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.

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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.

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Cyprus Promotes Ship Registry In Asia As Fleet Grows To 25-Year High

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 19, 2026

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to attract international shipowners, with Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis holding high-level meetings in China and Japan as the country’s ship register reaches its strongest level in 25 years.

Running from October 14 to 29, the Asian mission focuses on expanding commercial ties, promoting the advantages of the Cyprus flag and strengthening cooperation with shipowners, shipbuilders and maritime authorities.

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China Meetings Target Shipowners And Industry Leaders

In Shanghai, Hadjimanolis met Wang Qian, vice-director of the Shanghai Pudong New Area Commission of Commerce and Shipping Service Office, ahead of the North Bund International Shipping Forum on October 20–21. Organisers expect around 4,000 participants from more than 50 countries and regions, with discussions covering international shipping, maritime safety, financing, insurance, digitalisation and the transition to cleaner fuels.

The minister also met representatives of Dalian Trawind Shipping and Fortuna Shipbrokers Inc. to present the Cyprus registry’s advantages and explore registration opportunities for vessel owners. On October 20, she is scheduled to speak at the 10th Annual Capital Link International Shipping Forum in Pudong, joining a ministerial roundtable on international maritime leadership.

A visit to Zhoushan is also planned for the naming ceremony of Kypros Island, a new vessel for the Cyprus register owned by Safe Bulkers. Launched in June at the Tsuneishi shipyard on Xiushan Island, the 81,200-deadweight-tonne methanol dual-fuel bulk carrier is scheduled for delivery at the end of October. According to the Zhejiang Maritime Safety Administration, sea trials were due to take place between October 11 and 16.

Japan Engagements Strengthen Maritime Ties

Before travelling to China, Hadjimanolis met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Kenta Aoshima, in Tokyo on October 16. Her programme also included meetings with senior representatives of Shoei Kisen Kaisha, Nihon Shipyard, NYK Line, ITOCHU Corporation and SSY Projects, focusing on cooperation with Japanese shipowners, shipbuilders and shipping operators.

At the 5th Annual Capital Link Japan Maritime Forum, held at the Tokyo American Club, Hadjimanolis discussed maritime leadership, competitiveness, policy and international cooperation with Capital Link founder and president Nicolas Bornozis. Other sessions examined Japan’s shipbuilding strategy, new-vessel financing and the development of ammonia-powered ships.

The Tokyo programme followed a Cyprus Ship Registry reception on October 15 for representatives of Japan’s maritime and business communities. Hadjimanolis outlined the country’s shipping services and regulatory framework, while Polys Hajioannou, chief executive of Safe Bulkers and president of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners, delivered the opening remarks.

Registry Reaches Highest Level In 25 Years

At the reception, Hadjimanolis said the Cyprus Ship Registry had grown by 27% since September 2023, reaching its highest level in a quarter of a century. She attributed the expansion to efforts to improve competitiveness, simplify administrative procedures and provide more responsive services to international shipowners.

Cyprus’s inclusion on the White Lists of the Paris and Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding was another point highlighted by the minister. These lists reflect the safety and inspection performance of ships flying a national flag.

Existing commercial links with Japan include Safe Bulkers’ announcement in May of four Japanese-built dry bulk vessels scheduled for delivery in 2029.

South Korea Next On The Maritime Agenda

Hadjimanolis’ mission will continue in South Korea, where she is expected to attend the 2026 World Maritime Day Parallel Event and Korea Maritime Week alongside International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez and government representatives from several countries.

Her programme will also include discussions on implementing international maritime conventions and bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Cyprus’s shipping ties with South Korea.

The Asian outreach comes as maritime centres compete for shipowners amid geopolitical uncertainty, fleet renewal and pressure to reduce shipping emissions. For Cyprus, the strategy combines promotion of its registry with closer relationships across Asia’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors.

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