AGP Executive Report

School Safety Tech: US schools in Georgia and elsewhere are set to deploy pepper-spraying drones that can be activated by teachers and reach a threat in seconds, adding a new high-tech layer to campus security. Georgia Culture & Skills: Georgia launched a one-year textile restoration training program under “Georgin Infusion,” bringing French and Georgian restorers to train novice specialists for conserving national textile heritage. Energy Storage: Georgia Power cut the ribbon on a new 49.5 MW battery energy storage facility near Moody Air Force Base, designed to store solar energy and boost grid reliability. AI & Business Trust: At Global Tech Weekend 2026, Georgian business leaders stressed that in the AI era, trust—not just technology—drives customer loyalty and long-term success. STEM Talent Pipeline: TBC supports Georgia’s national team for IOI 2026 with intensive training via the Tech Olympiads Hub, sending four students to Tashkent in August. International Connectivity: Uzbekistan’s state visit to Georgia signals a deeper push to re-anchor Central Asia’s westward routes through the South Caucasus and the CKU railway corridor. Tech in Tourism: Georgia’s toy company Pepela discussed how the local market is shifting toward safer, higher-quality and collectible licensed products.

Energy & Grid Tech: Georgia Power cut the ribbon on its new 49.5MW Moody Battery Facility near Moody Air Force Base, designed to store solar energy on-site and boost grid reliability as Georgia’s battery storage pipeline grows. AI & Startup Infrastructure: Kutaisi’s former parliament building has reopened as a technology hub run by GITA, adding an AI computing center plus robotics, electronics, drone, and VR labs. Digital Language Tech: A new push to keep Georgian alive online highlights W3C support for proper Georgian script rendering and accurate language representation across the web. STEM Talent: TBC backs Georgia’s team for IOI 2026 in Tashkent, with four students selected from Georgian informatics olympiad pathways and intensive training camps. EU Sanctions & Energy Links: The EU’s 21st sanctions package targets Russia-linked refining, including Georgia’s Kulevi refinery, while noting earlier Georgian commitments and a planned pause in Russian crude refining. Tech-Driven Connectivity: Tbilisi International Airport’s $150M expansion aims to double capacity to 10M passengers by 2028, adding new boarding bridges, control areas, and upgraded baggage and parking. Crypto Policy Watch: The US Senate shelved the CLARITY Act for now, delaying Digital Asset Market Clarity Act debate as Congress prioritizes nominations and Russia sanctions.

Energy Storage Upgrade: Georgia Power cut the ribbon on the new 49.5 MW Moody Battery Facility near Moody Air Force Base, designed to store solar energy on-site and boost grid reliability as Georgia scales battery storage statewide. Tech Ecosystem Boost: Kutaisi’s former parliament building has reopened as a technology hub run by GITA, adding a large tech park, TUMO school, AI computing, and labs for robotics, electronics, drones, and VR. AI + Language Preservation: A new push is helping Georgian language survive online, with standards support (including W3C work) to keep the script and language properly represented across the web. STEM Talent Pipeline: TBC supports Georgia’s Informatics Olympiad 2026 team, training four students for IOI 2026 in Tashkent through the Tech Olympiads Hub with intensive algorithm-focused preparation. EU Sanctions Impact: The EU’s 21st sanctions package targets additional refineries tied to Russian oil, including Georgia’s Kulevi, while noting earlier Georgian commitments and a planned refining pause. Space Science Spotlight: Kepler-452b (“Earth 2.0”) continues to be studied after years of follow-up work since its 2015 discovery.

Kutaisi Tech Hub: Georgia’s former parliament building in Kutaisi reopened as a technology hub run by GITA, adding a tech park, TUMO school, AI computing center, and labs for robotics, drones, electronics, AI and VR—plus links to Kutaisi International University and the airport. AI & Language Tech: A new push aims to help AI and software “speak Georgian,” using web standards support so the Georgian script and language work properly online. Regional Connectivity: Georgia is leaning harder into the Middle Corridor, expanding trade and logistics ties with China and Central Asia (Kazakhstan/Uzbekistan) to position Tbilisi as a gateway between Europe and Asia. Airport as Strategy: Tbilisi International Airport’s $150M expansion is set to double capacity to 10M passengers by 2028, with more boarding bridges, upgraded passport control, baggage systems, and retail space. Circular Economy Exchange: Georgian businesses and universities visited Germany to study circular economy models in Berlin, focusing on waste reduction, industrial symbiosis, and resource-efficient construction. EU Support Poll: A regional survey finds strong public backing for closer EU ties across Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, with Georgia leading on EU membership support. Energy Security: Georgia’s State Security Service opened a sabotage probe after consecutive nationwide power outages.

Energy Security: Georgia’s State Security Service opened a criminal probe into consecutive nationwide power outages, alleging possible deliberate sabotage targeting critical infrastructure, with updates planned as forensic teams review key energy nodes. Tech & Industry in Georgia: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze inaugurated the Kutaisi Technology Hub, pitching it as a new national center for robotics, electronics, drones, AI, VR, and startup labs, anchored by Kutaisi International University and an AI computing center. Cyber & Privacy: A U.S. judge issued an injunction in a lawsuit over an alleged iPhone exploit, ordering deletion of a blog post and code repository while the dispute over security research ownership plays out. Regional Tech/Payments: Mastercard partnered with Yandex Go in Armenia to offer ride discounts tied to Mastercard cards, combining secure payments with digital mobility. EU Sanctions Tech/Trade: The EU adopted its 21st Russia sanctions package, expanding restrictions on energy, finance, crypto, and adding more entities and vessels tied to Russia’s shadow fleet.

Power & Security: Georgia’s State Security Service opened a criminal probe into consecutive nationwide power blackouts, alleging deliberate sabotage against critical infrastructure, with multi-agency teams gathering forensic material across energy nodes. Tech Infrastructure: Kutaisi’s Technology Hub officially opened, with plans spanning robotics, electronics, drones, AI, VR, and modern labs, plus a stronger research link via Kutaisi International University. Energy & Sanctions: The EU added Georgia’s Kulevi refinery to its 21st Russia sanctions package, imposing a transaction ban starting in six months, and also extended bans to crypto-related service platforms based in Georgia. Cyber & Privacy: A U.S. court ordered removal of an iPhone exploit from public view in a trade-secrets dispute, highlighting how security research ownership can collide with public disclosure. Water Systems: Dalton Utilities outlined a major water distribution upgrade plan using a $10M loan to replace aging HDPE mains with ductile iron pipe to cut leaks and failures. Mobility Payments: Mastercard and Yandex Go launched a partnership in Armenia offering ride discounts tied to Mastercard card tiers.

Kutaisi Tech Hub Launch: Georgia’s Technology Hub opened in Kutaisi, with plans for robotics, electronics, drones, AI, VR labs, and an AI computing center, plus TUMO and Kutaisi International University to anchor research and talent. EU Sanctions on Russia: The EU adopted its 21st Russia package, expanding energy, finance, crypto and military-industrial restrictions, adding hundreds of listings and targeting Russia’s shadow fleet. Georgia Sanctions Hit Kulevi: The EU included Georgia’s Kulevi refinery in the 21st package, imposing a transaction ban that starts in six months, and also extended crypto-related service bans to Georgian platforms. Crypto Deterrence Tool: Brussels added a “full third-country ban for crypto-asset services” mechanism, with Georgia named among jurisdictions affected. RMG Scholarship Push: RMG awarded scholarships to 25 students and ran an industrial tour at its Madneuli quarry and copper enrichment plant, backing future engineers in mining and exact sciences. Election Security Claim Fact-Check: A PolitiFact review says DHS claims about foreign access to voting machines lack proof, while experts note theoretical hardware risks but no confirmed tampering. Regional Energy Disruption: Drone strikes disrupted Kazakhstan’s Tengiz output by blocking tanker loading at the CPC terminal, showing how fragile single-route oil exports remain.

Kutaisi Tech Push: Georgia’s Technology Hub opened in Kutaisi, with plans for robotics, electronics, drones, AI, VR labs and a stronger link to Kutaisi International University to build research and high-tech products. EU Sanctions Tech & Finance: The EU adopted its 21st Russia package, expanding curbs on energy, banks, crypto and the “shadow fleet,” while adding Georgia’s Kulevi refinery to a transaction ban and targeting crypto-asset services in Georgia and other jurisdictions. Election Security Debate: US DHS chief Markwayne Mullin repeated claims that foreign adversaries can access voting machines, but fact-checkers note no proof was provided and experts say the registration process doesn’t involve machines. Regional Tech/Logistics Context: A Middle Corridor discussion highlights how Central Asia-Europe connectivity depends on reducing border inspections and improving route coordination—key for Georgia’s role in the South Caucasus trade path. STEM Talent Pipeline: RMG announced 2026 scholarship holders, selected from GTU and TSU students, with industrial tours and support for future engineers.

Kutaisi Tech Hub Launch: Georgia’s Technology Hub opens in Kutaisi, with the government saying it will anchor robotics, electronics, drones, AI, VR and startup labs, and that Kutaisi International University will be integrated to build the research and talent pipeline. EU Russia Sanctions, Crypto Focus: The EU adopted its 21st Russia sanctions package, adding dozens of people and entities and tightening export controls tied to Russia’s military-industrial base; it also introduces a new “full third-country ban” tool for crypto-asset services, with Georgia among jurisdictions named. China–EU Trade Tensions: China retaliated to the EU’s sanctions by imposing export controls on 14 European firms, including Rheinmetall, raising the stakes for tech and defense supply chains. Middle Corridor Logistics Debate: Analysts discuss whether Central Asia can coordinate a unified transport strategy, pointing to the China–Caspian–Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye route as the most functional today. RMG Scholarship Push: RMG announced 25 scholarship winners for 2026, selected from GTU and TSU applicants, with an industrial tour of Madneuli and the copper enrichment plant. Cyber/Tech Policy Watch: A fact-check challenges claims that foreign adversaries can access voting machines to flip votes, noting the registration process doesn’t rely on voting machines.

STEM Scholarships: RMG held its 2026 scholarship ceremony in Kazreti, selecting 25 students from GTU and Tbilisi State University after interviews, grades, and motivation letters; winners toured the Madneuli quarry and copper enrichment plant. EU Sanctions & Finance: The EU adopted its 21st Russia sanctions package, adding 218 listings and targeting 94 banks plus 14 crypto operators, with new restrictions tied to Russia’s shadow fleet, oil refineries, and long-range drone supply chains. Cyber & Election Tech: A fact-check revisits DHS chief Markwayne Mullin’s claim that foreign adversaries can access voting machines, noting registration doesn’t involve machines and highlighting long-running security concerns from election tech experts. Aviation & AI/Fintech: PM Irakli Kobakhidze met Singapore’s Changi operator to discuss a new Tbilisi airport, while also signaling interest in Singapore know-how for modern tech integration and investment in fintech, IT, and AI. Local Tech/Infrastructure: Georgia College & State University bought a 15-acre site to expand public safety operations and add IT redundancies, including backup servers and data storage. Startup Expansion (AI Travel): 30 Sundays, an AI-native holiday planning startup, raised new funding and says it plans to expand into Georgia. Energy Markets: Oil jumped above $100 after Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers in the Red Sea, tightening global supply expectations.

Cybersecurity & Elections: DHS chief Markwayne Mullin’s claim that foreign adversaries can access voting machines and flip votes is challenged by election-security experts, with fact-checkers noting registration doesn’t involve voting machines and that details were not provided. Regional Security & Tech: Ukraine is sending combat-tested drones into the US evaluation pipeline via a new statement of intent, giving the Pentagon a path to test real jamming-tested systems. Middle Corridor Logistics: Georgia’s role in the Middle Corridor gets a boost as Kazakhstan and Georgia trial an e-permit for international road freight, while regional transit documents aim to simplify cargo movement across the route. Local Tech & Education: Adjara officials visited St. Matata Gymnasium in Batumi, highlighting expanded student infrastructure and development plans. Media Freedom: Georgian civil groups condemned the 14-day administrative detention of Formula TV anchor Vakho Sanaia over a social media post, calling it a crackdown on independent media. Energy & Shipping Risk: Red Sea tensions tied to Houthi attacks push oil prices higher, raising supply disruption concerns for global trade.

Cybersecurity & Identity: NIST is shifting focus from mobile driver’s license tech to real-world adoption, warning that relying parties still don’t know how to plug verifiable credentials into online services. Media Freedom: Georgian civil society groups condemned the 14-day administrative detention of Formula TV anchor Vakho Sanaia, saying a social-media post is being used to silence independent media. Transport Security: Analysis highlights a security gap in the Middle Corridor as new transit deals and the Anaklia Deep Sea Port grow—pushing calls for stronger defensive cooperation among Turkic states. Energy & Shipping Risks: Houthis attacked Saudi oil tankers near Bab al-Mandeb, while oil prices climbed on renewed Red Sea supply concerns. AI & Logistics (Regional): Allied Biofuels outlined planned SAF/e-SAF export routes from Uzbekistan to Europe and the UAE via rail and sea corridors, with Pro Logistic Services building multimodal delivery. Local Tech & Education: Adjara officials visited St. Matata Gymnasium in Batumi, spotlighting education infrastructure expansion. Science & Industry (Turkmenistan): Turkmen scientists report state-backed R&D across 586 topics, from nanotech and biotech to pharma and iodine extraction feasibility.

Media Freedom: Georgian civil society says Vakho Sanaia’s 14-day administrative detention over a social media post is a coordinated crackdown on independent media and whistleblowers, with NGOs warning it mirrors Russian-style repression. Aviation & Safety: The U.S. NTSB is investigating whether military GPS jamming contributed to a fatal medevac crash in New Mexico, after pilots reported losing GPS capability and interference was paused then resumed. Defense Tech: Baykar and Leonardo’s Italy-based LBA Systems is now fully operational, starting production of the Astore Levante drone and preparing deliveries after regulatory approvals. Energy & Logistics: Allied Biofuels and Pro Logistic Services signed a logistics deal to route Uzbekistan-made SAF/e-SAF to Europe and the UAE via rail and sea corridors, with supplies expected to begin in 2030. Science & Institutions: Ajara hosted events marking the Georgian National Academy of Sciences’ 85th anniversary, including a research awards ceremony and policy focus on strengthening science and education. Urban Development: Tbilisi City Hall has issued a permit to demolish the long-abandoned “tubes/pitchers” complex in Rike Park, paving the way for a new hotel-focused development. Tech Diplomacy: Irakli Kobakhidze met Singapore leadership and fintech representatives during a visit aimed at deepening trade and investment ties.

Georgian Science & Education: Ajara hosted events marking the Georgian National Academy of Sciences’ 85th anniversary, with government leaders and researchers discussing the role of science in national development and awarding researchers. Black Sea Security & Shipping: Crew members described a drone strike on the tanker Gas Lisbon off Romania, while separate analysis argues the long-term goal should be shifting from military pressure to safer maritime commons across the Black Sea. Cybercrime Crackdown: U.S. prosecutors unsealed indictments against three Russian nationals tied to international cybercrimes against critical infrastructure, with losses reported at over $62m. Regional Tech & Diplomacy: Georgia’s “Asian pivot” continues as Tbilisi deepens Central Asia ties to strengthen its transit-hub role, including new partnerships with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and visits across the region. AI in Business: Traveltech startup 30 Sundays raised about $6.7m in a Series A to expand its AI-native holiday planning and prepare launches in Georgia and nearby markets. Energy Transition: DP World and the EBRD signed a green loan to electrify port operations in Constanta, cutting emissions and improving air quality.

Cybersecurity: U.S. prosecutors unsealed an indictment against three Russian nationals tied to malicious cyber activity against critical infrastructure across 21 states, with tens of millions in losses, and the State Department’s Rewards for Justice is offering up to $10M for actionable info. AI & Travel Tech: India-based AI-native travel planner 30 Sundays raised Rs. 61 crore (~$6.7M) in a Series A led by Bessemer to expand its AI planning/booking stack and roll out in markets including Georgia. Fintech Infrastructure: In Tbilisi, five major banks will implement Nasdaq Calypso on a shared platform to modernize treasury trading infrastructure, supporting growth of Georgia’s capital markets. Tokenized Lending: Georgian fintech VS1 Finance was selected by the XRP Ledger Foundation to build an open-source reference implementation for institutional lending on the XRP Ledger, with Georgia aiming to test in the National Bank’s regulatory sandbox. Archaeology: Georgia’s Lechkhumi region saw discovery of a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age metallurgical complex, highlighting ancient copper production in Colchis. Energy/Trade Diplomacy: Central Asia’s push for logistics links is highlighted by Georgia’s growing ties with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, including digitalization and Black Sea port cooperation.

AI Travel Funding: Tbilisi-relevant startup 30 Sundays (planning romantic trips with generative AI) raised $6.7M in a Series A led by Bessemer, planning expansion to new markets including Georgia. Banking Tech Upgrade: Nasdaq Calypso and the National Bank of Georgia will help five major Georgian banks move to a shared treasury and trading infrastructure, aiming for stronger risk management and resilience. Tokenized Finance: VS1 Finance (Tbilisi) was selected by the XRP Ledger Foundation to build an open-source reference implementation for institutional lending on the XRP Ledger, with Georgia’s National Bank sandbox next. Archaeology & Materials Science: Georgian researchers uncovered a 3,000-year-old Bronze Age metallurgical complex in Lechkhumi, highlighting ancient copper production in Colchis. Education Tech Policy: Georgia’s new Distraction-Free Education Act is being reflected in school code updates, including rules targeting AI-generated academic dishonesty. Regional Tech & Industry: Bridgestone launched premium tyre models in Tbilisi for the CIS market, powered by its ENLITEN™ tech.