AGP Executive Report

AI-Powered Real Estate Expansion: eVoost AI signed an exclusive commercialization deal with Mardi Holding to market Batumi projects Mardi Hills and Mardi Aquapark internationally, using AI for demand generation and lead qualification. Transport Tech & Funding: The World Bank approved $372M for Georgia’s Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor (TC-GATE) to modernize rail/road links, cut logistics bottlenecks, and boost freight capacity, with new electric locomotives included. Energy Corridor Security: At the Baku Energy Forum, speakers highlighted how AI and digital monitoring are improving efficiency and security across energy transport systems, while Southern Gas Corridor and Middle Corridor infrastructure remain central to Europe’s supply resilience. Cyber & Fraud Risks: Research points to stolen identities sold cheaply on dark web marketplaces as a driver of Medicare fraud, with Georgia State University researchers warning about breach-driven and scam-driven identity theft. Sustainable Materials: PureCycle and StackTeck reported successful production of a living hinge cap using up to 100% recycled polypropylene resin, aiming to expand high-performance sustainable packaging. Georgia Tech & Finance: Georgia is set to host the Tbilisi Financial Summit focused on “politics, finance and technology,” including fintech, open banking, AI, and a planned hackathon.

Transport & Trade: The World Bank approved $372M for Georgia’s TC-GATE Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor, aiming to modernize rail and road links, cut logistics bottlenecks, and boost freight capacity; the project tops $750M total with co-financing from the AIIB and ADB, and includes energy-efficient electric locomotives to improve railway efficiency. PropTech & AI Marketing: eVoost AI signed an exclusive international sales and marketing deal with Mardi Holding to commercialize Mardi Hills and Mardi Aquapark in Batumi, using AI for demand generation and lead qualification worldwide (with select market exceptions). Fintech & Innovation Policy: Georgia will host the Tbilisi Financial Summit in autumn, focused on “Creating Regional Economic Corridors at the Intersection of Politics, Finance and Technology,” featuring sessions on open banking and AI plus a planned hackathon. Data Centers & Power Permits: A new explainer looks at how emergency generators are regulated for data centers, covering air-permit approaches, compliance issues, and the growing debate over environmental and energy impacts. Archaeology: Researchers report 4,000-year-old megalithic art from Southern Caucasus kurgans in Georgia, interpreting carved stone panels as possible ritual communication or family “accounting.”

BTK Railway Upgrade: Georgia’s Middle Corridor gets a major boost as the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars modernization is framed as a new Eurasian logistics backbone, with annual cargo capacity cited as rising from 1m to 5m tons. Energy Corridor Updates: bp says it’s on track to hand over operations of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline to SOCAR from July 1, while bp also starts non-associated gas production at Azerbaijan’s ACG field. Baku Energy Week Signals: At Baku Energy Week, SOCAR and bp link regional energy security to technology and stable supply, and U.S.-Azerbaijan talks highlight AI, digital tech, and trade corridors alongside energy. Tbilisi Fintech Event: The Tbilisi Financial Summit is set for Oct 27–28, with a theme tying regional economic corridors to policy, finance, and technology, plus a planned hackathon. AI for Media: AccessBank and Neurotime run training on “Artificial Intelligence and Next-Generation Journalism,” focusing on ethical use and practical newsroom workflows. Ancient Georgia Research: New study on 4,000-year-old megalithic art from Southern Caucasus kurgans explores what the carvings may have meant for Bronze Age beliefs and family life.

Fintech & Policy: Georgia is set to host the Tbilisi Financial Summit on Oct 27-28, focused on “Creating Regional Economic Corridors at the Intersection of Politics, Finance and Technology,” with a fintech agenda spanning open banking and AI plus a planned hackathon. AI for Media: AccessBank and Neurotime ran a hands-on training in Tbilisi on “Artificial Intelligence and Next-Generation Journalism,” covering responsible AI use, crisis communication, and verification practices. Energy Corridors: BP says it will hand over operations of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline to SOCAR effective July 1, keeping the corridor central to regional energy security. Urban Mobility: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze says feasibility studies are underway for new road links between Mtskheta and Didi Digomi, plus a possible high-speed route via Avchala-Zahesi and Lilo. Science & Heritage: Researchers report 4,000-year-old “messages from the dead” carved on megalithic tomb panels in southern Georgia’s kurgans, offering clues to Bronze Age beliefs and rituals. Tech & Housing Market: Batumi real estate data shows primary-market prices rising (avg $1,893/sqm in Mar-26) while demand remains below 2022-23 boom levels.

Fintech & Finance: Freedom Holding Corp. reported fiscal 2026 results with net income up to $153.3M (+101% YoY) and record $2.19B revenue, highlighting its integrated financial, insurance, consumer and tech ecosystem. Policy & Tech in Georgia: Tbilisi is set to host a Financial Summit on Oct 27–28, focused on “regional economic corridors” at the intersection of policy, finance and technology. AI Governance: Associate Professor Christian Turner trained staff at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs to build an AI policy framework for university use. Energy & Regional Tech: Georgia’s Deputy Economy Minister said Azerbaijan provides uninterrupted gas and Georgia is pushing energy storage and grid upgrades. Transport Infrastructure: A June 2 ceremony will mark commissioning of the modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway line, a key Middle Corridor freight route. Digital Governance & Law: TSU hosted a presentation of a “Digital Governance and Law Technologies” book, covering AI regulation and updates needed for Georgian legislation. Cybersecurity: A new report warns 2026 election-related phishing and AI-driven deception will target campaign and fundraising infrastructure.

Transport & Connectivity: Georgia will host a ceremony on June 2 for the modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway section, a key Middle Corridor freight link, with officials from Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye attending. Energy Security: Georgia’s deputy economy minister said Azerbaijan provides uninterrupted gas and other energy resources, while Georgia is pushing grid expansion and battery storage to boost stability and reliability. Digital Governance: Tbilisi State University hosted a presentation of “Digital Governance and Law Technologies,” covering AI-related legal regulation and recommendations for updating Georgian legislation. Cybersecurity & Identity: A U.S. Coast Guard request seeks iOS-compatible biometric devices for its Biometrics at Sea system, while U.S. TSA is also looking for contractor support for secure identity management and biometric vetting. Biometrics Research: Notre Dame researchers released an open-source iris recognition toolkit aimed at easier testing and more transparent academic evaluation. Georgia Security: The Georgian State Security Service arrested a citizen on espionage charges, alleging work for a foreign intelligence service using encrypted communications and local contacts. Space Science: A Free University of Tbilisi study explores whether Earth microbes could reach Jupiter’s moon Europa via dust particles. Trade & Logistics: Middle Corridor experts say disruptions at major maritime chokepoints are increasing interest in the Europe–Asia route through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye.

Biometrics Procurement: The U.S. TSA is seeking contractor support to modernize biometric identity management, including recurrent vetting and automated criminal history processing. Maritime ID Tech: The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for iOS-compatible biometric collection devices for its Biometrics at Sea system. Open-Source AI for Security: Notre Dame researchers released open-source iris recognition tools built to meet NIST Iris Exchange testing needs. Privacy-First Fraud: Incognia says its device/network behavior fraud prevention SDK is surging in Europe by aligning with GDPR data minimization. Local Health Infrastructure (Batumi): Adjara is building a unified medical complex, including an emergency coordination center and a multifunctional polyclinic, with phased operations expected by year-end. Sports Medicine (Batumi): Adjara hosted an international sports medicine conference focused on training and experience-sharing for clinicians and athletes. Digital Identity Policy: Vietnam approved a long-term plan to turn VNeID into a national “super app” backbone for public services. Connectivity Snapshot (Georgia): A Geostat survey reports 94.9% of enterprises had Internet access in 2025, with 74.7% using fixed connections like fiber.

Digital Identity & Biometrics: The UK is moving facial age estimation into asylum operations, awarding a £322k contract to Akhter Computers with Cognitec subcontracted, as guidance formalizes how AI facial-age checks classify migrants. Digital Identity & Fraud: Yoti is pushing back on Georgia Tech/UC Irvine claims about age-assurance data sharing and is inviting an independent cybersecurity audit of its platform. Digital Government: Vietnam approved a long-term plan to turn VNeID into a national “super app” backbone for public services and digital transactions. Local Health Tech: Batumi is building a unified medical complex at the republican hospital, including an emergency management center and a multifunctional polyclinic, with phased operations expected by year-end. Regional Tech & Finance: The National Bank of Georgia won innovation-focused fintech recognition at two regional forums, highlighting work on digital transformation, payments, cybersecurity, and CBDC topics. Connectivity Snapshot: A Geostat survey says 94.9% of enterprises had Internet access in 2025, with fiber and other fixed connections leading.

Healthcare Infrastructure: Adjara is building a unified medical complex in Batumi, including an Emergency Situations Coordination and Emergency Management Center plus an N1 multifunctional polyclinic, with gradual operations expected by the end of the year to expand access to international-standard care. Sports Medicine & Research: Batumi also hosted an international sports medicine conference focused on training young specialists and sharing clinical experience, positioning Adjara as a regional hub for major events. Digital Identity & Privacy: Yoti is publicly challenging Georgia Tech and UC Irvine research on its age assurance platform and inviting an independent cybersecurity audit, as governments tighten age checks for online services. Biometrics in Security: Sweden approved expanded live facial recognition powers for police in serious-crime cases, while the U.S. ICE awarded a $25.1M contract for mobile iris scanners to speed identity checks in the field. Digital Credentials: U.S. states are pushing mobile driver’s licenses beyond pilots, shifting attention to verification, privacy, and data governance. Internet Access in Georgia: A Geostat survey reports 94.9% of enterprises had internet access in 2025, with 74.7% using fixed connections like fiber.

Digital Identity & Fraud: A new report warns that fraud is shifting from stolen credentials to “engineered” synthetic identities and injection attacks that adapt to onboarding checks in real time, targeting weak spots across ID&V, KYC and KYB. Age Assurance Under Fire: Yoti has challenged Georgia Tech and UC Irvine research and invited an independent cybersecurity audit after claims its age assurance shares facial images, IP and device data with third parties. US Oversight on Prediction Markets: A US House committee inquiry is pressing Polymarket and Kalshi over identity verification, geographic restrictions and suspicious trading tied to sensitive markets. Biometrics in Enforcement: ICE is awarding a $25.1M contract for mobile iris scanners to speed field identification, while Sweden expands live facial recognition for serious crimes and threats to life. Local Tech & Data: Georgia’s Geostat reports 94.9% of enterprises had internet access in 2025, and the National Bank of Georgia was recognized for innovation support. Election Tech in Georgia: Georgia officials kicked off a statewide risk-limiting audit using QR-scanned ballots and hand checks.

Internet Access Snapshot: A Geostat survey says 94.9% of enterprises in Georgia had Internet in 2025, with 74.7% using fixed connections like fiber and cable, while only 15.3% used a website and 25.8% used social media tools. Fintech & Innovation Recognition: The National Bank of Georgia was named a top central bank supporter of innovation at two regional fintech forums, highlighting work on digital payments, cybersecurity, open banking, and CBDC-related topics. Data Infrastructure Upgrade: Geostat, the IMF, and CCAMTAC plan a new phase to modernize Georgia’s data infrastructure, rolling out updated statistical methods for macroeconomic statistics, national accounts, and price indices. Financial Education Push: NBG and Caucasus International University launched a documentary series on the history of Georgian money, with films recorded on flash memory cards to be delivered to 50 schools via Bank Cartu and FinEdu Corner library spaces. Central Bank Oversight: Parliament adopted the National Bank of Georgia’s 2025 annual report, including inflation at 3.9% and a May 2026 policy rate increase to 8.25% to keep expectations near target. Health Tech Reimbursement: A Medicare coverage update in the US expands reimbursement guidance for NanoKnife irreversible electroporation (IRE) for prostate and liver cancer, effective July 5, 2026.

National Bank & Education Tech: Georgia’s Parliament approved the National Bank of Georgia’s 2025 annual report, with the NBG citing 3.9% inflation in 2025 and a May 2026 policy-rate hike to 8.25% amid shocks. FinEdu Outreach: The National Bank of Georgia and Caucasus International University launched a documentary series on the history of Georgian money, recorded on flash memory cards and set to reach 50 schools via Bank Cartu, feeding into “FinEdu Corner” library spaces. Election Integrity Tech: Georgia’s top election body kicked off a statewide risk-limiting audit using a random ballot sample generated via dice rolls, with hand checks against machine totals. Pharma Quality Systems: GM PHARMA hosted an Azerbaijani GMP inspection at its EU-GMP facility, supporting further export plans and quality-trace capabilities. AI in Travel: A new travel “super app” (Treva) launched in Türkiye and plans expansion to Kazakhstan and Georgia, aiming to unify airport services, navigation, and updates in one platform. Data & Security: UK-linked reporting warns of GPS spoofing affecting flights near Russia’s borders, highlighting growing aviation navigation risks.

National Bank Oversight: Georgia’s Parliament adopted the National Bank of Georgia’s 2025 annual report, with NBG Governor Natia Turnava citing 3.9% average inflation in 2025 and a May 2026 policy-rate hike to 8.25% to keep long-term expectations near target. Pharma Quality & Exports: GM PHARMA hosted an Azerbaijani GMP inspection at its EU-GMP compliant facility, aiming to support upcoming exports to Azerbaijan and further validate its quality systems. Travel Tech Expansion: Treva, an app that bundles airport and travel services end-to-end, launched in Türkiye and plans to expand into Kazakhstan and Georgia, partnering with TAV Airports. Aviation Security: Flight tracking analysis says 160 planes near Russia’s borders saw GPS spoofing on the same day, raising concerns for commercial aviation across Europe and Asia. Public Health Campaign: GM PHARMA again joined World Hypertension Day efforts in Georgia, offering free cardiology consultations and diagnostic checks like ECGs. Research & Education: Tbilisi State University hosted a scientific conference on Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, including a book presentation by the National Library. Digital Creativity in Tbilisi: Tbilisi hosted a UNESCO Creative Cities Media Arts meeting (27–29 May) focused on media art, digital creativity, and city-to-city collaboration.

Cybersecurity & Hybrid Threats: GCHQ chief Anne Keast-Butler warned that Russia is escalating daily hybrid activity against the UK and Europe, stressing that cyber defense and tech partnerships are now “ten times more urgent.” Sanctions & Crypto Finance: The UK rolled out new sanctions targeting Russia-linked crypto and payment networks, including the Kremlin-backed A7 system, with designations that also hit firms registered in Georgia. Public Health: GM PHARMA joined World Hypertension Day with free consultations and diagnostics for residents across Georgia, pushing regular blood-pressure monitoring. STEM & Research Culture: Tbilisi hosted a UNESCO Creative Cities Media Arts meeting (27–29 May), focusing on digital creativity and international collaboration. Education & Knowledge: Tbilisi State University held a conference on Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, featuring a National Library book presentation tied to Georgian literary heritage. Local Tech-Adjacent Infrastructure: Decatur County approved the next design/construction phase for an emergency services center, moving from blueprints to build planning. Medical Device Expansion (US): Alesis LLC partnered with a Seattle sleep dentist to bring its non-surgical OSA treatment program to the West Coast.

Sanctions & Crypto Security: The UK rolled out fresh sanctions targeting 18 entities and individuals tied to Russia’s A7 crypto network, aimed at blocking “shadow financial systems” used to fund Moscow’s war—reportedly including firms registered in Georgia and major exchanges. Public Health in Georgia: GM PHARMA joined World Hypertension Day with free cardiology consultations and diagnostics across Georgia, pushing regular blood-pressure monitoring under the “Controlling Hypertension Together!” theme. UNESCO Creative Tech: Tbilisi hosted the UNESCO Creative Cities Media Arts subgroup meeting (27–29 May), focusing on digital creativity, media art, and how cities collaborate on innovative urban futures. Local Tech & Finance: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze attended a digital transformation event with Tezer, framing Georgia as a regional tech hub and modernizing the financial market. STEM & Research Culture: TSU hosted a conference on Konstantine Gamsakhurdia, including a National Library book presentation and bibliography work. Tech in the Spotlight (Global): A Papa Johns “Pizza Planet” pop-up campaign brought Toy Story 5’s sci‑fi pizzeria into real-world immersive experiences across major cities.

Sanctions Shock: The UK rolled out a new sanctions package aimed at Russian crypto and “shadow” payment routes, naming platforms and firms tied to the Kremlin-linked A7 network—including entities linked to Georgia and Kyrgyzstan—while also restricting UK access to some services. Cyber & Security: In parallel, GCHQ’s head warned Russia is targeting Britain’s critical infrastructure and democratic processes, with the UK facing a “new era of radical uncertainty” as cyber threats intensify. Georgia Tech Push: Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze backed a digital transformation push tied to cooperation with Tezer, positioning Georgia as a regional tech hub. Energy/Connectivity: Ambassador Vakhtang Jaoshvili doubled down on Georgia as India’s gateway to Europe, the Black Sea, and Central Asia, as connectivity corridors keep gaining attention. Business Climate: Georgia’s GDP is forecast to grow 5–5.5% in 2026–27, with services and ICT leading, though domestic politics and global conflict risks weigh on investment. Regional Tech Economy: Uzbekistan was named “Country of the Year 2026” for startup growth, highlighting fast-moving Central Asia.