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Cyprus Advances AI Strategy With New Computing Infrastructure

Overview Of A Bold New Initiative

The Presidential Palace hosted an event on June 5 focused on the development of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing infrastructure in Cyprus. Held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence: New National Infrastructures And Capabilities For Research And Innovation,” the event brought together government officials, researchers and industry representatives to discuss ongoing projects and plans in the sector.

Strategic Advancements In AI And HPC

Deputy Minister to the President Irini Piki and Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianou outlined the government’s approach to strengthening research, innovation and technology development. Both officials highlighted the role of scientific expertise, innovation and investment in supporting Cyprus’ transition towards a knowledge-based economy.

Collaboration With Global Tech Leader Nvidia

Partnership with Nvidia featured prominently in the discussions, with speakers pointing to its role in supporting Cyprus’ artificial intelligence and high-performance computing ambitions. According to Nvidia Vice President of Sales and Business Development for High Performance Computing Infrastructure Yiannis Iosefakis, the project shows how smaller countries can move rapidly in developing advanced technological capabilities.

Driving Innovation And Economic Transformation

Deputy Minister Nikodimos Damianou said artificial intelligence is already influencing economies and public services worldwide. He noted that Cyprus is seeking to build on its existing strengths rather than compete directly with larger economies. The forthcoming National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is expected to outline priorities related to competitiveness, public sector modernisation and innovation.

From Infrastructure To Ecosystem

Among the initiatives presented was AI Factory Cyprus, which aims to provide researchers, universities, startups and organisations with access to advanced computing resources. Speakers also highlighted the importance of developing human capital alongside infrastructure, including efforts to attract and engage talent from Cyprus and the diaspora.

Integrating Local Efforts Into Global Networks

Participants emphasised cooperation between government, research institutions and technology companies as a key factor behind the implementation of new projects. Yiannis Iosefakis said the long-term value of the infrastructure would depend on the research, applications and innovation developed around it. The partnership with Nvidia is also expected to provide access to a broader international network of expertise and resources.

A Roadmap For Sustainable Economic Growth

Discussions also focused on projects such as Pharos-CY and the National Infrastructure for High Performance Computing and their role in supporting research, innovation and economic activity. Academic and industry representatives participating in the event highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing artificial intelligence initiatives across Cyprus. The event concluded with discussions on how new AI and high-performance computing infrastructure can support research, innovation and technology development in the years ahead.

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

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