A landmark investment project, totalling nearly $500 million, was unveiled at Viva Technology, Europe’s largest startup and tech conference, signalling a significant advancement in Armenia’s ambition to become a leading technology hub in the region. The collaborative initiative involves the Armenian government alongside major players such as NVIDIA, Firebird, and Team Group, aiming to establish the most powerful supercomputing hub and data processing centre in the region, focused on harnessing cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Central to this venture is Firebird’s plan to roll out a network powered by thousands of NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, with operations expected to commence in 2026. The centre is designed to have a capacity scalable to over 100 megawatts, a nod to the increasing demand for robust computing infrastructures in various sectors. Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, emphasised the importance of such infrastructure, stating, “AI factories are the infrastructure of the 21st century,” further asserting that the partnership will unlock various avenues for innovation and economic growth in the region.
This technological leap comes at a time when Armenia is navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, particularly following the 2022 seizure of Nagorno-Karabakh by Azerbaijan. As the country strives for stability amid rising tensions, it is strategically moving away from dependency on Russia, fostering connections with the EU, the US, and India. This transition is underscored by a broader governmental push to enhance STEM education and nurture innovation domestically.
Alexandr Yesayan, co-founder of Team Group, hailed the project as a pathway to elevate Armenia as a global centre for information technology, stating, “Our participation reflects our readiness to make Armenia a global centre for information technologies, artificial intelligence solutions, and the digital future.” Firebird’s co-founder, Razmig Hovaghimian, echoed this sentiment, revealing plans to partner with leading global universities to invest in diverse fields, including robotics and various sciences.
Adding to this momentum, the Afeyan Foundation for Armenia has stepped in as a founding investor in Firebird, with its principal, Noubar Afeyan, affirming that “Armenia’s next chapter in technology leadership will be built on global collaboration and long-term investment.” U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, also expressed optimism regarding the potential for U.S. technology exports and AI leadership to further invigorate Armenia’s evolving tech landscape.
Additionally, Armenia is set to establish its first dedicated AI supercomputing centre with a budget of approximately $8.5 million, signalling the government’s commitment to fostering an advanced computational environment. Vice Speaker of Parliament Hakob Arshakyan indicated that this project, a result of discussions between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Jensen Huang in April, has already been included in the 2024 state budget for parliamentary review.
This extensive collaboration among the state, international technology firms, and local enterprises demonstrates a collective commitment to transforming Armenia into a prominent technology hub. The strategic establishment of AI infrastructure is not merely about technological advancement but also serves as a cornerstone for bolstering Armenia’s national security and economic resilience in an increasingly volatile regional landscape.
As Armenia positions itself as a beacon of innovation in a region fraught with challenges, industry leaders and government officials remain optimistic that these bold initiatives will pave the way for long-lasting economic partnerships and technological leadership both regionally and on the global stage.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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