Tenstorrent, a company known for its innovative AI hardware and open computing solutions, is set to open an office in Cyprus in 2026 as part of a strategic partnership established through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
The MoU was officially signed on Friday at the Presidential Palace, a notable event attended by President Nicos Christodoulides and Tenstorrent’s CEO, Jim Keller. This partnership aims to bolster Cyprus’s capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing, and digital sovereignty.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Tenstorrent: Strengthening AI Capabilities in Cyprus
The RIF stated that the agreement will significantly enhance Cyprus’s position in key technological areas. The focus will be on advancing AI and semiconductor design capabilities, aligning with Europe’s growing open hardware and RISC-V ecosystem. This initiative is crucial for establishing sovereign compute infrastructure that ensures digital independence and compliance with the EU AI Act.
Fostering Talent and Innovation
In addition to technical advancements, the MoU emphasises the importance of academic collaboration and workforce development, aiming to nurture talent in AI, microelectronics, and high-performance computing. The partnership also seeks to expand public-private cooperation to foster innovation and commercialisation across various sectors, including energy, health, maritime, and defence.
Collaborative Vision for the Future
Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration during the signing ceremony. He highlighted the ambition of both Tenstorrent and Cyprus to develop cutting-edge technologies and establish a global technology hub. “This memorandum of understanding stands as testament to our commitment to that very opportunity,” he stated, thanking Tenstorrent for its trust in Cyprus.
Defining a New Technological Landscape
Chief Scientist and RIF board chairperson, Demetris Skourides, described the collaboration as a defining step in Cyprus’s technological journey, showcasing the nation’s commitment to openness and excellence in innovation. He noted that Tenstorrent’s presence signals the growth of Cyprus’s AI innovation ecosystem, which now includes a multitude of AI startups and research capabilities.
Skourides emphasised that this partnership will allow stakeholders to design and develop sovereign AI platforms and autonomous solutions, further solidifying Cyprus’s role in the European technology landscape. “This is a game-changer that creates synergies with the world’s most advanced organisations,” he remarked.
New Opportunities for Education and Research
Jim Keller, CEO of Tenstorrent, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting Cyprus’s alignment with the company’s values of open computing and technological independence. He noted that this partnership opens doors for research, education, and co-development of advanced AI technologies that will benefit not just Cyprus but the broader region and Europe.
Building a Tech Hub in Cyprus
Evgenios Evgeniou, chairman of Invest Cyprus, pointed out that Tenstorrent is the first AI chip company to establish a presence in Cyprus since President Christodoulides’s visit to Silicon Valley in April. This move is expected to strengthen Cyprus’s role as a tech hub, contributing to a brain gain effect by attracting talent and fostering innovation.
The MoU also aligns with President Christodoulides’s ‘Vision 2035’ for Cyprus, aiming to transform national research excellence into innovation-driven growth and global impact. The foundation noted that Tenstorrent’s open-source hardware design based on RISC-V architecture places it among the world’s most innovative AI and semiconductor companies, further enhancing Cyprus’s technological landscape.
With the groundwork laid, Tenstorrent’s arrival signifies a promising future for Cyprus as it strives to become a leader in AI innovation and sustainable technology development, paving the way for a new chapter in the nation’s technological evolution.
