AI and Research: Armenia has launched a major EU-backed AI research project, while Firebird says its Hrazdan data centre currently runs 6,144 NVIDIA GPUs and plans to expand to more than 70,000. Medical Education: An Armenian-American partnership has graduated its first cohort of physician educators, bringing new bedside teaching methods to hospitals in Armenia. Research Policy: A new policy report says Armenia’s universities and research sector need stronger funding and closer links with industry to turn the country’s talent and growing tech sector into lasting innovation.

AI Infrastructure: Firebird’s Hrazdan data center is positioning Armenia in the global AI race: it runs 6,144 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, with expansion plans exceeding 70,000. The company has also made its first power-grid payment of more than 244 million drams. Medical Education: Armenian physicians trained through a Boston University–HENAR partnership are applying new bedside teaching methods at Yerevan hospitals. Research and Innovation: A new policy report says Armenia’s universities and research sector need stronger funding and closer ties to industry to turn talent into technological capacity. Local Innovation: Young Armenian innovators are developing an affordable underwater drone to help preserve cultural heritage. Biodiversity Science: At the UN summit in Yerevan, the IUCN reported that 96% of the world’s shallow-water coral reef systems are critically endangered, with climate change the leading threat.

Biodiversity Science: At COP17 in Yerevan, UNESCO is urging countries to put science and local communities at the centre of conservation. A separate UNESCO initiative shows how citizen-collected seawater samples can help identify marine species in weeks, supporting faster ocean monitoring. Nuclear Energy: Armenia is reassessing plans for a new power plant after Rosatom proposed a 1,000-megawatt reactor. No decision has been made; the country is also considering proposals from the US, France, South Korea and China as it plans for the aging Metsamor plant’s replacement. Armenian Innovation: Two students aged 12 to 14 developed an affordable underwater robot and online platform to document cultural heritage. Their WeDiscit project placed among the top 10 teams in its category at the World Robot Olympiad.

Research: Education Minister Zhanna Andreasyan met scientists to discuss Armenia’s 2026–30 science strategy, research grants and laboratory equipment. The government has also announced an additional 2.35 billion drams for science. AI & Biodiversity: At COP17 in Yerevan, experts weighed AI’s potential for environmental monitoring against its energy use, carbon footprint and electronic waste. A new AI-powered wildlife camera has also been installed in Paruyr Sevak. Cybersecurity: Citizen Lab reported targeted cyberattacks on Armenian government agencies, including the Prime Minister’s office, the Central Bank and the Central Election Commission; responsibility for the latest attacks remains unclear. Geological Research: Armenia plans to establish a Geological Service by the end of 2027, as officials say much of the country’s geological data relies on Soviet-era reports whose accuracy is in question. Energy Technology: Armenia expects to choose a model for a new nuclear power plant in early 2027.

Biodiversity and AI: At COP17 in Yerevan, experts discussed how AI could support environmental monitoring while warning that its energy use, carbon footprint and electronic waste also need attention. The summit is also reviewing global progress toward 2030 biodiversity goals. Cybersecurity: Citizen Lab uncovered targeted attacks on systems linked to Armenia’s prime minister’s office, Central Bank and Central Electoral Commission. An information security expert said one campaign used spyware from Candiru; who was behind the attacks remains unclear. Science Policy: Education and Science Minister Zhanna Andreasyan met scientists to discuss research funding, grants and laboratory equipment, and said the government would carry out its 2026–30 science strategy. Academic Research: Armenia and Ghent University signed an agreement to offer courses and research activities in Armenian studies.

AI & Biodiversity: A Yerevan COP17 discussion explored how AI can support conservation monitoring while accounting for its energy use, carbon footprint and e-waste. Amulsar Dispute: More than 40 Armenian NGOs condemned the start of mine development, warning of risks to biodiversity and local communities. Cybersecurity: Hackers targeted systems at Armenia’s Prime Minister’s Office, Central Bank and Central Electoral Commission, according to researchers; the US Embassy says joint efforts are strengthening Armenia’s capacity to fight cybercrime. Science Links: Armenia’s education ministry and Ghent University signed an agreement to develop Armenian studies courses, seminars and research. Armenia is also preparing a new edition of its Red Book of rare species, with scientific institutions assessing listed and newly identified species. COP17 Conservation: Armenia assumed the UN biodiversity conference’s two-year presidency, while Armenia and Colombia launched a 16-country coalition to help endangered species recover.

Biodiversity Research: Armenia is preparing a new “Red Book” of threatened species with scientific institutions, including research to reassess listed species and identify new ones. Officials also hope to expand business support for Sevan trout recovery. COP17: Yerevan is hosting the first global review of progress on the 2030 biodiversity goals, with fewer than half of national targets on track. A new alliance launched at the summit brings together nine funders pledging more than $500 million for species recovery. Science and Technology: A COP17 exhibition by My Forest Armenia uses immersive multimedia to show forest ecosystems, with support from Idram and IDBank. Armenia is also reviewing the Academic City project’s infrastructure, university partnerships and cost estimates. AI in Education: An international medical education conference brought together 187 participants to explore AI, immersive technologies and new approaches to training healthcare professionals.

Biodiversity Science: COP17 opened in Yerevan, with Environment Minister Hambardzum Matevosyan elected president for a two-year term. The first global review found fewer than half of countries’ biodiversity targets are on track; Armenia and Colombia launched a coalition to speed recovery of endangered species. Conservation Technology: An AI-powered wildlife-monitoring camera, supported by Ucom, was installed in Paruyr Sevak. Research and Innovation: Armenia plans to allocate an additional 2.035 billion drams to science. Officials also reviewed the Academic City project, including partnerships with international universities and a completed master plan. Earth Sciences: Armenia plans to establish a Geological Service by the end of 2027, while the government is calling for a new survey of the country’s mineral resources with international partners.

Biodiversity Science: COP17 opened in Yerevan on October 18, with Armenia urging countries to turn conservation pledges into action. The summit’s first global progress review highlights the need for stronger science, monitoring and funding to protect nature. Digital Geology: Armenia plans to establish a national geological service by the end of 2027 and move subsoil permits to a unified digital system, the territorial administration minister said. Science and Skills: The government approved additional funding for science, while Armenia and Kyrgyzstan agreed to expand student and researcher exchanges. A new TUMO Box in Gyumri will also bring technology and creative education to more teenagers. Wildlife Monitoring: An AI-powered camera has been installed in Paruyr Sevak to support wildlife observation, with Ucom’s backing.

Geology & Mining: Armenia plans to establish a national geological service and move subsoil permits to a unified digital system by the end of 2027. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also called for a fresh survey of the country’s mineral resources with international partners. Science Links: Armenia and Kyrgyzstan signed agreements to expand student and researcher exchanges and cooperation in science and higher education. Tech Education: Hayastan All-Armenian Fund and TUMO will open a TUMO Box in Gyumri’s Mush district, giving teens access to creative technology education. Ucom is also supporting the “Space 1.0” program in 15 Armenian schools. Nature Technology: An AI-powered wildlife-monitoring camera has been installed in Paruyr Sevak, bringing new tools to local conservation efforts.

Biodiversity: A leaders’ summit in Yerevan urged faster, better-funded action to protect nature ahead of COP17, opening Oct. 19. The Yerevan Declaration calls for science and innovative technology to help turn commitments into results. Mining & Geology: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan says Armenia will reassess its underground resources with international partners, as officials warn geological data relies on Soviet-era reports. A new mining-sector think tank is planned, while Auto Gallery is exploring electric heavy trucks for mines. Energy: Nuclear power supplies 30–40% of Armenia’s electricity, the Armenian NPP chief said at a Moscow forum, citing recent upgrades to the plant’s core systems. Armenia expects to choose a model for its next nuclear plant in early 2027. Science: Armenia and Kyrgyzstan signed agreements covering higher education and research, and Armenia has approved additional funding for science.

Biodiversity and Technology: The Yerevan Declaration urges countries to turn COP17 commitments into measurable action, including by using science and innovative technologies to protect nature. Armenia and Colombia also launched the CARES species-recovery coalition, backed by an initial $500 million commitment to support 100 threatened species across 30 countries. Mining Modernization: At Mining Armenia Forum, officials outlined plans to digitize the sector, replace Soviet-era reserve accounting and establish a geological exploration service next year. The forum also featured “Minas,” an AI tool that analyzed and recapped discussions. Science Partnerships: Armenia and Kyrgyzstan signed agreements covering education and scientific cooperation, alongside a pact to protect Lakes Sevan and Issyk-Kul. Research Funding: Armenia plans to allocate an additional 2.035 billion drams to science, while advocates urge full funding for the country’s 2027 science strategy.

AI and Digital Infrastructure: Armenia’s high-tech minister and the World Bank’s country manager discussed cooperation on AI, cybersecurity, telecommunications and moving government systems to the cloud. Plans include Armenian-language AI tools and wider use of AI in public services. Mining and Technology: At the Mining Armenia Forum, an economist said mining productivity has reached about 50 million drams per worker and the sector accounts for 29.1% of exports. Science Funding: Armenia plans an additional 2.35 billion drams for science, while researchers are urging full funding for the 2027 science strategy. Tech Education: Ucom is supporting the “Space 1.0” program in 15 Armenian schools, introducing students to space-related learning. Research Partnerships: Armenia and Barcelona have explored cooperation in AI, quantum computing and applied research. Wildlife Monitoring: An AI-powered camera, installed in Paruyr Sevak with Ucom’s support, will help monitor wildlife.

High-Tech & AI: Armenia’s high-tech minister and the World Bank’s country manager discussed cooperation on AI, cybersecurity, telecoms and digital government, including Armenian-language AI tools. Science Funding: The government plans about AMD 2.35 billion in additional science funding for research grants and upgrades to scientific centers; the Gituzh initiative is urging full funding of the national science strategy. Nature Technology: An AI-powered wildlife-monitoring camera, backed by Ucom, has been installed in Paruyr Sevak. Energy Engineering: Armenia expects to choose a model for its new nuclear plant in early 2027, with small modular reactors among the options under review. Research Partnerships: Armenia and Barcelona are exploring joint projects in AI, quantum computing and applied research. STEM Education: Ucom is supporting the “Space 1.0” program, bringing space education to 15 schools across Armenia.