The Silicon Mountains Lori 2025 has brought together tech leaders and government officials in Debet, Lori province to discuss AI, automation, and cybersecurity. 

Japanese scientist Yoshiaki Hagiwara, the laureate of the Global High-Tech Award presented by the Armenian Prime Minister, was the special guest at the forum. 

“We are discussing the applications of various digital technologies and AI in different branches of the economy,” said Eduard Musayelyan, the Executive Director of Union of Employers of Information and Communication Technologies. “Our event focuses mainly on opportunities and challenges. Having organized the forum in the province last year too, we try to utilize the opportunity of proportional development of provinces.”

The forum features discussions on AI & Automation, Intelligent Digital Infrastructure, Cybersecurity & Data Protection.

Deputy Minister of High-Tech Industry Ruben Simonyan, speaking about the application of AI, said that in case of correct application it will become a tool for increasing efficiency in all sectors.

“I can surely say that AI exists in all sectors, from healthcare to education, because nowadays technologies are in every area of our life,” he said, adding that the ministry has been utilizing AI. 

Ucom's CEO Ralph Yirikian, speaking about cybersecurity and data protection, said that the issue is becoming more and more actual. He said people are protected if they are careful.

“You have to read in detail and scrutinize before clicking any button or using a bank card to make a transaction,” he said.

He said the cybersecurity level in Armenia is below sufficient and that the country needs to make efforts. 

UK Ambassador to Armenia John Gallagher was also in attendance. Speaking about cybersecurity and data protection, he said governments must overcome the issue by cooperating with the educational system, the industry and citizens “to understand how to create an environment where technologies help us and risks are effectively managed.” He said the matter requires international leadership. 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1219733