Armenia’s Ministry of High?Tech Industry has launched the AI Virtual Institute, a strategic national platform designed to unite innovators, researchers, and tech companies — positioning Armenia as a regional hub for AI excellence.
Supported by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Mistral AI, the institute offers cloud-based tools, expert mentorship, access to cutting-edge open-weight AI models, and free API use for selected participants. AWS will provide technical guidance and cloud infrastructure through its Solutions Architects and learning resources, while Mistral AI will contribute its advanced generative AI models and developer support.
Announcing the launch on Facebook, Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan described the initiative as a virtual open platform for innovation designed to deliver long?term impact once ecosystem readiness and strategic alignment converged.
“Although the foundation for this initiative was laid months ago, we have been waiting for the right moment when technological development, ecosystem maturity and strategic alignment would combine to ensure maximum long-term impact. That moment has come,” Minister Hayrapetyan stated.
The AI Virtual Institute is built as a purpose-driven structure to support the full innovation journey — from idea to market. It will empower participants with access to mentorship, capital opportunities, and technical execution, forming a robust ecosystem for sustainable AI growth. The initiative also prioritizes international visibility for Armenian startups and researchers, expanding their reach on the global stage.
The project is grounded in six core principles: inclusive innovation, collaborative excellence, knowledge sharing, boosting innovation, capacity building, and ethical leadership. These pillars reflect Armenia’s broader ambition to develop a diverse, sustainable, and values-driven AI sector.
International collaboration is at the heart of the institute’s mission. Minister Hayrapetyan emphasized the significance of global partnerships, especially the involvement of AWS and Mistral AI, in accelerating Armenia’s national AI agenda through research, development, and product creation.
“Our mission is to advance the frontiers of AI research, innovation, and education with an emphasis on inclusivity and open collaboration,” the institute’s official description states.
A call for applications will be announced soon, inviting researchers, startups, and IT professionals to apply. Selected participants will gain access to technical support, visibility on the AI marketplace, and guidance from leading experts across the industry.
“Initiatives like this best represent our dreams and ambitions for the future of Armenia,” Hayrapetyan said, reiterating the government’s commitment to fostering a modern, globally connected AI ecosystem anchored in shared vision and global expertise.
