Astana IT University has joined the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) to support world-class education in artificial intelligence and data science accessible to professionals in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and across the broader Eurasian space. This is also the first MIT IDSS collaboration in the Eurasian region.
The first discussions between the two institutions began in autumn 2025. Those negotiations resulted in Astana IT University joining the IDSS Strategic Partnership in Education program. This program will help to expand Astana IT University’s presence within the global academic network and enable the university to introduce advanced practices and innovative approaches into its academic activities.
The project launches in a year declared by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Under his leadership, Kazakhstan has set an ambitious course toward becoming a regional technology leader — and the collaboration between AITU and MIT IDSS directly embodies that ambition, connecting the country's talent with the institution that defines the global frontier of AI and data science.
Two complementary tracks form the core of the IDSS Strategic Partnership in Education. The 12-week program “AI and Data Science: Leveraging Responsible AI, Data and Statistics for Practical Impact” is designed for professionals and managers who need an applied foundation in AI, data science, machine learning, generative AI, and responsible data practices. The 3-day executive intensive “Fundamentals of AI for Leaders in Public and Private Sectors” is designed for senior executives in the public and private sectors who make decisions at the intersection of AI strategy, ethics, and regulation; it will be personally delivered by Professor Munther Dahleh — founder and first director of MIT IDSS — on the Astana IT University campus on June 17–19 as part of AI Week.
Both tracks are based on the MIT IDSS curriculum and are supported by MIT faculty, providing participants with exposure to world-class expertise without leaving the region. This positions AITU as a gateway connecting local talent with the knowledge shaping the global future of AI and data.
The next milestone is AI Week at Astana IT University on June 17–19. As part of AI Week, the 3-day intensive “Fundamentals of AI for Leaders in Public and Private Sectors” will be personally delivered by Professor Munther Dahleh — William A. Coolidge Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at MIT, and founder and first director of MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). His visit to Astana marks the first direct visit by senior MIT IDSS leadership, offering leaders from Kazakhstan and across Eurasia a unique opportunity to work directly with one of the world’s leading researchers in AI, data, and network systems.
«This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding access to rigorous, practice-driven AI and data science education globally, particularly at a time when AI is increasingly shaping economies and societies,» - said Professor Munther Dahleh, William A. Coolidge Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT, and instructor for ‘Ethical and Responsible AI’. «We are pleased to support the development of talent equipped to use these technologies responsibly across diverse regions and sectors».
«Becoming a member of MIT IDSS opens a new chapter for Astana IT University and for the entire region in building talent that will define the technological agenda for decades to come. When the world's top university recognizes you as a member, that is a quality benchmark» — Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University.
Professor Munther Dahleh is the William A. Coolidge Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at MIT and a member of the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS). He is the founder and first director of MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), which he led from its founding in 2015 until 2023; he previously served as Associate Department Head of EECS. Professor Dahleh has received international recognition for foundational contributions to robust control theory, computational methods for controller design, the interplay between information and control, fundamental limits of learning and decision-making in networked systems, and work on detecting and mitigating systemic risks in interconnected networks. His research interests span networked systems, social networks, systemic risk, and transportation systems.
About MIT IDSS
The MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) advances education, research and innovation at the intersection of data science, systems, statistics and social sciences. Founded in 2015, IDSS brings together faculty across MIT to address complex societal challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. Through its educational partnerships, IDSS aims to develop rigorous and practical approaches for understanding and improving complex systems in society.
Astana IT University is a specialized technology university located in Astana, Kazakhstan. Founded in 2019 by The NNEF Public Foundation, AITU offers undergraduate and continuing education programs in IT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and digital public administration, serving as Kazakhstan’s and the Eurasian region’s national platform for advanced technological education. The university works in close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, industry partners, and leading international academic partners.
Today, a historic event took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome: the first test launch of the prospective medium-lift launch vehicle Soyuz-5/Sunkar was successfully carried out from Site 45 as part of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex.
As part of the flight design tests, both the first and second stages of the rocket performed nominally, and a mass-and-dimension simulator payload was successfully placed onto the target trajectory. This launch confirmed the full operational readiness of this complex engineering facility to expand Kazakhstan’s presence in the global space services market. The Baiterek project represents a strategic achievement, enabling the country to transition to operating its own modern launch infrastructure.
As part of the project, extensive work was carried out to modernize ground infrastructure, including the construction and adaptation of launch systems, control systems, fueling systems, and safety systems. The implemented solutions ensure a high level of automation in pre-launch operations and meet international reliability standards.
The implementation of the Baiterek Space Rocket Complex is one of the most technologically complex projects in recent years. A modern facility has been created that fully meets automation and safety requirements. Today’s launch demonstrates that Kazakhstan has developed all the necessary components for full participation in the global space industry, including its own launch infrastructure, national satellite projects, and highly qualified engineering personnel.
The successful launch of the Baiterek rocket complex opens up new opportunities for space exploration. The project also contributes to job creation and expands capabilities for delivering a wide range of spacecraft into orbit. Launch preparations were conducted in strict compliance with technological regulations, with priority given to the uninterrupted operation of all systems and components.
More than 40 technical systems are involved in operating the newly created space rocket complex, and their effective integration has been ensured throughout the full testing cycle.
The technical capabilities of the Soyuz-5/Sunkar launch vehicle, developed by the Progress Rocket Space Centre, allow it to deliver up to 17 tonnes of payload into low Earth orbit. The rocket is equipped with powerful and proven engines: the RD-171MV on the first stage and the RD-0124MS on the second stage. The use of Fregat upper stages and various payload fairing configurations provides flexibility for a wide range of mission profiles.
The Baiterek complex and the Soyuz-5/Sunkar launch vehicle represent the future of environmentally friendly spaceflight, using non-toxic propellants such as kerosene and liquid oxygen. This opens new prospects for scientific development and strengthens the country’s industrial potential.
Background
Baiterek Joint Venture JSC is a Kazakh-Russian joint enterprise established to implement the space rocket complex project at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. The company is responsible for the development, modernization, and operation of the ground infrastructure for next-generation launch vehicles. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan in cooperation with Russian partners. The Baiterek complex is distinguished by a high level of environmental safety, economic efficiency, and full automation of pre-launch operations.
A trilateral memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSC Kazakhtelecom, and Aleria, a sovereign AI infrastructure and platform company, marking a significant step in the development of the country's sovereign cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The signing took place at the Alem AI innovation centre in Astana, in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhaslan Madiyev, the Chairman of the Management Board of JSC Kazakhtelecom, Bagdat Mussin, and Eric Leandri, Chief Executive Officer of Aleria, accompanied by Dr. Mohammad Khaled, Chief Growth Officer of Aleria.
The Data Center Valley project, located in Ekibastuz in the Pavlodar Region, is being developed as the largest data centre campus in Central Asia, with a planned energy capacity of up to one gigawatt. Once operational, it will establish Kazakhstan as a regional hub for digital infrastructure and sovereign artificial intelligence capability.
The memorandum reflects the parties' shared intention to cooperate on the implementation of the project, with particular attention given to attracting investment, developing national infrastructure, and localising technological solutions within Kazakhstan. It also addresses the development of a sustainable ecosystem for cloud technologies and artificial intelligence, and the role each party will play in advancing it.
Under the memorandum, the parties have outlined their mutual intention to cooperate within the framework of the project through joint initiatives, knowledge exchange, and the exploration of specific areas of collaboration. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to building modern digital infrastructure in Kazakhstan and to strengthening the country's long-term capacity to operate sovereign cloud and artificial intelligence capability under national governance.
The parties emphasised the importance of strengthening this collaboration and expressed their readiness to continue dialogue aimed at delivering practical outcomes that contribute to Kazakhstan's national digital transformation.
About Aleria
Aleria is a sovereign AI infrastructure and platform company headquartered in Abu Dhabi. The company partners with governments and enterprises to build sovereign AI capability at national scale, supporting the development of local infrastructure, the localisation of technology, and the long-term institutional capacity to operate artificial intelligence under national governance. Aleria works in partnership with NVIDIA and DDN to deliver sovereign AI at national scale.
Central Asia’s largest tech and AI show will debut in Almaty next week, catapulting Kazakhstan to the forefront of the region’s AI and digital transformation ambitions, and propelling a new era of global innovation, tech capital deployment, and cross-border collaboration.
In the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, GITEX AI Kazakhstan, from 4-5 May 2026 at the Atakent International Exhibition Centre (AIEC), will converge policymakers, enterprise tech titans, startups and investors from more than 60 nations, accelerating momentum to fast-track Central Asia and the Caucasus into a position of global tech leadership.
Under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, GITEX AI Kazakhstan is hosted by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in partnership with Astana Hub and the Akimat of Almaty.
The landmark event is organised by inD, the global organiser of GITEX, bringing the world’s largest and most influential tech event platform to the heart of Eurasia. It arrives as Kazakhstan powers ahead as the world’s fastest growing tech ecosystem, at 18-times over the last seven years to generate US$26 billion in value.
GITEX AI Kazakhstan in Almaty sits at the intersection of this innovation dynamism, uniting more 300 tech enterprises and startups, 150 expert speakers, and 100 investors, creating the most strategic platform for global market access, business collaborations and dialogues advancing the region’s priorities in sovereign AI, governance, digital infrastructure and investment, and talent development.
At a media briefing ahead of the show’s debut, government partners and ecosystem leaders set out their ambitions for the region’s AI and digital future, as final preparations gather pace for what promises to be a defining moment for Central Asian tech.
Smagulov Olzhas, Deputy Akim of Almaty City, said: “Almaty is the primary hub of Kazakhstan's IT industry, home to approximately one-third of all IT companies in the country, which account for 52% of the total volume of IT services provided. The city continues to strengthen its position as a magnet for startups, investment, and innovation. GITEX AI Kazakhstan reinforces Almaty’s role as a natural hub for the ideas, capital, and partnerships shaping our digital future.”
Daniya Akhmetova, CEO Digital Bridge, Astana Hub, said: “The hosting of GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 as a premier global technology platform, coupled with Astana Hub's role as a co-organizer, unlocks a wealth of opportunities for Kazakhstan's tech ecosystem. This initiative facilitates direct access to international markets, attracts vital investment and global partnerships, and enables the transfer of advanced technologies and specialized expertise. As a result, projects will experience accelerated growth and national solutions will achieve broader adoption, fostering the sustainable development of the industry while strengthening Kazakhstan’s global competitiveness.”
A region at the centre of global AI and digital infrastructure progress
With mobile internet penetration across Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as high as 93 percent, the region has become fertile ground for telecoms, cloud and digital infrastructure leaders. Kazakhstan is leading this charge, with data centre capacity reaching hyperscale level, from approximately 4,000 IT racks in 2025, to 20,000 racks by 2030, comprising 180-plus MW capacity.
This massive AI compute and digital infrastructure buildout means tech leaders worldwide view Kazakhstan as a strategic base for cross-border investments, amplified at GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 by the participation of global tech enterprises from China, Germany, the USA, Türkiye, the UK, and the UAE, France, and India.
Infrastructure leaders including Cisco, Cloudflare, Dell, Google Cloud, H3C Technologies, Trend Micro, Hikvision, HP, Huawei, Lenovo, Noventiq, Redington, Salesforce, Vertiv, and Yandex, are among the headline participants this year. GITEX AI Kazakhstan is accelerating sovereign AI deployment and market entry in the region, with tech titans bringing real systems to market, from Dell’s AI Factory for government-scale AI; Cisco’s secure, air-gapped national infrastructure; or Huawei’s advancement of GovTech 1.0, AI infrastructure standards and large-scale deployment.
That global participation is matched by the largest gathering of Kazakhstan tech powerhouses under one roof, including Kazakhtelecom, the state-owned telco titan commanding over 60 % of Kazakhstan’s market; Kcell, the nation’s largest mobile operator, co-pioneering Kazakhstan’s first 5G network; Beeline, Kazakhstan’s only major independent mobile operator, powered by VEON; and Akashi Data Center, Astana’s Tier IV data centre, the first and largest in Eurasia.
UAE-based Presight, meanwhile, a leading global AI company building intelligent systems for governments and critical infrastructure, will spearhead cross-border collaboration. Magzhan Kenesbai, Chief Growth Officer of Presight, said: “For Presight, Kazakhstan is a long-term, strategic growth market where we are working as the AI partner for government, supported by a local team of more than 60 people on ground.
“Central Asia represents a high growth opportunity, and GITEX AI Kazakhstan is an important platform to deepen existing relationships and build new partnerships that can translate into sustained and large-scale deployment over time.”
Global investor capital converges at Central Asia’s startup frontier
More than 100 active accelerator projects are now shaping Kazakhstan’s AI startup ecosystem, while VC investment has surged more than fivefold between 2023-2025, a milestone year that also produced the nation’s first AI unicorn, Higgsfield.
That sharp upward trajectory will be accelerated at GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026, where investors from 28 countries with a combined US$200 billion in AUM (assets under management) will ramp up the great Central Asian VC AI start-up investment wave.
VCs such as Punch Capital (USA), Creww (Japan), Enhance Ventures (UAE), IDA Capital (Turkey), and Adagia Partners (France), alongside European representation from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, Serbia, and Spain, will be out in force to explore emerging frontier tech opportunities with 100+ startups, including 51 founder-led participants from Astana Hub and IT Park Uzbekistan.
GITEX AI Kazakhstan positions the region as a launchpad for next-generation technology companies, with startups from Kazakhstan and across Central Asia delivering real-world, export-ready deep-tech solutions, including TalkIT, LUMI AI by ASPEX, PanDev.io, Alaqan, RTEAM and THRUST.kz, fast-tracking the transition to an export-driven innovation economy
Sturgeon Capital, a London-based VC and Private Equity firm is among the 65 percent of investors at GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 with international headquarters. Kiyan Zandiyeh, CIO and Partner said he’s long believed that emerging markets – precisely because they're underserved by global capital – offer compelling returns. “We have to date invested in 39 companies across Central Asia,” said Mr. Zandiyeh.
“The region is one of the most exciting and yet overlooked VC markets in the world: large, young, and digitally native populations rapidly adopting new technologies. The global recognition of companies such as Kaspi and Higgsfield has put Kazakhstan firmly on the map, and GITEX AI Kazakhstan is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local decision-makers, co-investors and policymakers shaping the region’s digital economy.”
Murat Abdrakhmanov, Founder of MA7 VC, which backs early-stage tech startups globally, is another prominent investor and expert speaker at GITEX AI Kazakhstan: “The future belongs to AI-driven or AI-native startups with global ambition,” said Mr. Abdrakhmanov. “Kazakhstan and Central Asia have all the ingredients to produce far more of these startups and future AI unicorns, making GITEX AI Kazakhstan a genuine opportunity for the world to engage early on the potential returns.”
From sovereign AI to smart cities: A defining agenda shaping a digital decade
Across two days, GITEX AI Kazakhstan will convene Central Asia’s most ambitious policy, technology and investment conversations under one roof, converging more than 150 expert speakers in a power-packed conference agenda.
The Diversification Summit will bring together ministers and senior policymakers to chart sovereign digital strategies and industrial AI roadmaps for the decade ahead, while dedicated tracks on Applied AI, Future Finance and Digital Assets, Data Centres, Cybersecurity, Smart Energy and AI-Ready Cities will drive cross-sector dialogue on the technologies reshaping the region’s economy.
The NXT Stage will put Central Asia’s startup opportunity centre stage, uniting founders, investors, and policymakers to accelerate startup growth, digital finance, smart cities, industrial innovation, and AI-driven human capital development.
H.E. Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, will headline alongside H.E. Baya Kvitsiani, Deputy Minister Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia; Kai-Fu Lee, CEO of 01.AI and one of the most influential AI voices globally, joins Mansoor Al Mansoori, CEO of G42 International, Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight, and Charles-Edouard Bouée of Alpha Intelligence Capital, alongside senior government leaders from Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan and across the Caucasus.
Bilal Al Rais, Vice President, Portfolio Growth Tech & Digital at inD, global organiser of GITEX, said: “Central Asia and the Caucasus are already outperforming many conventional expectations of emerging markets. In an era marked by strategic recalibration, this region is demonstrating a remarkable coherence of purpose, connecting human capital, digital readiness and national ambition into something the world can no longer afford to overlook.
“GITEX AI Kazakhstan turbocharges this momentum, bringing together tech titans, startups, investors, policymakers and pioneers to accelerate what is already unstoppable, and cement Central Asia’s claim on the future architecture of the global AI and tech economy.”
More information about GITEX AI Kazakhstan is available here.
During the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok, a resolution establishing a UN ESCAP Asia and Pacific Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty was adopted by consensus of all 52 member States.
It is symbolic that the establishment of this new United Nations entity in Kazakhstan has taken place in the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, as proclaimed by H.E. Mr. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan.
The Centre will become ESCAP’s sixth regional institution, alongside its existing specialized centres in Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, India and Iran.
The Centre is envisaged as a neutral international platform under the auspices of the United Nations, aimed at identifying and disseminating best digital solutions from across the Asia-Pacific region in the field of public and social services.
As noted by Ambassador Margulan Baimukhan, Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan to UN ESCAP, the adoption of the resolution marks the successful conclusion of a multilateral negotiation process that lasted more than five years and was coordinated by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to ESCAP. As part of this process, seven analytical studies were conducted and three milestone resolutions were adopted at the 79th, 80th and 81st ESCAP sessions. An important milestone was the ESCAP Ministerial Conference on Digital Inclusion and Transformation, held in Astana in September 2024. At the final stage in 2026, a broad group of countries joined the initiative as co-sponsors, including
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu.
In terms of its format, the Centre will become the largest ESCAP institution in the region, with a projected capacity of up to 130 staff. It is planned to be located in the UN Plaza building in Almaty. The concept provides for the establishment of an international repository of best digital solutions and practices.
The activities of the new United Nations entity will contribute to bridging the digital divide across the region, with a particular focus on supporting least developed countries, landlock countries and small island developing States. In the context of rapid digital transformation, particular importance is attached to developing inclusive mechanisms for the exchange of technologies and expertise, enabling countries to design solutions tailored to national contexts and to ensure equitable access to the benefits of digitalization.
For Kazakhstan, the establishment of the Centre opens up additional opportunities to attract advanced digital technologies, international expertise and highly qualified professionals. Strengthening Almaty’s role as a regional hub under the auspices of the United Nations will foster greater international cooperation, promote partnerships with leading technology companies and development institutions, and further reinforce the country’s position as a reliable provider of modern digital solutions across the Asia-Pacific region.
The initiative also creates conditions for enhancing Kazakhstan’s export potential in IT services and promoting domestic digital solutions in international markets.
The implementation of projects on the transfer of digital solutions, including those aimed at supporting least developed countries, creates conditions for attracting resources from international financial institutions that provide institutional support to countries in the region.
The establishment of the UN ESCAP Asia-Pacific Digital Solutions Centre for Sustainable Development in Almaty will constitute a significant contribution to advancing the priorities of the Republic of Kazakhstan’s state policy in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence development.
As part of the implementation of the President’s directive on systemic digitalization and the integration of AI across all sectors of the economy, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan is launching the flagship educational program AI Leaders 2026 in partnership with the Stanford University Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) research center, OpenAI Academy, the educational platform of the developer of ChatGPT and Silkroad Innovation Hub, an international hub in Silicon Valley.
This is the largest corporate program for training leaders in artificial intelligence, created for the Central Eurasian region at the intersection of academic expertise and practical application. It aims to develop managerial competencies that are in high demand in the context of global AI transformation. In addition to the main organizers, the project partners include the platforms Lovable and CAYU, which provide opportunities for developing AI agents and digital solutions, as well as the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University.
The academic director of the program is Peter Norvig, Professor at Stanford University HAI, author of one of the world’s leading books on AI, former Director of Google Research and a current member of the Expert Council on AI Development under the President of Kazakhstan. Under his leadership, the curriculum has been specifically adapted to the unique needs of the region.
Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhaslan Madiyev, noted:
“Implementing the President’s directive on the integration of artificial intelligence across all sectors of the economy, we are moving to the stage of practical changes. As a result of the program, relying on the expertise of Stanford University HAI and the technologies of OpenAI Academy, each participant will develop an applied AI strategy for their organization. This lays the foundation for a new management model, where the digital transformation of each company becomes the cornerstone of technological leadership and the success of the entire country.”
The training starts on April 8 and includes more than 30 hours of intensive live sessions, with simultaneous interpretation into Kazakh, Uzbek and Russian, providing access to cutting-edge knowledge for a wide audience.
The training is built around a targeted model: companies participate in teams, allowing for the comprehensive development of competencies across key management roles, from mid-level to senior leadership. As part of this program, each organization will develop its own AI strategy tailored to specific business tasks and processes. This is especially important in the context of the President’s directive on the systematic implementation of AI across all key sectors of the economy. In this environment, it is crucial for the largest companies and institutions to move from testing individual tools to forming comprehensive AI strategies with a clear understanding of the expected impact.
Among the participants are leaders from about 150 of the largest organizations in the region, representatives of the public and quasi-public sectors, including the national holdings Samruk-Kazyna and Baiterek and the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as leading companies in the economy: Halyk Bank, Freedom Holding, Kaspi.kz, BI Group, Astana Motors, Beeline, Kcell, Bazis-A, Kazzinc, Transtelecom, Lancaster Group and others.
The training methodology is based on a three-stage preparation system, which allows companies to move progressively from understanding AI to its practical implementation. First, participants lay the academic foundation together with Stanford University HAI, studying the basic principles of AI, the limitations of the technology and its impact on business processes and management. Then, they move on to working with AI tools through OpenAI Academy, mastering prompt engineering, the use of models and the application of AI to real-world tasks. The final stage focuses on AI agents and applied solutions: together with CAYU and Lovable, teams learn to develop and implement AI systems in business and key industries.
Through such programs, we are forming a global community of leaders with the competencies needed to manage AI transformation and ensure the sustainable development of the economy and society. The program brings together participants from different countries, expanding the horizons of cooperation. Among the program participants are representatives from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkey and Qatar.
“Our goal is to provide the region with direct access to cutting-edge AI knowledge and global technological ecosystems. We are creating programs in which participants receive insights firsthand from those who are shaping the industry today and defining its future. In this way, Central Eurasia is becoming a prominent and active participant in the global technology and AI ecosystem,” noted Asset Abdualiyev, Founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub.
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive an official certificate from Stanford University HAI and become part of the largest AI community in Central Eurasia. This initiative is a key link in the comprehensive talent development system: it is worth noting that the basic digital literacy training program, launched in 2025, has already been completed by about 1 million citizens of the country. Systematic efforts are being made at all levels - from youth centers such as TUMO Astana and Tomorrow School to student programs such as AI Sana, specialized projects for public servants such as AI Qyzmet and the training of AI officers in the public sector through the AI Governance 500 program, ensuring the expert foundation for the technological development of the country.
GITEX, the world’s largest technology and startup event network, today announced the inaugural GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan will take place in Almaty, the country’s largest city, from 4-5 May 2026. The new location puts the event at the centre of the region’s hub for commerce, manufacturing, enterprise, and innovation.
Aligning with Kazakhstan’s year of digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI), GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan reinforces the country’s intent to be one of world’s most influential technology ecosystems while enabling export growth, stronger partnerships, and increased investment into technology-driven projects.
Organised by inD – the global organisers of GITEX events – and hosted by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in partnership with Astana Hub and the Akimat of Almaty, GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan will convene global policymakers, frontier-tech enterprises, AI visionaries, cloud and data-infrastructure leaders, fintech disruptors, and the region’s most promising startups to propel the region’s transformation into a competitive digital powerhouse.
Zhaslan Madiev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, commented: “Hosting GITEX in Almaty confirms Kazakhstan’s growing role as a regional hub for technology leaders, startups, and investment. For us, this is not just a large-scale event, but a practical instrument to accelerate digital transformation and the adoption of artificial intelligence across the economy and public administration. Our objective is to ensure that this momentum delivers measurable impact — enabling faster market deployment of solutions, increasing productivity, and creating new opportunities for people and businesses across the region.”
Darhan Satybaldy, akim of Almaty city, said: “By hosting GITEX in Almaty, we are positioning the city to become an even more influential hub of innovation, commerce and enterprise for the wider Central Asian region. As our local development of frontier technology grows so does the realisation of our national ambition to export it to the rest of the world.”
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of inD, global organiser of GITEX, noted: “Kazakhstan’s leadership has demonstrated remarkable foresight in crafting a digital future rooted in conviction, capability, and socio-economic dividends. Almaty sits at the intersection of the entrepreneurial and innovation vigour ready to bring this vision to life. GITEX in Almaty offers a vantage point from which the world can not only observe the profound industrial and technological rise of Central Asia and the Caucasus but also participate in shaping its evolution.”
A Strategic Move to the Country’s Innovation Heartland
Welcoming influential tech stakeholders in Almaty aligns with Kazakhstan’s broader digital strategy and responds directly to the city’s rapid rise as an innovation epicentre. It is home to more than 1,500 startups, and accounts for 50% of the country’s Venture Capitalist (VC) funds and will soon welcome the world-class Qazaqstan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (QAIST), reaffirming its position as the hub where innovation, investments and technical talent thrive. In this setting, GITEX offers unparalleled proximity to the companies, startups, investors, and research institutions shaping Central Asia’s emerging digital-first economy.
A New Anchor for the World’s Leading Tech & Investments Network
Central Asia and the Caucasus are undergoing a seismic technological shift as digital adoption accelerates, startup ecosystems mature, and governments pursue future-focused transformation agendas. Within this landscape, Kazakhstan emerges as a regional frontrunner; home to Central Asia’s largest hyperscale data centre, more than 90% digitised public services, and flagship initiatives such as the alem.ai international AI centre.
GITEX’s arrival in Kazakhstan marks a defining moment for this digital trajectory. With Almaty as the host city, the event becomes a regional anchor for the GITEX network, the world’s largest global ecosystem, which now links Central Asia and the Caucasus to Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Brazil, Germany, India, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Serbia, Singapore, Turkey, and Vietnam.
For more information, visit the website: https://shorturl.at/uAyym
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Kazakhstan has developed a rapidly growing startup ecosystem in the field of artificial intelligence. The country is home to more than 100 AI startups, and the volume of venture investments in AI projects increased more than fivefold between 2023 and 2025 – from approximately $14 million to $73 million. As a result, AI now accounts for more than half of all venture investments in Kazakhstan.
These figures are presented in the Kazakhstan AI Country Report, the country’s first comprehensive overview of the AI market, covering government strategy, digital and computing infrastructure, human capital, startups, venture investments, and industry use cases of AI implementation. The official presentation of the report took place today at the Astana Hub Event Hall in the capital of Kazakhstan.
The study was prepared by the analytical agency RISE Research in partnership with Mastercard and Freedom Bank, with the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and GITEX AI Central Asia & Caucasus. The report is based on more than 30 in-depth interviews with practitioners, an analysis of international benchmarks and business models of over 100 Kazakhstani AI startups, as well as 10 practical AI implementation case studies.
According to the report, Kazakhstan is entering a new stage of development, moving from digitalization to the large-scale adoption of artificial intelligence. AI is viewed as a key driver of economic growth and a tool for strengthening the country’s international competitiveness. According to the authors’ estimates, the adoption of AI could generate an additional 0.5-2% annual increase in Kazakhstan’s GDP in the medium term by boosting productivity across more than half of all jobs.
Dmitry Mun, Vice-Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan:
“Kazakhstan is implementing a comprehensive, institutionally embedded AI strategy. It includes the adoption of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Law, the creation of a National AI Platform, the development of sovereign computing infrastructure, support for Kazakh-language large language models (LLMs), the launch of the international AI center Alem.ai, and large-scale human capital development programs. As a result, by 2025 around 1 million specialists had already been trained in AI-related skills, and by 2030, it is planned to equip 5 million citizens with basic and advanced AI skills”.
According to the report’s authors, most Kazakhstani AI startups are focused on applied B2B solutions and operate in both domestic and international markets. The highest concentration of projects is observed in the segments of Enterprise AI and business automation, Industry 4.0, MarTech, EdTech, and MedTech.
The year 2025 became a turning point for the ecosystem: the market saw the emergence of its first unicorn, Higgsfield AI, and the largest Bridge and Series A funding rounds in Kazakhstan’s history were recorded. These deals confirmed the ability of AI companies founded by Kazakhstani entrepreneurs to attract significant international capital.
Sanzhar Zhamalov, Country Manager in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, Mastercard:
“Mastercard sees AI as one of the core drivers of economic transformation, unlocking new opportunities for growth. The Report captures our perspective on AI as a practical engine for productivity gains and stronger business competitiveness in Kazakhstan. We are seeing an ambitious AI ecosystem emerge in the country with the potential to deliver world-class solutions and we are committed to being an active contributor and trusted technology partner in its development”.
The study provides a dedicated analysis of the key foundations for the development of the artificial intelligence ecosystem – computing infrastructure and human capital. The report notes that computing capacity is no longer a critical constraint for AI development, thanks to the launch of two new AI clusters (Alem.Cloud and AI-Farabium by Kazakhtelecom JSC) with a combined capacity of approximately 3.6 exaflops. According to the authors’ estimates, around 2,000 H100/H200-class GPUs are already in operation across the country.
Industries with high digital maturity and large volumes of data are leading the pace of AI adoption – namely the financial sector, telecommunications, electronic government services (eGov), retail, and IT, where AI is widely used in customer service, marketing, and analytics.
Aidos Zhumagulov, Member of the Board of Directors of Freedom Bank:
“Growth in venture investment and the emergence of the first unicorn confirm the maturity of Kazakhstan’s technology market. For the financial sector, this marks a transition toward more sophisticated, intelligent products. Today, banks use AI in risk management, fraud prevention, data analytics, and customer service. Large volumes of data and high reliability requirements make financial institutions a natural environment for the practical application of such technologies. When this experience is supported by infrastructure, regulation, and talent development, it begins to work at the level of the entire economy. This approach lays the foundation for Kazakhstan’s long-term digital growth”.
At the same time, the government is placing a strategic emphasis on the adoption of AI in the real sector, as well as in socially significant industries with high economic and public impact – industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, energy, education, and healthcare.
The report also highlights both the strengths and structural constraints of the market. Key advantages include systematic government support, investments in sovereign computing infrastructure and skills development, a high level of digital maturity of the economy, and a growing startup ecosystem. An additional factor is the country’s young and educated population: in 2025, 21% of graduates chose engineering and ICT-related fields. At the same time, further scaling of AI is constrained by a shortage of high-quality industry-specific data, uneven access to infrastructure and competencies across regions, low levels of R&D funding, a lack of experienced specialists, and limited access to late-stage venture capital.
Assel Abdrakhmanova, Managing Partner at RISE Research:
“Artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan is moving beyond isolated experiments to become part of the country’s economic architecture – from startups and AI-based enterprise adoption to the realisation of the national-level policy in this domain. The synchronized progress of startups, business, and government is a key indicator of a maturing AI market”.
The Kazakhstan AI Country Report is intended to serve as a key reference point for investors, businesses, and government stakeholders in shaping a long-term AI development strategy and integrating the country into the global economy under the strategic course of Generative Nation.
The full version of the Kazakhstan AI Country Report in Kazakh, English, and Russian is available on the website www.rise.com.kz or via the link.
Mobile services are becoming a key channel for accessing public services: since the beginning of 2025, Kazakhstani citizens have received more than 51.5 million services online, almost half of which were delivered via the eGov Mobile application.
As of today, around 90% of public services in Kazakhstan are available online. The eGov.kz portal has over 15.1 million registered users, including 610.000 new users since the start of this year.
The eGov Mobile application is used by over 11.7 million Kazakhstani citizens, with a monthly active user audience of 6,4 million. Over 671.000 users use the application daily. In 2025, citizens gained access to more than 220 digital public services.
Besides, from standard certificates and services, citizens are also actively using new digital tools. The most popular services include the voluntary opt-out from bank loans and microcredits, the certificate of no criminal record, and the certificate of registration activities for legal entities.
Since June 2025, Kazakhstan has introduced a new digital tool for citizen interaction with law-enforcement agencies — the «Law and Order» service, which allows users to report offenses promptly via mobile application without the need for phone calls or in-person visits.
In August 2025, the eGov Mobile application received its largest update in recent years. The key innovation was the eGov AI intelligent search, powered by artificial intelligence technologies.
In 2025, Kazakhstani citizens received over 25.7 million public services via the eGov.kz portal. Among the most requested services on the portal were the certificate of pension contributions, registration at an in-patient clinic and the F-6 certificate concerning property ownership.
This year, measures to improve information security and safeguard user data against fraud in the use of public online services have been further reinforced. Thus, since October 2025, the authorization procedure on the eGov.kz portal has been updated. Now, after the first stage of authorization using a digital signature (DS), the user must verify their identity with an SMS code sent from 1414. The changes apply to the eGov.kz portal as well as its components (the eOtinish service and the «Open Government» portal).
Additionally, to enhance user convenience, authorization using login and password has been introduced, allowing users to enter their IIN/BIN and password while identity verification is performed via digital signature (the updates affect the eGov.kz portal and its components, including the eOtinish service, the Smart Bridge platform, and the «Open Government» portal.
Google launched its artificial intelligence model, Gemini, in the Kazakh language. The release, timed with Independence Day of the Republic of Kazakhstan, is part of the global expansion of language support for one of the company’s most advanced AI products.
The Kazakh language is among 23 new languages added as part of the rollout of Gemini 3 — the most intelligent model to date. This means that users in Kazakhstan now have access to Gemini’s capabilities in their native language, on par with the world’s major languages.
The Kazakh-language Gemini interface is already available in the web version. To enable it, users need to select Kazakh in their Google account language settings. Support for mobile versions on Android and iOS, as well as the launch of Gemini Live — a real-time conversational mode — is planned for the near future.
The launch of the Kazakh version of Gemini is part of Google’s broader efforts to advance artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan, including investments in talent development, digital skills training, and support for developers. According to the company’s estimates, the adoption of AI in the public sector can generate a significant economic impact, including increased productivity in public administration, improved fiscal sustainability, and a contribution to the country’s overall economic growth.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan notes that the availability of global AI solutions in the Kazakh language is an important step toward building a digital state, expanding citizens’ access to technology, and fostering a competitive AI ecosystem.
The Ministry will continue to cooperate with international technology partners to advance artificial intelligence, localize digital products, and train a new generation of specialists.