Armenia’s education system is preparing for a major expansion of artificial intelligence tools in schools and universities after a new cooperation agreement was signed between Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, leading artificial intelligence company OpenAI, and Firebird.
Under the agreement, Armenian schools and higher education institutions will gain access to the ChatGPT Edu and Codex platforms starting in September. During the first stage of the initiative, 50,000 educational subscriptions will be provided across the country.
The agreement was officially signed by Armenia’s Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan and Firebird co-founder Alexander Yesayan. The meeting was also attended by Armenia’s Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Deputy Minister of Education Araxia Svajyan, and Armenia’s Ambassador to the United States Narek Mkrtchyan.
Joining remotely was Jaina Devaney, who leads OpenAI’s “Education for Countries” initiative.
According to Armenian officials, the program is expected to expand over time beyond the initial 50,000 subscriptions. The cooperation is designed to introduce artificial intelligence tools into Armenia’s educational, engineering, and scientific research sectors on a much larger scale.
Welcoming participants during the signing ceremony, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan described the initiative as an important step for Armenia’s education system. She said the project creates a new level of access to artificial intelligence tools for Armenian students, teachers, lecturers, and researchers.
Andreasyan noted that Armenia has already been developing programs connected to artificial intelligence and digital literacy in recent years. Among the existing projects are the “Artificial Intelligence Generation” program for high schools and the Step AI initiative. According to the minister, these programs are helping create new opportunities for students who want to continue their studies and careers in the field of artificial intelligence.
“Artificial intelligence is already part of our reality, and educational systems around the world are facing the challenge of effectively adapting to this new reality. This initiative is exactly about that,” Zhanna Andreasyan said.
She explained that the new cooperation would help Armenia systematically introduce artificial intelligence into classrooms and universities while also improving the overall quality of education.
Andreasyan also thanked the organizations and government bodies involved in the initiative. She highlighted the role of Armenia’s Ministry of High-Tech Industry and Armenia’s ambassador to the United States in helping organize the partnership.
The minister also praised Firebird’s role in financing the first stage of the project, calling it an example of effective public-private cooperation in the technology sector. According to Andreasyan, private financing during the testing phase will allow the Armenian government to study the program’s effectiveness before considering a larger national rollout supported by state funding.
“The new platforms will allow educational institutions to use advanced artificial intelligence tools that meet high standards of data protection, information security, and management. The new toolset will help teachers and lecturers organize lesson planning, curriculum development, and addressing students’ individual needs more effectively. At the same time, students will gain new opportunities in information search, analysis, data application, and research work, while developing critical thinking and independent learning skills. The new platforms will help users navigate large amounts of digital information more effectively, making the use of artificial intelligence tools in education systematic and goal-oriented,” Zhanna Andreasyan said.
Officials stated that preparatory work for the rollout will begin before the September launch date.
ChatGPT Edu is a specialized version of ChatGPT developed for educational institutions. The platform allows universities and schools to use advanced artificial intelligence systems while maintaining high standards for data protection and information security. The platform also includes tools connected to Codex, which focuses on coding and software development support.
Under the program, university lecturers and students will have access to the platform in higher education institutions, while in general education schools the tools will be available to teachers and high school students.
Firebird co-founder Alexander Yesayan described investments in education as especially important during the growing global expansion of artificial intelligence technologies.
“The future of technology is not something that will arrive in some distant future; it is being shaped today in schools, universities, and research communities. Armenia has exceptional talent, and providing students, lecturers, and researchers access to the world’s most advanced AI tools will create a new generation of innovators. What makes this initiative especially important is the cooperation behind it. This is not only about technology; this is about Armenia’s future,” he said.
During the press conference, Jaina Devaney also presented the ChatGPT Edu platform remotely and discussed the role artificial intelligence can play in expanding educational opportunities.
“Education is one of the most important areas through which artificial intelligence can expand opportunities. Through cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Firebird, we are helping make ChatGPT Edu available to the country’s students, educators, and researchers, ensuring access to advanced AI tools that can be used safely, creatively, and effectively. Armenia has strong human potential and developing digital infrastructure, and this initiative can help shape the next generation of innovators equipped with AI literacy,” she stated.
At the same time, Armenian officials stressed that the success of the initiative will depend on maintaining ethical standards and responsible use of artificial intelligence systems. Authorities said special attention will be given to digital literacy, safe use of AI tools, and the protection of data within educational environments.
The first phase of the initiative will take place during the 2026–2027 academic year and will be fully funded by Firebird. Armenian officials said that after evaluating the program’s effectiveness and educational impact, the government may later consider providing state funding in order to expand and permanently integrate the system into Armenia’s national education structure.
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