AGP Executive Report

AI in Education: Georgia’s tech talent pipeline gets a boost as TBC backs students winning two medals and two honorable mentions at IOI 2026, with intensive prep across Tbilisi, Bakuriani and BTU. Teacher Training: Azerbaijan and Georgia jointly developed a program for primary teachers at Azerbaijani-language schools in Georgia, with registration open Aug. 17–24. Infrastructure & Standards: Nasdaq teams up with Georgia’s National Bank to deploy its Calypso treasury platform across five major banks, aiming to modernize the full trade lifecycle with shared, segregated architecture. Bridge Engineering: China reports wind-resistance verification for the B3 Arch Bridge on Georgia’s North-South Corridor, including wind-tunnel testing for extreme conditions. Local Tech Culture: Brooklyn Of names Vera the “Brooklyn of Tbilisi,” highlighting independent creative life and a curated guide to local spots. Regional Policy Pressure: Russia designates “Russians in Batumi” as “undesirable,” escalating risks for anti-war civic activity in Georgia.

Fintech & Banking Modernization: Nasdaq has partnered with Georgia’s National Bank to roll out its Calypso treasury and capital markets platform across five major Georgian banks via a shared, centrally hosted setup with fully segregated data, funded with support from Japan through the Japan-EBRD Cooperation Fund. Education & Tech Skills: An educational-scientific camp in Tskaltubo brought displaced Abkhaz participants to Kutaisi’s technology hub, including visits to labs and meetings with Georgian and Abkhaz education officials. Local Infrastructure & Daily Tech: Coin- and card-operated residential elevators are spreading in Georgia as aging buildings push residents toward pay-per-ride maintenance models. Energy & Regional Supply Chains: Analysts and Abkhaz experts discussed gasoline shipments from a private Georgian company to Abkhazia amid a fuel crisis, with debate over legality, pricing, and whether shortages are easing. Sports Tech & Community: Georgia Tech announced its free White & Gold volleyball scrimmage (Aug 15) with clear-bag security and fan parking details. Cyber & Security (Global): Microsoft detailed DeadLock ransomware tactics, highlighting how extortion operations hide command-and-control on blockchain networks.

Local Infrastructure: Coin- and card-operated residential elevators are spreading again in Tbilisi and beyond as aging buildings strain budgets, raising a simple question: are lifts an amenity or a utility? Tech & Business: NCR Voyix is expanding its commerce tech deal with AS Watson, rolling out POS, self-checkout, loyalty and managed services across brands in Europe and Asia. Cyber & Media Integrity: Georgia’s Myth Detector says it found 230 AI-generated fake Facebook accounts backing Georgian Dream, coordinated around pro-government talking points. Energy & Trade: Analysts report India’s Russian crude imports hit a record in July, with disruptions in key chokepoints pushing more volumes toward Indian refineries. Regional Tech/Industry: Silknet has started construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data center in Tbilisi, signaling a push for higher-grade connectivity. Sports Tech/Community: Georgia Tech volleyball opens its White & Gold Scrimmage at O’Keefe Gymnasium with a clear-bag security policy.

Georgia Tech & STEM: Georgia Tech announced spring 2026 Faculty Honors for undergraduate students with perfect 4.0 averages, highlighting ongoing research-driven education. Cyber & Trust: Myth Detector says it found 230 AI-generated fake Facebook accounts backing Georgian Dream, with coordinated messaging tied to Irakli Kobakhidze—another push in the fight over online influence. Data Infrastructure in the region: Silknet started construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data center, while separate coverage notes the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line Sumgayit–Aktau is now laid, aiming to strengthen the Middle Corridor’s digital backbone. Energy & sanctions pressure: EU imports of petroleum products made from Russian crude via intermediaries reportedly doubled in July, with Georgia listed among key re-export hubs. Local tech/industry: Pasha Bank appointed Punhan Narimanov as CEO/chairman of its Georgian arm, bringing fintech leadership experience from PashaPay. Sports tech-adjacent: Georgia Tech’s volleyball White & Gold scrimmage is set for Aug. 15 in O’Keefe Gymnasium.

Cyber & Trust: Georgia’s Myth Detector says it found 230 AI-made fake Facebook accounts backing the ruling Georgian Dream, with coordinated activity pushing Kobakhidze-linked talking points. Digital Infrastructure: Silknet started construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data center in Tbilisi, aiming to expand high-reliability services. Energy & Power Links: Armenia approved a €120m KfW loan for the Armenia–Georgia high-voltage transmission network, targeting a 1,050 MW connection. Regional Connectivity Tech: Analysts highlight the Trans-Caspian “Sumgayit–Aktau” fiber-optic line as a key digital component of the Middle Corridor, with the marine section reportedly completed. Local Tech/Business: Pasha Bank appointed Punhan Narimanov to lead its Georgian arm, bringing fintech and payments experience from PashaPay. Sports Tech/Community: Georgia Tech announced its White & Gold volleyball scrimmage at O’Keefe Gymnasium, with clear-bag security rules for fans.

Georgian Tech & Telecom: Silknet has started construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data center, with the project positioned to boost local cloud and hosting capacity. Digital Infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are pushing the “Sumgayit–Aktau” digital component of the Middle Corridor, including plans tied to data processing centers and freight connectivity across the Caspian. Energy & Trade Tech: EU ports reportedly doubled imports of Russian-derived petroleum products via intermediaries, with Georgia listed among key re-export hubs—highlighting how logistics and refining networks can reshape sanctions impact. Cyber & Media Integrity: Georgia’s Myth Detector says it found 230 AI-generated Facebook accounts supporting Georgian Dream, aiming to amplify specific political talking points. Science & Education: Georgia’s National AI Team won 2 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals at IOAI 2026, underlining growing STEM competitiveness. Sports Tech/Training: FIVB Coaches Courses continued in Tbilisi, bringing volleyball coaching development to Georgia alongside regional training efforts. Power Grid Connectivity: Armenia is set to secure a 120 million euro KfW loan for the Armenia–Georgia high-voltage transmission network, a major cross-border grid upgrade.

Sanctions & Sports: ESPN reports an American wrestling promotion (RAF) plans a Sept. 5 event at Moscow’s VTB Arena, raising questions about possible U.S. sanctions violations tied to VTB Bank. Retail Tech: AS Watson is expanding its tech partnership with NCR Voyix, rolling out the Voyix Commerce Platform (POS, self-checkout, loyalty, managed services) across select brands in Europe and Asia. Energy Trade: Russia’s electricity exports rose 4% year-on-year in 1H 2026 while imports fell 5.3%, with cross-border supply including transit involving Georgia. Georgia Tech & Research: Georgia Tech named Spring 2026 Faculty Honors recipients, and a separate report highlights Georgia’s National AI Team winning medals at IOAI 2026. Digital Infrastructure: Silknet starts construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data center in Tbilisi. Power Links: Armenia secured a 120m euro KfW loan for the Armenia-Georgia high-voltage transmission network project. Cyber/Disinfo: Myth Detector says it found 230 AI-generated fake Facebook accounts supporting Georgian Dream, pushing “anti-Russophobia” messaging. Health Tech/Innovation: Nutriband CEO Gareth Sheridan will present at the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit on abuse-deterrent transdermal tech. Regional Connectivity: Analysts assess the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line Sumgayit–Aktau as part of the Middle Corridor’s digital component.

AI & Disinformation: Georgia’s Myth Detector says it found 230 AI-generated Facebook accounts backing Georgian Dream, with coordinated profile patterns and messaging aimed at boosting party talking points. Border & Safety: 17 Ukrainians held for over a year in the Verkhny Lars–Daryali checkpoint basement were evacuated to Georgia after worsening weather raised disaster risks. Energy Infrastructure: Armenia approved a €120M KfW loan for the Caucasus Power Transmission Network, including a new Armenia–Georgia high-voltage link to connect power systems via 500/400/220 kV DC converter stations. Digital Connectivity: Analysts assess the Trans-Caspian “Sumgayit–Aktau” fiber-optic line as a key Middle Corridor digital route, with the marine section reportedly completed and capacity above 400 Tbps. Sanctions & Crypto: The US Treasury sanctioned a Georgia-based crypto firm and operator over alleged transfers involving IRGC-linked addresses, highlighting Georgia’s role in sanctions-evasion networks. Diplomacy: Germany appointed Barbara Voss as its new ambassador to Georgia, reiterating support for Georgia’s democratic and EU path.

Fiber-Optic Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have finished the marine section of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line “Sumgayit–Aktau,” a ~380 km underwater link aimed at boosting the Middle Corridor and data-center growth, with capacity reported above 400 Tbps. Sanctions Evasion Watch: EU imports of refined petroleum from Russian crude via third countries surged in July, with Georgia listed among key re-export hubs (alongside Turkey and India), raising fresh scrutiny of how sanctions are being bypassed. Regional Power Links: Armenia approved a €120m KfW loan for the Caucasus Power Transmission Network, including a new Armenia–Georgia high-voltage line and converter stations to connect power systems. Georgia Tech & Infrastructure: Silknet has started construction of a Tier-3 data center in Tbilisi, signaling continued expansion of local cloud and connectivity capacity. Energy Reliability: A report flags three major Georgian energy-system shutdowns in 12 days and questions whether backup and investment planning are keeping up with risk. Biotech Spotlight: Nutriband’s CEO will present at the 2026 Georgia Life Sciences Summit, promoting its abuse-deterrent transdermal fentanyl patch technology. Diplomacy: Germany appointed Barbara Voss as its new ambassador to Georgia, emphasizing support for Georgia’s democratic and European path.

Cybersecurity & Critical Infrastructure: A coordinated cyber operation hit more than 30 community water systems in Minnesota, with similar breaches reported in Georgia and other states; US officials reportedly blame Iran. Sanctions & Crypto Compliance: Georgia-based Shelbit and its operator were sanctioned by the US over alleged IRGC-linked crypto transfers, while Georgia’s finance investigative service detained a crypto firm manager for illegal conversion and transactions. Data Centers in Tbilisi: Silknet has started building Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data center, targeting 2 MW capacity for cloud and AI workloads by 2027. Energy Reliability Debate: A new analysis questions Georgia’s grid resilience after three major energy system shutdowns in 12 days, pointing to weak backup planning. Transport & Regional Connectivity: Georgia will reconstruct the Stepantsminda–Gveleti road section to the Russian border, including a 2 km bridge, with completion planned for 2027. Tech & Innovation in Education: Georgia’s National AI Team won medals at IOAI 2026, adding momentum to local STEM efforts.

Cyber & Finance: The U.S. sanctioned Georgia-based crypto firm Shelbit and its operator over alleged IRGC-linked transfers, while Georgia’s own investigative service detained a crypto company head for operating without National Bank registration and for illegal conversion of virtual assets and cash. Data Infrastructure: Silknet has started building Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data center in Tbilisi (2 MW), targeting operations in 2027. Energy & Transport: Georgia is reconstructing the Stepantsminda–Gveleti road section to the Russian border, including a new 2 km bridge, with completion planned for 2027. Public Safety Tech: A Kentucky AG-backed push would expand federal prosecution for ATM robberies beyond bank locations, including tech-enabled attacks. Regional Tech/Industry: TBC will support AD BLACK SEA 2026 in Batumi, adding a “Young Creative” category for international-facing creative and tech collaboration. Science in the Sky: Multiple outlets explain how to watch Wednesday’s total solar eclipse across parts of Europe.

Data Infrastructure: Silknet has started construction of Georgia’s first Tier-3 certified commercial data centre in Tbilisi, targeting 2 MW capacity for cloud computing, AI workloads and enterprise services, with operations planned for 2027. Cybersecurity & Finance: Georgia’s Investigative Service says it detained the head of a crypto firm accused of illegal virtual-asset conversion and cash handling worth tens of millions, with equipment and crypto seized; separately, the US sanctioned Tbilisi-linked Shelbit over alleged Iran-linked IRGC ties. AI & Security Threats: Microsoft reports a ransomware group, DeadLock, moved its command-and-control onto a public blockchain, making takedowns harder and signaling a possible shift toward blockchain-based criminal infrastructure. Food Security Risk: A Georgian NGO warns the country remains highly dependent on Russia for key staples, citing near-total reliance on Russian wheat and flour supply. Regional Tech & Energy: Azerbaijan’s plan to build an electricity “produce, receive, transmit and export” hub is framed as a route toward Central Asia-to-Europe power flows via the Caspian and South Caucasus. Local Tech/Business: Alpaca launched Mentionify, a generative engine optimization analytics platform for tracking visibility across major AI search assistants, alongside an employee equity initiative.

Solar Eclipse Watch: Europe braces for Wednesday’s total solar eclipse, with the partial phase starting around 15:34 GMT and totality sweeping across Iceland and Spain. Georgia Tech & Industry: Silknet broke ground on Tbilisi’s first Tier III certified commercial data center, targeting 2 MW for cloud and AI workloads by 2027. Cybersecurity: Microsoft says the DeadLock ransomware gang moved its command-and-control to a public blockchain, making takedowns harder; researchers warn more groups may copy the model. Fintech & Crypto: The US sanctioned Shelbit, a Georgia-linked crypto firm tied to alleged Iran-linked evasion; Georgia’s National Bank says it wasn’t a regulated VASP. Food Security Risk: An EPRC report warns Georgia’s food security is still heavily dependent on Russian imports, especially wheat and flour. AI Visibility Tools: Alpaca launched Mentionify, a generative engine optimization analytics platform for tracking presence across major AI search systems. Local Governance & Memory: Tbilisi protesters marked the 18th anniversary of the Battle of Shindisi, demanding political prisoners’ release and a Euro-Atlantic course.

AI Education & Talent: Georgia’s National AI Team won 2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze and 1 honorable mention at IOAI 2026 in Astana, ranking 7th out of 109 countries, with preparation supported by TBC. Digital Infrastructure: Silknet broke ground on Tbilisi’s first Tier III certified commercial data center, targeting 2 MW for cloud and AI workloads and aiming to be operational by 2027. Cybersecurity & Critical Services: US water and wastewater systems face widening cyberattacks, with CISA warning attackers are targeting industrial controllers and urging operators to remove exposed systems from the internet. Healthcare Tech & Aid: PUSEN USA partnered with MedWish MedWorks to donate single-use endoscopes and HD processors (valued at $6.1M) to expand urologic care where reprocessing is hard. Energy & Sanctions Watch: India imported record Russian crude in July (2.8M bpd; 55.5% of its crude imports), despite renewed US tariff threats. Local Governance (Tech Sector): Georgia introduced a new director for the State Laboratory of Agriculture, signaling planned changes and new approaches. Security/Commemoration: Georgia marked the 18th anniversary of the Battle of Shindisi, where 17 soldiers died in 2008.

Data Infrastructure: Silknet broke ground on Georgia’s first Tier III certified commercial data center in Tbilisi, targeting 2MW of high-resilience capacity for cloud, AI and enterprise services, with operations planned for 2027. AI Education: Georgia’s National AI Team won 2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals (plus 1 honorable mention) at IOAI 2026 in Astana, supported by TBC. Health Tech Supply: PUSEN USA partnered with MedWish MedWorks to donate $6.1M of single-use flexible endoscopes and HD image processors to expand urologic care where reprocessing equipment is scarce. Cyber & Elections (Global): Analysis warns Haiti’s upcoming elections could be undermined by digital disinformation, manipulated content and attacks on electoral tech—without any physical assault. Security Tech (Global): A Colorado school is testing anti–active shooter drones designed to intervene within the first minute of an attack. Energy/Trade (Global): India imported record volumes of Russian crude in July despite tariff threats, highlighting how sanctions and trade barriers shift over time.

AI in Biosecurity: Stanford and the Arc Institute report an AI-designed virus genome that actually becomes a functioning bacteriophage in the lab, with many designs failing but 16 succeeding—raising both medical hopes and governance concerns. Chip Design for Everyone: IIT Indore’s homegrown AspireHLS tool automates parts of chip design and is now freely available, already downloaded in 60+ countries including Georgia. Caucasus Tech & Youth Links: Georgia and Athens expand youth cooperation via a project connecting refugee youth from Abkhazia with joint activities and future programming. Black Sea Shipping Risk: Turkey’s Straits transit rules appear to have tightened temporarily for some vessels tied to Novorossiysk, highlighting how fast export routes can face extra constraints. Water Safety Reminder: A canoe capsized near Stewart Lake in Ontario’s Georgian Bay area; one person died after an underwater search. Regional Mobility: The delayed China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail corridor moves forward with construction progress, signaling a broader shift in Eurasian connectivity.