The recent agreement between Sberbank and Havana Science and Technology Park, known as 3CE, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Russia and Cuba in artificial intelligence. The document was signed during the 20th meeting of the Russia-Cuba Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, as reported by the press service of Sberbank. This event underscores a shared commitment to foster joint development in science and technology, with AI positioned as a central pillar of the bilateral agenda.
The signing took place in the presence of Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, highlighting the high level political support for deepening cooperation in cutting-edge technologies. The moment was framed as a clear signal that both nations view artificial intelligence as a strategic driver for growth, innovation, and societal advancement. By formalizing this partnership, the two sides set the stage for concrete projects that leverage the strengths of each country’s scientific and industrial ecosystems.
Alexander Vedyakhin, the First Deputy Chairman of Sberbank, described the agreement as opening new avenues for collaboration between Russia and Cuba in science and technology. His remarks emphasized that the memorandum not only aims to spur joint research and development but also seeks to build a robust framework for knowledge exchange. The goal is to accelerate the transfer of expertise, practical know-how, and technical capabilities that can benefit researchers, developers, and end users across both economies.
From Sberbank’s perspective, AI is a powerful catalyst for economic modernization. The bank signaled its readiness to share experience, methods, and best practices with Cuban professionals who are working to advance artificial intelligence. The intent is to equip Cuban teams with tools and techniques that can accelerate the deployment of AI solutions in critical sectors such as agriculture, environmental management, healthcare analytics, and industrial efficiency. This collaborative approach is designed to yield tangible benefits for society at large, including improved productivity and more informed decision-making.
The memorandum specifies that the bilateral effort will focus on developing and implementing artificial intelligence technologies while also facilitating the exchange of experience in establishing legal and ethical frameworks. This aspect reflects a thoughtful recognition that AI deployment requires clear governance, data protection, accountability, and alignment with societal values. The parties agreed to explore regulatory models, guidelines, and standards that can support responsible AI while enabling innovation across both nations.
Both sides expressed confidence in the bright prospects for expanded cooperation and stressed the importance of reinforcing long-standing historical ties in science and technology between Russia and Cuba. The dialogue noted that collaboration in new technologies should complement existing bilateral relationships, creating a pathway for joint pilots, demonstrations, and scalable AI applications that address real needs in Russia, Cuba, and beyond. The emphasis on shared learning and mutual benefit positions the initiative as a vehicle for sustained progress rather than a one-off project.
During discussions, Cuban officials were shown examples of Sberbank’s artificial intelligence capabilities that span ecology, agriculture, and environmental stewardship. Demonstrations highlighted how AI-powered monitoring, data analysis, and optimization tools can support sustainable farming practices, resource management, and ecological protection. The showcased projects illustrate practical applications of AI to everyday life, revealing how advanced technology can contribute to improved crop yields, reduced environmental impact, and smarter management of natural resources. The event reinforced the potential for AI-driven innovations to touch multiple sectors and improve living standards across communities.