Georgia, EU candidate country and one of the Widening countries in Horizon Europe Programme, needs urgent improvements in its Research and Innovation (R&I) system to cope with the fast pace of Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution and to become a valuable contributor to the European AI strategy implementation. The FORGE-AI project aims to significantly improve the innovation potential of the Georgia’s R&I system and provide a sustainable conditions for boosting research careers of young researchers across sectors, especially in the area of AI, by (1) strengthening innovation-related capacities of leading young AI researchers and research managers (“Talents”); (2) introducing and demonstrating the added value of cross-sectoral mobility & knowledge circulation, and (3) modernizing the national innovation supporting funding mechanisms to incorporate career-boosting principles. The innovation training component will involve at least 20% of all AI R&I talents of Georgia plus representative from neighbouring Armenia in the comprehensive blended learning innovation and entrepreneurship programme, thus equipping the young talents with competences for successful cross-sector careers. The secondment programme will allow 25 talents to spend, in total, 234 months on cross-sector cross-border secondments contributing to their employability and career prospects. The experiences collected through the project activities will compose a basis for national practices and policies in the field of research training improvements. The participation of major R&I funders, leading AI research performers, AI startups and NGOs from Georgia plus AI research company from Armenia, as well as leading European AI research centre, German University innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem and large European entrepreneurship and innovation network provides the critical mass of expertise.