AGP Executive Report

AI & Tech Policy: The US is tightening access to advanced AI systems, extending controls beyond chips and reshaping who can use powerful models. Cybersecurity: Scammers are buying Google ads to steal bank logins via fake sign-in pages, with investigators warning about sponsored search tricks. Biometrics in Security: Alcatraz expands its facial authentication access control “Rock” to more enterprise and campus customers, adding remote field-of-view adjustment and larger deployment capacity. Defense Tech: The US Army signed a $10.64M deal for Ukrainian Raybird reconnaissance drones for testing at Redstone Arsenal. Human Rights & Tech: A UN report warns Russia is exporting its repression abroad through systematic transnational surveillance and intimidation. Georgia Education & History: New Georgian history textbooks face protests over alleged factual errors and distorted portrayals of relations with Russia. Local Tech/Health: SGMC Health adds SGMC Podiatry to expand specialized foot and ankle care in South Georgia.

Public Health in Tbilisi: Georgia’s NCDC says most recent kindergarten intoxication cases were likely caused by norovirus, noting a favorable course with no severe complications so far and urging hydration, diet changes, and strict hand/surface hygiene. Cybersecurity: U.S. investigators warn that scammers are buying Google ads to send people to fake bank login pages, leading to account takeovers and drained funds. Human Evolution Research: A new study in Science Advances points to 1.8 million years ago as the shift from regular tree-climbing to habitual ground walking, using bone-strength analysis from fossils including a Georgia specimen. Education & Tech/Infrastructure: Batumi opened a new public school for 1,400 students, while Georgia also moves to expand electricity generation capacity by 2036. Regional Tech/Science Links: Coverage highlights Tbilisi’s role in regional scientific cooperation, including new “scientific bridges” connecting the Baltic, Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Cybercrime & AI Scams: US prosecutors say criminals bought Google ads to push fake bank login pages, turning everyday searches into account takeovers—another reminder that AI-powered fraud is getting more convincing. Public Health in Georgia: Georgia’s NCDC says most recent Tbilisi kindergarten intoxication cases were likely caused by norovirus, with children mostly recovering and guidance focused on hydration and strict hygiene. South Caucasus Politics: In breakaway South Ossetia, Marat Kambolov won a snap de facto presidential vote with 85% amid turnout of about 73%, further tightening Moscow’s administrative grip. Energy & Infrastructure: Georgia is aiming to boost electricity production 2.5 times by 2036, signaling a major push for power capacity and grid planning. Education & Schools: Batumi opened a new public school for 1,400 students, while reporting also highlights ongoing changes across Georgian schools. Regional Tech & AI Policy: Tbilisi hosts an international AI conference (CROSSROAD AI) with support from TBC, pointing to growing local momentum in AI research and policy discussions.

Public Health: Georgia’s NCDC says most Tbilisi kindergarten intoxication cases were likely caused by norovirus, with children generally recovering and guidance focused on hydration, diet changes, and strict hygiene while lab testing continues. Education & Infrastructure: Batumi opened a new public school for 1,400 students (No. 21), with officials citing ongoing expansion of school infrastructure in Adjara. Energy & Climate: A Black Sea environmental report warns dolphin recovery could take 30–50 years after war-related deaths, fishing-net killings, and food-chain disruption. AI & Safety: A report says a US military operation nearly targeted a Chinese ship after an AI-produced mistake about nuclear materials for Iran—raising concerns about AI use in high-stakes decisions. Regional Politics: South Ossetia held a snap de facto presidential election; acting president Marat Kambolov led preliminary results with about 85% of the vote. Tech/Policy Events: University of Reading announced a panel on attributing non-state actor conduct during armed conflict, linking legal questions to modern proxy relationships.

Energy & Infrastructure: Georgia says it will boost electricity output 2.5x by 2036 for full energy independence, citing new HPPs, wind and solar additions, 250 MW storage support, grid upgrades, and plans for a Black Sea undersea cable plus a “Green Corridor” linking the region. Education in Batumi: A new Batumi Public School No. 21 opened for 1,400 students, with officials highlighting rapid infrastructure growth across Adjara. AI & Media Regulation: The Black Sea Broadcasting Regulatory Authorities Forum (BRAF) wrapped up discussions on how AI is reshaping media creation, moderation, and distribution, and what regulators should do next. Local Tech/Science Links: Tbilisi is framed as building a “scientific bridge” between the Baltic, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Environment: A report warns Black Sea dolphin recovery could take 30–50 years after war impacts. Regional Politics Tech Angle: South Ossetia’s de facto election winner Marat Kambolov secured about 85% in snap polls.

Education Infrastructure: Batumi opened Public School No. 21 for 1,400 students, with officials highlighting 21st-century facilities and a push for more school construction across Adjara. School Safety & Tech Oversight: Tbilisi Public School No. 21’s building assessment was submitted and the ministry moved classes to an alternative space, citing unacceptable safety risk. Energy Independence Plan: Georgia says it wants to boost electricity production 2.5x by 2036, adding new HPPs, wind and solar, plus 250 MW storage and major grid upgrades, including plans for a Black Sea undersea cable and a “Green Corridor.” AI & Media Regulation: Regulators from the Black Sea region met on how AI is changing media creation and distribution, and what oversight tools should look like. AI in Daily Life: A report tests whether AI can plan a realistic holiday, finding useful ideas but fragile assumptions and missing practical details. Environment: A warning from the Black Sea says dolphin recovery could take decades after war impacts. Cyber/Disinformation: US officials warn Russia is using AI-enabled online influence to stir division ahead of US midterms.

Energy Strategy: Georgia says it will boost electricity production 2.5x by 2036, adding new HPPs, wind and solar, plus 250 MW of storage and major grid upgrades, while pushing a Black Sea undersea cable and a “Green Corridor” to link the Caspian with Europe. AI & Media Regulation: Regulators from the Black Sea region met in Bulgaria to discuss how AI is changing media creation, moderation and distribution, and what rules should come next. Education Tech & Safety: Georgia’s new school rules roll out: uniforms for younger pupils, phone and smartwatch storage, and broader reforms to grading, curricula and textbooks—while Tbilisi Public School No. 21 shifts classes to safer spaces after an expert assessment. Public Sector AI Use: In Georgia’s largest county, Fulton officials tested legislation with an online AI-detection tool and flagged multiple proposals as likely AI-written, sparking debate over ethics and governance. Workforce & Training: Wiregrass Georgia Technical College broke ground on a new CDL facility, aiming to expand driver training and local employment pipelines. Health Research Collaboration: A new cross-regional science network is exploring a 2027 Tbilisi meeting on cervical cancer prevention and HPV vaccination.

Energy & Connectivity: Azerbaijan–UK talks at Baku’s energy ministry put clean power, electrification of oil and gas infrastructure, and the “Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor” back in focus, with feasibility work and interconnector momentum highlighted. Power Strategy: Georgia’s officials say they want to grow electricity generation 2.5x by 2036, aiming for self-sufficiency and pushing projects like the Black Sea submarine cable and a wider “Green Corridor” linking the region. AI in Daily Governance: In Georgia’s Fulton County, an AI-detection tool flagged several draft ordinances/resolutions as likely AI-written, sparking debate over whether machines should shape ethics rules. Utilities Turnaround: NEOS Advisory outlines a practical framework for fixing electricity, water, and gas distributors by restoring reliable data, commercial discipline, and management control before new investment. Education Tech & Rules: Georgia’s new school year brings uniforms for grades 1–6, phone/smartwatch storage rules, and broader textbook and grading reforms. Tech Events: TBC backs the CROSSROAD AI conference in Tbilisi on Oct 3, aiming to connect Georgian and international AI professionals. Security & Politics (Tech-adjacent): Georgia’s senior government reshuffle includes a new State Security Service chief and other leadership changes, while occupied South Ossetia’s de facto election and Russia-linked integration plans continue to draw attention.

AI in Government: A Fulton County commissioner and a GPTZero-style tool flagged several Georgia county ordinances and resolutions as likely AI-written, raising concerns about “robotic” tone and unintended ethics outcomes. Education Tech & Policy: Georgia schools roll out new rules: uniforms for grades 1–6, phones/smartwatches stored in lockers, and broader grading/curriculum/standard-textbook reforms. Energy & Infrastructure: Georgian officials unveiled a 10-year plan to grow power generation 2.5x by 2036, aiming for electricity self-sufficiency and pushing projects like the Black Sea submarine cable and the “Green Corridor.” AI Conference in Tbilisi: TBC backs CROSSROAD AI (Oct 3), bringing Georgian and international AI engineers and leaders to discuss AI’s impact on software and business operations. Local Business & Jobs: Valdosta-Lowndes County announced $26.2M in 2026 investments across five industries, adding 77 jobs. Regional Tech/Trade: Coverage highlights the Middle Corridor’s role in rerouting supply chains through the Caucasus and Georgia toward Europe. Security Leadership Change: Georgia’s senior government reshuffle includes a new State Security Service chief and other top appointments.

AI & Policy: POLITICO launched “Decoded” to track who’s shaping the AI era and what governments will actually do next, aiming to cut through doom narratives. Energy & Industry: A U.S. sanctions/tariff push is tightening the loop between Russian fuel and India, while higher diesel and gasoline costs are already hitting households and automakers. Georgia Tech & Security: Parliament approved Tamaz Borashvili as head of Georgia’s State Security Service, with priorities including cybersecurity and protection of critical technological infrastructure. Transport & Connectivity: Georgia is positioned on the Middle Corridor as Central Asia reroutes trade away from Russia, with the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route highlighted as a fast-growing Europe-Asia link. Local Education: Kutaisi welcomed 5,000 first-year students under Georgia’s higher-education reform, with state-funded study. Business & Investment: PM Irakli Kobakhidze met China’s DBH Group on renewable energy and energy-sector cooperation, while Georgia’s Economy Ministry discussed PASHA Holding’s expansion plans. Space Tech: A push for in-orbit refueling is framed as a key step to return to the Moon.

Georgian Economy & Investment: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met China’s DBH Group in Baku to discuss energy, renewables, and joint projects, highlighting Georgia’s Middle Corridor role; the meeting also noted DBH’s 26 subsidiaries across energy, real estate, mining, biotechnology, and hospitality. Azerbaijan-Georgia Business: Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili met PASHA Holding’s executive director to review PASHA’s Georgia portfolio and future expansion, citing about $60M invested since 2015 and plans for more capital. Security & Tech Infrastructure: Parliament approved Tamaz Borashvili as head of Georgia’s State Security Service, with priorities including early threat detection, counterintelligence, and strengthening cybersecurity and protection of critical information systems. Space & Defense Tech: A new explainer argues why in-orbit refueling is key for returning to the Moon, while another report says the U.S. has on-orbit space control weapons—raising questions about what “space weapon” really means. Regional Logistics: Batumi’s KazTransOil subsidiary set a nine-year high in August by transshipping 293k tonnes, as cargo turnover and crude/aviation kerosene flows resumed. Middle Corridor Outlook: A policy piece says the Middle Corridor could become an “economic development belt,” with digital solutions and customs simplification driving growth. AI Safety Debate: Researchers push back on “AI apocalypse” fears, stressing real-world barriers to creating and deploying lethal biological threats. Global Policy: EU leaders backed a plan for Canada to become the bloc’s first “associate member,” aiming for closer ties on AI, climate, defense, raw materials, and supply chains.

AI Safety Debate: Researchers are pushing back on “AI apocalypse” fears, arguing that even extreme scenarios like AI-made viruses face major real-world manufacturing and testing hurdles. Georgia Security Leadership: Parliament approved Tamaz Borashvili as State Security Service chief, with priorities including early threat detection, counterintelligence, and stronger cybersecurity for critical systems. Tech & Security Standards: Safetrust showcased its Aliro interoperable credential system and facial-based badgeless access at GSX 2026 in Atlanta, highlighting “one credential, any reader” migration to reduce vendor lock-in. Space Ambitions in the Region: Armenia’s PM outlined plans to expand national space capabilities at an International Space Summit in Paris, with Georgia’s PM also attending. Middle Corridor Economics: A Turkish MP said the Middle Corridor could become an “economic development belt,” citing digital solutions, customs simplification, and infrastructure investment to boost trade via Georgia. Local Forensics Training: An Armenian interior minister delegation visited Georgia’s forensic department and observed high-tech mobile forensic labs and Batumi maritime rescue exercises using drones and UAV support. Apple Subscription Expansion: iCloud+ now bundles Apple Arcade and Apple TV in 100+ countries, including Georgia and Armenia, via a single subscription. Georgia Tech Jobs/Trade: BYD entered Georgia through a partnership with GT Group, opening an authorized showroom in Tbilisi. Cybersecurity & Voting Risk: Security researchers warned that AI can make it easier to exploit a flaw in Georgia voting equipment that could link voters to ballots.

AI & Crypto Policy: The U.S. Senate Digital Asset Market Clarity Act cloture vote hit a rough patch after last-minute talks collapsed, sending prediction markets to near lows and leaving digital-asset regulation in limbo. Cyber & Elections: U.S. AG Todd Blanche says DOJ will keep pushing election-integrity cases after a Supreme Court mail-in voting ruling, while officials nationwide rehearse scenarios involving federal interference, cyber threats, and misinformation. Security Tech: Safetrust debuted its Aliro credential standard at GSX in Atlanta, pitching “one credential, any reader” interoperability plus facial-auth access features. Mobility & Energy Tech: BYD officially entered Georgia via GT Group, opening a Tbilisi showroom and rolling out warranty-backed service and a fast-charging network plan. Space Ambitions: Armenia’s PM Pashinyan outlined satellite and space-capability expansion at an International Space Summit in Paris, with Georgia’s PM also attending. Regional Tech/Infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Turkey discussed green-energy and transport corridor projects, including renewable power transit via Turkey. Local Governance (Georgia): Luka Ekhvaia was appointed head of Georgia’s presidential administration, signaling a new leadership direction.

EV Market Entry in Georgia: BYD has officially entered the Georgian market via a partnership with GT Group, opening BYD’s first authorized showroom in Tbilisi and promising warranty-backed service, software updates, and a planned charging network across key cities and corridors. Academic Freedom Under Pressure: Scholars at Risk reports a sharp global decline in academic freedom, citing 382 attacks across 59 countries, with Georgia named among places where university autonomy is being pressured. AI Safety vs. Politics: In the US, lawmakers and tech leaders clash with President Trump over AI “hoax” claims, while Georgia senator Jon Ossoff urges rapid congressional oversight and lab visits amid fears tied to advanced AI and bioterror risks. Disinformation Targeting Elections: Researchers warn of Russian deepfake videos aimed at US midterms, using stolen celebrity footage and voice-cloned messages to inflame political tensions. Regional Tech & Infrastructure: Moody’s says the Middle Corridor is boosting growth across the Caucasus and Central Asia, pointing to investments in data centers, fiber networks, and computing infrastructure—areas Georgia is increasingly tied to. Transport & Energy Watch: A report notes Batumi Oil Terminal capacity changes after low turnover, highlighting how regional logistics shifts can ripple into Georgia’s energy trade.

AI Safety Debate: New warnings from Anthropic and others are reigniting fears that advanced AI could escape human control, while US politics adds fuel as Trump dismisses AI guardrails. Cyber Influence: Researchers say a Russian deepfake campaign is targeting US midterms with celebrity video fakes made from stolen footage and bot-driven spread. Georgia Leadership: Luka Ekhvaia has been appointed Head of the Administration of the President of Georgia, bringing an international-relations research background. Regional Tech & Infrastructure: Moody’s says the Middle Corridor is boosting growth across the Caucasus and Central Asia, pointing to investments in data centers, fiber networks, and computing infrastructure. Energy & Connectivity: A report notes Russian fossil-fuel exports remain resilient despite drone strikes, with major buyers including China, India, and Turkey. Mapping for Fairness: The UN backs “equal area” world maps to better reflect landmass sizes, challenging the dominance of Mercator-style views.

Space Policy: Georgia joined three declarations at the International Space Summit in Paris—on outer space safety and sustainability, Copernicus, and space science data—signaling Tbilisi’s push to stay involved in European space decision-making despite limited domestic capacity. AI & Education: Business and Technology University marked its 10th anniversary, highlighting AI integration across teaching and research, including BTUAI and UNESCO-recognized AI4Globe. Green Agriculture Tech: AzTU vice-rector Fariz Mammadov spoke at an ADB-backed seminar in Uzbekistan on launching a CAREC Regional Center for Green Agriculture online platform and a new academic module for green, climate-resilient, digital farming. Regional Mobility Data: Wego reported resilient Middle East travel demand in early 2026 despite disruptions, with Egypt staying top searched destination and notable gains for Nepal, China, Vietnam, Sudan and Kenya. Local Tech/Business: BTU’s anniversary also emphasized its growth in programs, international projects, and industry-linked entrepreneurship.