Introduction to AI Camp in Hankavan
Hankavan is about an hour’s drive from Armenia’s capital and known for its campsites. Every summer, various programs attract students to the area. Recently, over 100 young people attended a camp to learn about career paths in artificial intelligence (AI). A non-profit organization, the Foundation for Armenian Science and Technology, organized the camp as part of its efforts to prepare young Armenians for technical jobs.
The Role of Nvidia in Armenia’s AI Development
One of the speakers at the camp, Tigran Ishkhanyan, a researcher and software engineer, stated that the new AI calculation center would be a blessing for Armenia, especially for young people. Nvidia has announced that it will work with a small American company called Firebird and the Armenian government to start an AI factory worth $500 million next year. The specific location of the center has not been announced, but it is expected to use thousands of microchips, known as graphics processing units or GPUs.
Competitive Advantage
The new data center in Armenia will provide a major competitive advantage, according to Rev. Lebaredian, Vice President of Nvidia. Lebaredian predicted that "everyone" around the world will finally have a fundamental infrastructure for AI, comparing the technology to the advent of electricity. The AI factory will record tons of data, quickly process it with Nvidia’s GPUs, and produce tokens with condensed information for various applications.
Winner and Loser in the AI Race
Most expensive AI factories are built in rich countries such as the United States, the European Union, and China. A recent report by the United Nations warns that the growth of AI could create a new digital gap, repeating the inequalities of colonialism. The report states that less developed countries risk being left behind, exacerbating economic and social distinctions.
Local Tech Boom
Armenia’s tech sector has been booming in recent years, with over 1,200 technology companies and $2.3 billion in revenue last year. Experts attribute this growth to the country’s limited natural resources, making technology a vital sector for investment and education. The Tumo Center for Creative Technologies has taught thousands of 12 to 18-year-olds various skills, including robotics and programming.
Future Prospects
The new AI factory is expected to depend on the country’s electrical supply from its only nuclear power plant. Pegor Papazian, Chief Development Officer from Tumo, stated that he and other technology leaders in Armenia were involved in discussions about the establishment of the new AI factory. Tumo has proposed projects, including an investigation of student behavioral data to personalize learning paths and a study on Armenian architecture. Viktoria Melonyan, a 16-year-old student, expressed great hopes for the new factory, believing it will show the world that Armenia is catching up and pushing others in the tech industry.
