AGP Executive Report

Digital Identity Policy: The EU Council advanced a “business wallet” framework for corporate digital identity, aiming to cut manual checks via rapid online authentication using qualified signatures, seals, and secure delivery services. Cybersecurity & Sovereignty: Europe also pushed “operational sovereignty” in security and chips, with new offerings designed to keep data, keys, and support operations under European control. Border Tech Impact: Frontex warned the EU’s biometric Entry-Exit System (EES) could keep causing border queues for up to two more years, with travel groups warning of major tourism losses. Georgia Tech Startup: Kovzy, a Georgian restaurant e-commerce platform, says it helps small businesses launch online ordering and payments fast with a low monthly fee. Local Research Dispute: UK digital ID firm Yoti escalated a legal dispute with Georgia Tech and UC Irvine over claims that its age assurance shares facial images with third parties. Regional Science Links: Turkmenistan and Georgia discussed expanding education, science, and youth cooperation in Tbilisi. Energy & Transit Diplomacy: Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye reaffirmed cooperation on the Middle Corridor and Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway in Istanbul. Finance Watch (Georgia): Georgia’s pension fund assets hit GEL 9.4B by end of May, with returns boosted by AI-linked global tech and semiconductor stocks.

Startup & SaaS: Georgian restaurant e-commerce platform Kovzy says it cut the cost and hassle of launching online ordering by bundling POS, QR menus, payments, loyalty, and delivery into one setup with a fast onboarding and a 99 GEL/month fee. Health Tech (Clinical Trial): The ASTRUM-005 phase 3 study reports serplulimab plus chemotherapy extended survival in extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, with longer follow-up results shared across multiple countries including Georgia. Fintech & Markets: Georgia’s Pension Fund hit GEL 9.4B in assets by end of May, with strong gains tied to renewed investor optimism around AI-linked tech and semiconductors. EU Crypto Policy: The EU’s latest Russia sanctions package adds a major power to ban crypto-asset services tied to sanctions evasion, while Russia responds with new fees and limits on stablecoins. Hospitality Tech: Mirai and STAAH announced a global strategic alliance via real-time API integration to sync inventory, prices, and availability and boost direct bookings. Regional Tech Events: Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026 (June 19–21) gets support from Studio Liberty, positioning Georgia as a regional startup and investor hub. Pharma Logistics: EBRD backed Aversi Pharma with a €10M loan for an automated, energy-efficient Tbilisi warehouse to modernize pharmaceutical supply chains.

AI & Data/Startup Ecosystems: Studio Liberty is the main partner of Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026 (June 19–21), backing the June 20 flagship event at Factory Tbilisi and offering 30% ticket discounts for members paying with specific Studio Liberty cards. Health Tech & Logistics: EBRD approved a €10m loan to Aversi Pharma to renovate and automate a new Tbilisi central warehouse, cutting energy use up to 40% and adding robotics plus digital warehouse management for more resilient medicine supply. Digital Trust & Consumer Protection: Georgia’s Competition and Consumer Protection Agency joined ICPEN’s conference as Georgia prepares to support the network’s July 1 presidency theme, “Building Trust in the Digital Age,” focusing on AI-era consumer rights and protections for children and people with disabilities. Regional Connectivity (Transport Tech): Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia reaffirmed trilateral cooperation in Istanbul, highlighting the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and the modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway as a key transit backbone. Renewables: Azerbaijan plans eight new solar plants and a 250MW wind farm by end-2027, with several large solar projects targeted before 2026. Cyber/Policy: Russia is moving to restrict “unfriendly” crypto trading via new fees, limits, and safeguards, naming USDT, USDC, and BNB. Culture & Tech Adjacent: NOTATIONS music lab and festival returns to Armenia (lab applications until June 10; festival in August), blending sound, media, installation, performance, and research. Legal/Tech Risk (Security): Seven Georgian nationals face trial in Paris over theft of rare Russian classics from European libraries, with charges tied to an alleged organized network.

Pharma Logistics Upgrade: EBRD approved a €10M loan to Aversi Pharma to modernize and automate a new Tbilisi central warehouse, aiming to cut energy use by up to 40% with robotics, conveyor systems, and digital warehouse management—plus digital training for at least 1,000 staff. Regional Tech & Connectivity Diplomacy: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia signed the Istanbul Declaration after their 10th trilateral foreign ministers meeting, pledging deeper cooperation on security, cyber threats, and “science and technology,” with connectivity framed around the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and the modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. Digital Consumer Trust: Georgia’s Competition and Consumer Protection Agency is set to lead ICPEN from July 1, focusing on consumer protection in the digital age, including AI-driven markets and protections for children and disabled users. Crypto Crackdown Watch: Russia signaled new fees, trading limits, and safeguards aimed at “unfriendly” crypto assets, naming USDT, USDC, and BNB, while restricting retail access to only BTC, ETH, and USDT from July 1. Health Tech/Industry: PureCycle and Innovia Films reported successful production of white cavitated recycled BOPP film using PureFive Choice resin with 40%+ post-consumer content, targeting food-contact flexible packaging. Court Case (Culture Theft): Seven Georgian nationals face trial in Paris over theft of rare Russian literary classics from European libraries, with charges including conspiracy and attempted theft.

Trilateral Diplomacy & Tech: Georgia, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan signed the Istanbul Declaration after their 10th foreign ministers’ meeting, pledging deeper cooperation across security, transport, energy, trade, climate, and science & technology, with a focus on the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and the modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. Regional Connectivity: The BTK rail modernization marks a new phase for Eurasian transit, with freight capacity rising and the Middle Corridor positioned as a key alternative route amid supply-chain disruption. Consumer Tech Policy: Georgia’s competition and consumer protection agency joined an ICPEN event ahead of Georgia’s role in the network’s presidency, emphasizing digital markets and consumer trust in the age of AI. Public Health & Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed additional New World screwworm cases, raising concerns about spread beyond earlier hotspots—an alert for veterinary and surveillance systems. Tech Events in Georgia: Global Tech Weekend Tbilisi 2026 returns June 19–21, aiming to bring 20,000+ attendees for startups, investors, academia, and public-sector innovation. Cyber/AI Hiring (Global): The U.S. OPM says it’s building faster hiring pipelines for AI roles across government.

Regional Diplomacy: Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia signed the Istanbul Declaration at their 10th trilateral foreign ministers meeting, stressing cooperation on politics, trade, security, and science & technology while flagging cyberattacks and hybrid threats. Trade & Connectivity: Under a WCO-JICA effort, a Master Trainer Programme on risk management and a first-ever Time Release Study for Central Asia and the Caucasus were completed, aiming to speed up border processes along the Middle Corridor/Trans-Caspian route. AI in Government: The U.S. OPM is building an AI-focused hiring pipeline, using a pre-vetted candidate pool to fill critical roles faster across federal agencies. Robotics Access: Georgia Tech researchers showcased COBALT, letting users control robotic arms via a smartphone and internet connection—tested with participants from multiple countries without robotics backgrounds. Digital Identity Rules: New disputes around biometrics and EUDI Wallets highlight how regulation and verification methods could affect rollout plans. Energy Risk Watch: With Hormuz tensions rising, analysis points to Azerbaijan’s role as an alternative supplier and corridor resilience for regional energy security. Cyber/Privacy Finance: Zcash’s Orchard vulnerability sparked renewed debate as developers can’t prove the bug wasn’t exploited, shaking holder confidence.

Georgia–US Law Enforcement: Georgia’s Interior Ministry says it arrested an internationally sought suspect at Tbilisi International Airport in an FBI-backed operation tied to alleged sanctions violations, with identity reported by media as Russian citizen Tatyana Kurashkevich. Robotics for Everyone: Georgia Tech researchers unveiled COBALT, letting users control robotic arms via a smartphone and internet connection, aiming to lower the barrier for robotics and speed up data collection for AI training. Digital Identity & Biometrics: New debate around EUDI Wallets highlights how biometrics rules and disputes (including claims involving Yoti and concerns from regulators) could affect whether EU digital IDs work smoothly for high-value uses. Transport Infrastructure: Georgia reissued tenders for the Rustavi–Red Bridge and Algeti–Sadakhlo highway sections, including a 61.2 km four-lane route with bridges and interchanges, backed by an EIB loan and state funds. Energy & Water Tech: Google pledged $1M for wetlands restoration in South Georgia near its data center, as data-center water use faces growing public backlash. Global Tech Watch: A new app concept lets people control robotic arms remotely from anywhere using a phone, echoing the broader push toward accessible robotics.

Deep-Cave Science: Two Abkhazia limestone caves—Veryovkina and Krubera-Voronya—are trading the record for the world’s deepest known depth, both topping ~2,000 meters, as explorers keep updating measurements. Robotics for Everyone: Georgia Tech researchers unveiled COBALT, letting people control robotic arms using just a smartphone and internet, aiming to lower the barrier to robotics and help gather data for training AI. Digital Identity & Biometrics: New debate around EUDI Wallets highlights how biometrics rules and regulator decisions could affect whether digital ID wallets can use biometrics as a default verification method. Georgia Infrastructure: Georgia reissued tenders for the Rustavi–Red Bridge and Algeti–Sadakhlo highway sections, including a 61.2 km four-lane route with bridges and interchanges, backed by an EIB loan and state funds. Sustainability in Georgia: UNDP marked World Environment Day by backing circular-economy and greening projects across Georgia, including solar power and rainwater drip irrigation in western municipalities. Energy & Regional Tech: SOCAR showcased its expanding role in the East Mediterranean energy market at the Baku Energy Forum, positioning itself to back up gas supply when regional flows shift. Cybersecurity Policy: A National Cybersecurity Forum in Baku focused on strengthening defenses as digital threats keep evolving across the region.

Biometrics & EUDI Wallets: Georgia Tech researchers and UC Irvine say Yoti shares biometric data with third parties, while Yoti disputes the claims; meanwhile Spain’s regulator AEPD says biometrics can’t be the only verification method for digital ID wallets under GDPR, raising concerns that EUDI Wallets may need device-bound or knowledge-based alternatives to meet high-value use standards. Robotics for non-experts: Georgia Tech’s PAIR Lab unveiled COBALT, letting people control robotic arms from a smartphone over the internet, aiming to lower the barrier to robotics and also support AI training data collection via a global smartphone user network. Energy security in the South Caucasus: At the 31st Baku Energy Forum, SOCAR described a major expansion around Israel’s Tamar gas—covering exploration, a Tamar stake, LNG shipments, and talks tied to power restart plans—positioning Azerbaijan as a flexible gas buffer amid regional disruptions. Smart infrastructure & monitoring: Experts at Baku Energy Forum highlighted rapid adoption of sensors, machine learning, and real-time monitoring to upgrade aging pipelines, warning of a “silver tsunami” as experienced operators retire. Georgia transport upgrades: Georgia reissued tenders for the Rustavi–Red Bridge and Algeti–Sadakhlo highway sections, including a 61.2 km four-lane concrete route with bridges and interchanges, financed via EIB loans plus the state budget. Sustainability near data centers: Google will fund $1M in wetlands restoration in South Georgia near its Douglas County data center, as local backlash against data centers grows. Armenia elections with tech-policy stakes: Multiple reports frame June 7 polls as geopolitically decisive, with Russia-West alignment and the peace process with Azerbaijan at the center.

Robotics for everyone: Georgia Tech researchers unveiled COBALT, a system that lets people control robotic arms from anywhere using just a smartphone and internet, aiming to lower the barrier to robotics and also help gather training data for AI. Smart infrastructure & energy tech: At the Baku Energy Forum, experts warned that hundreds of thousands of pipelines need upgrades and pushed “smart pipeline” monitoring using sensors, machine learning, and real-time systems to catch leaks and failures earlier. Regional connectivity: Georgia reissued tenders for the Rustavi–Red Bridge and Algeti–Sadakhlo highway sections—61.2 km of four-lane road with bridges and interchanges—linking transport corridors toward Azerbaijan and Armenia. Digital power & politics: A new “Digital Power” ranking tracks how influential leaders are on social media, using a score based on posting regularity, interactions, and originality. Local sustainability push: UNDP highlighted Georgia community projects on World Environment Day, including solar panels and rainwater drip irrigation supported through EU/Denmark programs. Data-center water debate: Google pledged $1M for wetlands restoration in South Georgia near a data center, as backlash over data-center water use continues. Diplomacy framework: Russia expects the next “3+3” foreign-minister meeting to be hosted in Baku or Yerevan, calling Georgia an essential partner for the platform.

Transport & Infrastructure: Georgia reissued tenders for the Rustavi–Red Bridge and Algeti–Sadakhlo highway sections, planning a 61.2 km, four-lane concrete road with bridges and interchanges, financed via an EIB loan plus the state budget, to strengthen East–West and North–South corridors toward Azerbaijan and Armenia. Energy Tech & Smart Systems: Industry experts at the Baku Energy Forum warned that hundreds of thousands of pipelines worldwide need upgrades and that many failures go undetected early, pushing adoption of sensor-based, AI-assisted “smart pipelines” for predictive maintenance and leak detection. Digital Sustainability: Google pledged $1M to restore wetlands in South Georgia near its data center, as data-center backlash grows and the company highlights recycled-water cooling and conservation efforts. Public Health & Climate Action: UNDP marked World Environment Day by backing circular economy and greening projects in Georgia, including solar panels and rainwater drip irrigation for a Khobi daycare greenhouse. Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan hosted its 4th National Cybersecurity Forum in Baku, focusing on AI’s security impact, digital transformation, and building a stronger cybersecurity ecosystem. Legal & Cross-border Risk: A Canadian man was detained in Georgia over ADHD medication carried without original packaging/doctor note, while another case reports a Canadian Ponzi schemer arrested in Georgia.

Middle Corridor Boost: Georgia has fully opened the modernized Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway after bottlenecks were cleared on the Georgian section, raising annual capacity from 1M to 5M tons and strengthening the Asia-Europe freight route. Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan-EU talks in Baku signal a shift from gas-only cooperation toward a broader, strategic energy-security partnership for 2026-2030. AI for Logistics: A Baku forum on transport and logistics put digitalization and corridor resilience front and center, arguing logistics is becoming geopolitical leverage. Local Sustainability: UNDP marked World Environment Day by backing circular-economy and community green projects in western Georgia, including solar power and water-saving irrigation. Air Quality Upgrade: Georgia’s National Environment Agency is expanding its automatic atmospheric monitoring network with EU/UN support, adding a new station and planning nine more this year. Power Prices Watch: Georgia Power’s recent regulator settlements lowered some near-term costs, but climate-driven expenses still flow through the cost-recovery model. Regional Tech & Research: An AI expert event in Tbilisi highlighted business uses of AI, while EBRD’s regional outlook flags strong growth in Georgia and Armenia alongside renewed inflation pressures. Security & Politics: Russia sentenced Abkhaz opposition figure Kan Kvarchia in absentia to 10 years over an alleged Sukhumi robbery tied to election-era accusations.

Rail & Transit Upgrade: Georgia has fully commissioned the modernized Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway after years of bottlenecks, boosting annual capacity from 1M to 5M tons and strengthening the Middle Corridor. Air Quality Tech: Georgia added a new automatic atmospheric monitoring station in Tazakandi, with 9 more planned by year-end under an EU/UN-supported network expansion. AI for Business: A German Business Association event in Tbilisi focused on practical AI use and how it’s changing work processes and company models. PropTech Expansion: eVoost AI signed an exclusive commercialization deal with Mardi Holding to drive international sales and lead qualification for Batumi projects using AI. Energy & Digital Systems: bp started non-associated gas production at Azerbaijan’s ACG field and is deploying multilateral well technology, while regional energy forums highlighted AI-enabled logistics and corridor security. Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan hosted its 4th National Cybersecurity Forum in Baku, stressing AI’s impact on security and local innovation. Public Health Research: Moldova held its 4th International Conference on noncommunicable diseases with regional and global experts, focusing on prevention and cross-sector action.

Air Quality Upgrade in Georgia: Georgia is expanding its atmospheric air quality monitoring network with a new automatic station in Tazakandi, plus 9 more by year-end, supported by an EU-funded program with UN agencies and the Austrian Environment Agency. Eurasian Transit Boost: The modernized Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway is now commissioned at full potential after bottlenecks on the Georgian section were removed, raising annual capacity from 1m to 5m tons. World Bank for Middle Corridor: The World Bank approved $372m for the TC-GATE project to modernize Georgia’s rail and road links, cut logistics costs, and add energy-efficient electric locomotives. AI in Business (Tbilisi): A German Business Association event brought AI experts to discuss practical business uses and how companies can adapt work processes and models. PropTech Deal in Batumi: eVoost signed an exclusive international sales and marketing agreement with Mardi Holding for Mardi Hills and Mardi Aquapark, using AI for demand generation and lead qualification. Energy Tech & Supply: bp deployed multilateral well technology in Azerbaijan’s ACG field to improve reservoir access, while SOCAR’s long-term Absheron gas deal supports new supply routes into Turkey.

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.”