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Cyprus Unveils Enhanced National Supercomputer Amid Pioneering AI Initiative

Cyprus Launches Upgraded National Supercomputer

Cyprus is set to launch its upgraded national supercomputer this June as part of the Pharos-CY initiative, expanding the country’s high-performance computing and artificial intelligence capabilities. Developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, the system will support research, data processing and AI-related applications.

Strategic Partnership With NVIDIA

NVIDIA is providing technical expertise, training and support as part of the project. Preparatory training sessions and technical consultations have been conducted ahead of the launch, with the infrastructure designed to support artificial intelligence applications, big data analytics and advanced simulations.

Infrastructure And Collaborative Ecosystem

Hosted at the Cyprus Institute, the upgraded system builds on existing high-performance computing infrastructure already used for scientific research. Additional computing capacity will be available to universities, government departments, research organisations and private-sector users. Projects in healthcare, energy, environmental management, maritime operations, crisis response, digital governance and economic development are expected to benefit from the platform.

Pharos-CY And The AI Ecosystem

Alongside the supercomputer, the Pharos-CY initiative aims to expand access to AI infrastructure and computing resources in Cyprus. Operating as the country’s AI Factory Antenna, the project will provide infrastructure, data resources and technical tools to research institutions, businesses and public-sector organisations. Funding is provided by the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking and the Republic of Cyprus through the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. Coordination is led by CaSToRC at the Cyprus Institute.

High-Level Inauguration And Industry Engagement

The new AI and supercomputing infrastructure is scheduled to be unveiled at the Presidential Palace on Friday. Among the speakers are Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianou and Deputy Minister to the President Eirini Piki. NVIDIA Vice President of Sales and Business Development for HPC Yiannis Iosefakis is expected to deliver a keynote presentation titled “Cyprus–NVIDIA: From Collaboration to Implementation.”

Broader Implications For Cyprus’s Technology Strategy

Additional presentations will focus on technology initiatives and infrastructure projects, featuring Cyprus Institute Professor Konstantinos Dovrolis, Coordinator of Pharos-CY, and Georgios Tsouloupas, Head of Supercomputing and Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure at the Cyprus Institute. Proceedings will conclude with a panel discussion on the role of AI and high-performance computing in research, innovation and economic development, bringing together representatives from government, academia, NVIDIA and the technology sector.

Recent engagements with technology companies, including Amazon, Google, Oracle, Plug and Play and Tenstorrent, form part of broader efforts to attract investment and expand Cyprus’s technology ecosystem.

Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

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