Armenia Plans $14 Million Push Into AI and Robotics Across Three Universities

AI-generated illustration

Armenia plans to invest at least $14 million over the next seven years to develop artificial intelligence and robotics, bringing together three major universities to train specialists, expand scientific research and lay the groundwork for a new technology industry.

The government approved the program on Thursday, November 5, with funding to be split equally between the state and private investors.

The initiative will focus on physical artificial intelligence, a field that combines AI with robotics and other machines capable of interacting with the real world.

Yerevan State University, the National Polytechnic University of Armenia and the American University of Armenia will take part in the project, which aims to establish research facilities capable of competing internationally.

Education, Science, Culture and Sports Minister Zhanna Andreasyan said the program would help universities attract researchers, improve the quality of education and strengthen Armenia's scientific capacity.

At the National Polytechnic University, the existing Smart Systems and Advanced Control Laboratory will be upgraded into a physical AI research facility. A second laboratory will also be established.

Over seven years, the participating universities plan to recruit at least three senior scientists for long-term positions, more than 12 postdoctoral researchers and over 60 visiting scientists. Research teams of 15 specialists will work at the facilities at the same time.

The government has earmarked 168.4 million drams, approximately $440,000, for the first year, with most of the money going toward researchers' salaries.

By the end of the program, officials expect approximately 330 students to graduate with expertise in robotics and AI. The research teams are also expected to publish more than 20 scientific papers in leading international journals and conference proceedings, secure at least two patents and organize international conferences and workshops.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia needs to prepare for a future in which artificial intelligence plays a growing role in manufacturing, robotics and other industries.

He argued that developing skilled professionals and modern research facilities would give the country a better chance of attracting companies and investors working with these technologies.

Pashinyan said the government wants to create an environment where researchers can study how AI can be integrated into physical machines, while helping Armenia build the expertise needed to develop its own industrial capabilities.

He also pointed to Armenian professionals working abroad, saying the diaspora could play an important role in bringing international experience and scientific knowledge to the country.

The government's longer-term goal is to turn that expertise into investment opportunities, giving Armenia a foothold in an industry expected to attract growing international interest.

For now, the focus will be on universities, where officials hope to build the workforce and research infrastructure needed to support that ambition.

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