Nicosia:The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, has outlined a new national strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Cyprus, which includes the development of 16 flagship programs by 2032. This strategy aims to support AI use in the public sector and economy while implementing workforce upskilling programs.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the strategy was presented at the Digital Agenda Cyprus Summit, where Damianou emphasized that Cyprus seeks to leverage AI capabilities in areas that can add significant value, rather than competing with major economies in large-scale AI developments. Key goals include increasing productivity, improving public services, and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.

The strategy identifies the public sector and five economic sectors—financial services and fintech, tourism and hospitality, shipping and maritime activities, healthcare, and legal and judicial services—as priorities for AI adoption. It also includes initiatives like upgrading the Digital Citizen application and establishing a Government AI Accelerator.

For infrastructure, the strategy focuses on securing computing capacity, establishing an intelligent government platform, and modernizing connectivity. Funding mechanisms will support research, startups, and an AI sovereign investment matching fund.

Damianou highlighted the importance of human oversight in AI development, ensuring it remains transparent and trustworthy. He stressed the need for a comprehensive effort to tackle bureaucracy, not just through digitization but also by changing structural processes.

The Deputy Minister also reviewed recent progress in public sector digitization, noting 240,000 uses of new digital services within the first nine months of 2026. Additionally, Cyprus is considering hosting a ground station for the European IRIS satellite network, which could enhance security, communications, and disaster prevention capabilities.