A strategic partnership with the American technology giant NVIDIA , which plays a key role worldwide in High Performance Computing (HPC) infrastructure, AI data center infrastructure, and Artificial Intelligence development platforms , was announced today at a joint press conference by the Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki , the Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, and the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Demetris Skourides.
As part of the collaboration, Cyprus will soon acquire an upgraded national HPC infrastructure – a supercomputer – that will fill an existing and critical gap in Cyprus’ national computing capabilities. This is a development of crucial importance for the development of innovation in the country, especially at a time when artificial intelligence is evolving at an incredible pace that requires strong, modern infrastructure and autonomy in this field.
The upgraded infrastructure will be open to the entire ecosystem and is expected to be in production operation in June.
NVIDIA's contribution to the project is not limited to the technological dimension, but extends to the transfer of know-how, the training of human resources (researchers, students and specialized personnel) and the broader maturation of the ecosystem.
At the same time, the company will provide expertise in the practical application of these technologies in areas of strategic importance for Cyprus, such as: clean energy (Cleantech), climate science, environmental challenges, natural disaster prevention and biomedicine and bioinformatics for rare diseases, while strengthening the strategic autonomy and competitiveness of Cyprus.
The above results emerged from the contacts of the President of the Republic in New York and San Francisco last April, within the framework of the Government's broader strategy to strengthen extroversion and promote Cyprus as a reliable and competitive investment destination.
Creation of the Plug & Play Cyprus Innovation Center
The meetings in the US and the contacts that followed formed the basis for Plug and Play 's decision to operate in Cyprus through the creation of an Innovation Center . Plug and Play is one of the leading international innovation organizations, with a presence in dozens of countries, a network of thousands of startups, partnerships with large multinational companies and institutional investors.
Plug and Play's activity in Cyprus aims to support start-ups and innovative businesses , to enhance corporate and intra-corporate innovation, to connect research organizations with the market and to provide access to international networks, know-how and markets.
The Council of Ministers approved on 23/12/2025 the framework to support this activity, with a defined time horizon, measurable objectives, complementary to private participation/financing. The initiative is part of the overall policy to strengthen innovation and attract high added value investments.
Tenstorrent also launches in Cyprus
After a series of contacts that began in the USA, the collaboration with the company Tenstorrent Inc. was institutionalized, with the signing of a Strategic Memorandum of Cooperation with the Hellenic Research and Innovation Foundation (HRIF).
The Memorandum establishes a framework for cooperation in the following key areas:
• development of AI and semiconductor design capabilities
• strengthening of dominant computing infrastructure
• collaboration with universities, Centers of Excellence and research institutions
• development of skills and highly specialized human resources
• accelerating innovation in sectors such as energy, health, shipping and defense
Tenstorrent has already opened an office in Cyprus, becoming the first world-class AI chip company to set up shop in the country. The hiring process for over 10 people is underway.
The company's establishment in Cyprus strengthens the country's position in the European AI and semiconductor ecosystem, attracting researchers, engineers and talent, and connecting the public and private sectors in innovation.
Collaborations with Columbia Business School
At the same time, during the series of meetings with Columbia, specific collaborations with Columbia University were launched , which are already yielding substantial results.
Within the framework of the Future Founders Academy program of the IDF , which is aimed at young men and women up to three years after obtaining a university degree, sponsorship of up to €25 thousand is provided and a structured training program in innovative entrepreneurship is offered.
Distinguished Professor John Kymissis of Columbia University, along with his specialized team, will contribute substantially to the shaping of the educational program, offering unique knowledge and expertise from one of the world's leading academic institutions. Their participation guarantees a high level of education and innovative approaches that will inspire participants and serve as a springboard for international perspectives.
The program will be implemented in a hybrid format (online and in-person) and includes basic principles of entrepreneurship and idea development, support in team formation and development of a minimum viable product (MVP), and preparation for contact with investors and business model improvement.
The first action within the framework of the collaboration is scheduled for 17 January.
Additionally, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), in consultation with the Columbia School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has drawn up an agreement for a 4+1 dual degree program.
The program provides for the award of a Master's degree (MS) from Columbia in the fields of Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, and a Bachelor's degree (BSc or BEng) from TEPAK in the fields of engineering and technology.
The collaboration upgrades the international dimension of studies in Cyprus and strengthens the connection with leading universities worldwide.
Integrating AI in education
Also, through coordinated action by the Deputy Ministry of Innovation with the Ministry of Education, the internationally recognized ExperienceAI program , which has been developed by Google DeepMind and the Raspberry Pi Foundation , has been integrated into schools in Cyprus .
The ExperienceAI program aims to familiarize teachers with artificial intelligence , not only on a technical level, but also in terms of its social, ethical and practical dimensions, while equipping teachers with modern tools, methods and innovative teaching materials.
The program, coordinated by the Pedagogical Institute, includes comprehensive educational material, activities, videos and presentations, specifically designed to teach the basic principles of the new reality of AI at the level of middle and high school students , and concerns teachers in both public and private schools. This is an important step in preparing the new generation for the new digital reality in a timely manner, through appropriate teacher training.
OpenAI – ChatGPT for Education
The Government is in advanced discussions with the company OpenAI for the use of ChatGPT Education, the specially adapted version of GPT-5 for the educational environment.
The aim is to integrate genetic artificial intelligence tools into a learning process and their proper utilization. Training and education of teachers is provided in the practical use of the tool, with an emphasis on the ethical and safe use of artificial intelligence.
At the same time, students will be trained in the use of ChatGPT Education, with a focus on digital literacy skills in AI and its safe use.
It is planned, upon successful completion of the agreement, to be implemented initially in a pilot phase for students of Technical Schools, at an estimated cost of around 0.5 million euros.
Through this initiative, Cyprus becomes one of the first countries in Europe to institutionally integrate the training and familiarization of students with artificial intelligence into the educational system, creating strong prospects for strengthening human capital and innovation in our country.
Creation of an AI Development Center within the framework of the GCloud project
At the same time, a series of subsequent contacts with major technology companies in the US was a catalyst for a significant digital initiative: the government's decision to expand the government cloud computing project (GCloud), incorporating the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Development Center by the successful bidder.
GCloud will provide the Government with a modern technological infrastructure and the necessary tools, which will allow for more modern implementation of applications and systems, with greater flexibility, security and resilience, also incorporating capabilities for the development of AI solutions.
Specifically on the issue of AI, the creation of the AI Development Center will function as a means of implementing solutions in the government environment and integrating AI into public services and information systems, with the aim of improving the services provided to citizens, smart data management and increasing the efficiency of public administration.
The competition, for which there is significant interest from these major technology companies, will conclude on January 30.
Amazon – Amazon Kuiper
Specifically for the Amazon company , and after a series of extensive contacts, next week we will have in Cyprus the leadership of Amazon Leo (Project Kuiper), with whom there are advanced discussions regarding the examination of a possible pilot implementation of the Kuiper program in Cyprus.
Project Kuiper (Amazon Leo) is an Amazon initiative to create a global network of low-orbit satellites, with the aim of providing fast, reliable and secure satellite Internet that can be used as an alternative means of communication.
It is expected to contribute to the formation of secure communication for critical infrastructures , as well as in cases of crises or large-scale damage, strengthening the digital resilience of the State.
Minds in Cyprus & attracting investments
Based on the results of the President of the Republic's campaign in the United States in April, the Government is proceeding with the planning of the next phase of strengthening bilateral economic relations with the US, with emphasis on both the continuation and deepening of the collaborations that have been established, as well as the creation of new collaborations in sectors of strategic importance for the Cypriot economy.
In this context, a targeted campaign is planned in the United States in 2026, initially focusing on Boston and New York, to promote Cyprus as an investment destination, but also within the framework of the Minds in Cyprus talent repatriation initiative.
Minds in Cyprus functions as an economic policy tool, as it brings together Cypriot and international professionals active in leading innovation ecosystems, enhances the flow of knowledge, expertise and capital to Cyprus and supports the attraction of high-value-added businesses and investments.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
