TRIPP+ Funding Push: Konstantin Sokolov, a Russian-born Chicago private equity investor, has been named chairman of the U.S. State Department’s new TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund, a $201m vehicle aimed at financing transport, energy infrastructure and critical minerals across Armenia and the wider South Caucasus/Central Asia. Courtroom Setback for Tashir: Armenia’s Administrative Court rejected TASHIR CAPITAL CJSC’s lawsuit challenging the government’s plan tied to the alienation of a 70% stake in Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), saying the claim isn’t subject to judicial review. Tsarukyan Fallout Hits Jobs: Workers at Tsarukyan-linked firms like MultiStone and Multi Tabak staged renewed protests as companies remain sealed or idle, with employees warning banks and households can’t wait. Energy/Transport Budget Move: The government is set to raise the South Caucasus Railway subsidy by 65.2m drams to cover passenger-transport losses. AI Compute Plan: Armenia plans to buy $25m in high-performance computing resources for AI infrastructure via a five-year deal. Digital Leap: Viva launched Armenia’s first 5G+ network across Yerevan and six regions, with further expansion planned nationwide by year-end. SME Banking Upgrade: Ardshinbank relaunched its SME digital platform, enabling online loan applications and automated lending up to AMD 20m. EU Business Links: Armenia was recognized at the MICE Excellence 2026 Awards as the best foreign destination for business and corporate events.