ARKATELECOM: IT Armenia 2025 - Infrastructure, AI, Communications
YEREVAN, January 12. /ARKA/. For Armenia's IT sector, 2025 marked a transition from quantitative growth to structural change. The focus shifted from individual startup successes to infrastructure, computing power, the telecom sector, and the institutional conditions for technology development.
A new market configuration began to emerge, in which public policy, large-scale infrastructure projects, and the consolidation of telecom operators play a key role.
Public Policy: Long Cycles Instead of Targeted Measures
One of the notable decisions of 2025 was the announcement of the launch of a long-term state support program for IT startups for the period 2025–2032, presented by the Armenian government through the Ministry of High Technologies as a framework for creating a stable environment for technology business and investment.
For the industry, this signaled a shift from short-term initiatives to long-term horizons. This approach increases Armenia's attractiveness for technology companies, while reinforcing the importance of selection mechanisms, performance monitoring, and transparency in funding allocation.
Institutionalization of Cyber and Information Security
In 2025, the Armenian authorities stepped up the development of a digital security management system. The creation of a specialized regulator for information systems and the drafting of legislation on critical infrastructure protection, as announced by government representatives, were presented as steps toward a transition from incident response to proactive risk management.
For IT companies, this means clearer rules for interaction with the government and major clients, as well as increased requirements for compliance with security standards, which is important for participation in international and cross-border projects.
AI and Computing: Transition to an Infrastructure Model
One of the key topics of the year was plans to create a computing infrastructure for AI projects. During 2025, according to statements by government representatives and industry partners, initiatives to establish a supercomputer base using Nvidia technologies were announced, as well as a project to build an AI-focused data center with a stated investment volume of approximately $500 million.
These projects are still in the announcement and preparation stages, but if implemented, they could significantly expand the technological ceiling of the Armenian ecosystem, from academic research to corporate R&D centers and applied AI solutions. This could form the basis for a transition from an outsourcing model to the formation of a regional computing power hub.
Startup Ecosystem and International Integration
In 2025, the connection between the Armenian startup scene and global markets strengthened. The opening of an office of the American accelerator Plug and Play Tech Center in Yerevan, as announced by the company itself, was perceived as a sign of growing confidence in the local ecosystem and its export potential. At the same time, Armenia improved its position in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025. This reputational growth is increasing interest from investors and entrepreneurs, but simultaneously increasing pressure on the labor market, venture capital financing, and educational infrastructure.
Connectivity and Accessibility: Infrastructure as a Competitive Advantage
2025 marked a significant milestone for the telecom sector. Ucom launched its 5G network into commercial operation in key cities and regions of the country. As the operator itself reported, this expanded opportunities for the development of IoT solutions, smart city projects, and B2B services.
An additional factor was the introduction of Starlink satellite internet in Armenia after receiving the relevant regulatory approvals. The service was presented as a tool for expanding coverage in hard-to-reach areas and as a backup communications channel for businesses and government agencies.
Telecom Market Consolidation
Viva Armenia's acquisition of 100% of the shares of GNC-Alfa (brand OVIO) was one indicator of ongoing consolidation in the telecom market. Major players are strengthening their positions in fixed infrastructure and the B2B segment, which could lead to the optimization of networks and services.
At the same time, increasing concentration increases the importance of antitrust regulation and tariff policy transparency in the context of accelerated digitalization of the economy.-0-