As part of the AI Labs concept, Astana Hub and Ghent University (Belgium) are opening a joint Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics Laboratory at Alem.ai. The laboratory will bring together scientists from both countries to conduct joint research, develop talent, create startups and attract international funding.
The laboratory is part of the AI Labs concept, which develops joint research with leading universities worldwide at Alem.ai
Mathematics is the foundation of artificial intelligence: training any AI model relies on optimisation methods, statistics and probability theory. The laboratory therefore links fundamental mathematics with applied AI challenges.
Scientists from Ghent University and Kazakhstan, including members of Kazakhstan’s scientific diaspora, will run joint research projects, develop new AI technologies and train young researchers. The first areas of work will be applying AI and neurotechnology to personalised learning and developing an AI solution for early screening for Parkinson’s disease.
As part of the official visit, a telescope was also handed over, opening up new opportunities for space exploration and the development of scientific cooperation.
The partners plan to submit joint applications for Horizon Europe grants and to attract investment in the laboratory’s research and development.
The laboratory’s key outcomes will be new talent in artificial intelligence and mathematics, technology startups and joint research projects.
About
Ghent University (Universiteit Gent), founded in 1817, is one of Belgium’s leading research universities.
Horizon Europe is the European Union’s key funding programme for research and innovation for 2021–2027.
Network School, founded by former Coinbase CTO and former Andreessen Horowitz General Partner Balaji S. Srinivasan, bestselling author of The Network State, is raising a funding round at a valuation of $2 billion. The company operates out of Kazakhstan. The round was announced on October 9 at the Network State Conference 2026, which featured speeches by Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan; and Bayan Konirbayev, Deputy CEO and Chief Digital Officer of the Alatau City Authority.
On July 21 this year, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and Network School signed a memorandum providing for the relocation of Network School’s headquarters to Astana. This step followed efforts to engage international technology entrepreneurs and investors to bring new projects, capital and teams to Kazakhstan, while creating opportunities to train professionals for the global market.
The funding round is led by Polychain Capital, a leading cryptocurrency investment firm. “We are leading Network School’s funding round alongside Andreessen Horowitz, Coinbase and Balaji himself. The round values the project at $2 billion,” said Polychain founder Olaf Carlson-Wee on Oct 9 at the Network State Conference. The announced valuation places Network School in the “unicorn” category of privately held companies with valuations over one billion USD.
Establishing Network School’s base of operations in Kazakhstan strengthens the country’s position as a destination for technology entrepreneurship. Network School is essentially Silicon Valley outside Silicon Valley, as it vertically integrates education, professional community development, company creation and access to employment opportunities in the global market.
During his remarks, Balaji Srinivasan announced that Network School members have moved to a new city campus in Astana, located at the Alem.ai International AI Centre. Further plans include developing a technology hub in the capital, attracting venture investors and startups, and collaborating on the Alatau crypto city project.
In particular, Network School has signed an MOU with the Alatau City Authority to tokenize real estate to help populate and build Alatau City. As Bayan Konirbayev, Deputy CEO and Chief Digital Officer of Kazakhstan’s Alatau City Authority, said in his address at the 2026 Network State Conference: “We know how to tokenize the building. We know how to tokenize the land. But the main point is…related to the tokenization of the city. And this is a part where Network State and the dream of Mr. Balaji is coming.”
Srinivasan praised Astana’s development, the quality of its urban environment and its potential to attract the international technology community. “Kazakhstan’s role is to provide the necessary approvals and, in a sense, a platform. Our role is to bring capital, talent and execution. That combination could deliver very strong results,” said the Network School founder. “In my view, Astana is the next Dubai, the next Singapore,” he said.
Education and talent development are among the key areas of cooperation between Network School and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Specifically, Network School plans to establish an institution designed from the outset for online learning, with the prospect of developing into a fully fledged university authorised to award academic degrees.
Towards this end, Sayaset Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan spoke at the 2026 Network State Conference about his ministry’s partnership with Network School. In his address, he said: “I’m thrilled to announce that we have officially signed a memorandum of understanding with the Network School to build an internet-first academic institution, one that we will plan to turn into a full degree-granting university. Kazakhstan is rapidly establishing itself as the academic center of gravity in Eurasia.…Founded and endowed by Balaji Srinivasan, a Stanford PhD, Network School will combine the rigor of traditional academia with the speed of the internet…We look forward to building Network School here in Kazakhstan and then scaling this model around the world into a network of schools.”
The proposed educational model focuses on demonstrated knowledge and skills. Progress through the programme will depend on learning outcomes, with qualifications validated through a rigorous, proctored, offline in-person examination. The model also includes lifelong learning and the use of blockchain technology to verify educational credentials, to develop a so-called “skills passport” so that credentials can be checked as easily as URLs.
Cooperation with Kazakhstan’s national companies will help Network School graduates connect professional training with subsequent employment. Srinivasan described this approach as “pass an exam, get a job.” Network School has signed a memorandum of understanding with early Uber investor Shervin Pishevar and Kazakh Telecom to begin training local and global talent alike, and employing them to staff Kazakhstan’s companies.
Attracting international talent will go hand in hand with expanding opportunities for Kazakhstan’s citizens. The Network School founder outlined plans to bring thousands of professionals to the country initially, followed by tens of thousands over time.
“We want to bring thousands, and eventually tens of thousands, of talented people to Kazakhstan. At the same time, we will, of course, help people from Kazakhstan find jobs in the global market,” Srinivasan said.
Srinivasan also noted that the world is at the beginning of a new wave of technology companies and their teams relocating across jurisdictions. This gives Kazakhstan an opportunity to attract entrepreneurs seeking a base for long-term business development, via express redomiciliation through Astana Hub’s Digital Nomad visas and AIFC’s global financial center.
Network School’s expansion in Kazakhstan aligns with the country’s ambition to become Eurasia’s AI hub, to build a crypto city, and to become a digital state, a goal which is highly aligned with Network School’s program of building startup cities and network states. The presence of Network Schoolin Astana opens up opportunities to attract capital and expertise, create skilled jobs and launch companies serving global markets from Kazakhstan.
As Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev said in his address at the Network State Conference on building Kazakhstan into a digital state: "Our vision is to build technology communities here in Kazakhstan that bring together local and international talent to serve global markets and work with leading international companies. We want these communities to take root here, creating highly skilled jobs and opening up global opportunities for people in Kazakhstan. Our partnership with Balaji and his team is an important step towards that vision. In a short period of time, they have brought more than 200 people to Kazakhstan, including their core team. Several projects are already underway, and I believe this is just the beginning. I would like to thank Balaji and his team for choosing Kazakhstan as the home of Network School’s headquarters. They can count on the full support of the Government of Kazakhstan".
Kazakhstan is developing a national system for building artificial intelligence competencies across multiple levels of education and training — from basic AI literacy and adult reskilling to the training of IT specialists, AI engineers, researchers, and leaders and professionals in the public and corporate sectors. The system brings together educational programmes for citizens, students, professionals, businesses, and public sector employees. These programmes are implemented with the participation of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub, educational institutions, local executive authorities, and technology partners.
Kazakhstan’s approach is based on the progressive development of AI competencies: providing access to foundational knowledge and tools, building practical digital skills, offering specialised technical training, and developing the expertise needed to create and deploy AI solutions. Particular attention is given to making education accessible to people living in the regions, enabling participants to combine training with work or studies, and strengthening AI competencies in public administration and higher education.
One of the key tools for large-scale education is the online platform Astana Hub Education, developed within the Astana Hub ecosystem with the involvement of the Alem.ai Foundation. The platform is available to students, working professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and other citizens interested in developing their digital skills.
The platform offers courses covering AI fundamentals, prompt engineering, the use of AI tools, No-Code/Low-Code development, and digital entrepreneurship. Courses are delivered in Kazakh and Russian. The online format makes educational resources accessible from every region of the country. In 2026, more than 70,000 people completed training on the platform.
Additional opportunities for self-paced learning are available through Astana Hub’s partner educational courses. These include free programmes covering AI fundamentals, the use of ChatGPT, data analysis, and Python programming. The courses are also designed for people with no prior technical background, helping them acquire practical skills and use digital tools for education, work, and everyday tasks. Depending on the programme, training is available in Kazakh, Russian, and English.
Practical training for the digital economy is provided through the Tech Orda programme. Kazakhstani citizens aged 18 to 45 are eligible for training vouchers at accredited IT schools. The programme covers in-demand digital fields, including machine learning, AI engineering, applied artificial intelligence, and AI agent application development. The course catalogue is regularly updated to reflect labour market needs and technological advances.
Since 2022, approximately 11,500 people have successfully completed training through Tech Orda. According to programme analysis, the employment rate among economically active graduates stands at 90%, with graduates employed across 1,287 companies. Their average salaries are 49% higher than the national average. These results cover all areas of training offered under Tech Orda.
Training vouchers, which can fully or partially cover tuition fees, help expand access to IT education. At the same time, the programme supports the development of a network of private IT schools and training centres while establishing quality standards for specialist training.
AI developers and specialists are also trained through Tomorrow School, a tuition-free school based on a peer-to-peer learning model. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub, and the Alem.ai Foundation, with the participation of local executive authorities. Its main campus is located at the alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Centre.
The selection process includes assessments of logical reasoning and algorithmic thinking, followed by a 26-day intensive training programme. The main curriculum lasts 18 months and comprises more than 50 practical projects across AI Imperative Programming, AI Full-Stack, and AI Core Tech. Students study machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, large language models, and the integration of AI models into products. Round-the-clock campus access allows participants to combine their studies with employment or other educational commitments.
Since Tomorrow School opened in Astana in October 2024, it has conducted 15 selection rounds and admitted 493 students to its main programme. The average student age is 27, and women account for 32% of enrolment. Nearly half of all students (49%) combine their studies with full-time or part-time employment. During their training, 79 students have already secured IT positions.
On April 24, 2026, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev launched the regional expansion of Tomorrow School. Campuses now operate in 12 regions, hosted by local universities, colleges, and IT hubs. The regional campuses have received 6,367 applications, with 1,954 candidates participating in the selection process. The expansion of the network is increasing access to free technology education across the country.
Another important component of the national system is the integration of artificial intelligence into the education and training of university students and young researchers. The AI-Sana programme was introduced for this purpose. It targets undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career researchers, combining AI education and entrepreneurship with the application of technology in specialised fields, including agriculture, water resources, energy, and education.
During the first stage of AI-Sana, 706,023 students received certificates upon completing AI courses. In the second stage, 104,459 students from 106 universities underwent training, of whom 67,264 received certificates.
The programme combines AI skills development with the practical application of technology. Under AI-Sana, 442 AI solutions are being tested and implemented to address practical challenges faced by national companies and priority sectors of the economy.
In this way, AI competencies are being integrated not only into specialised technical training but also into the education of professionals across a wide range of disciplines.
A separate group of initiatives focuses on strengthening AI capabilities in public administration. Approximately 55,000 civil servants have completed training under the AI Qyzmet programme. It introduces participants to AI fundamentals and demonstrates how AI tools can be applied in the day-to-day operations of government agencies.
The AI Governance 500 programme is designed to prepare senior officials to implement and scale AI technologies. Its first cohort included 99 leaders, among them vice ministers, deputy regional governors, and representatives of the Presidential Administration, the Government Office, central and local executive bodies, and quasi-public sector organisations. The programme aims to train 500 civil servants by the end of 2026.
The development of leadership competencies is also supported by the AI Leaders programme. More than 800 executives and professionals from over 150 organisations across nine countries have participated in the training. Participants include representatives of government agencies, national holding companies, financial institutions, technology companies, industrial enterprises, and educational institutions.
For employees and businesses, the AI Corporate programme focuses on the practical application of artificial intelligence in workplace tasks. The course is scheduled to launch in autumn 2026, with a target of attracting 250,000 users to the programme’s educational platform. This approach helps extend AI competencies beyond the technology sector to employees of companies across different industries.
Kazakhstan’s national AI competency development system covers the full spectrum of human capital development — from basic AI literacy and professional reskilling to the training of AI engineers, the development of AI expertise among students and researchers, and the education of senior government officials.
The scale of these programmes is matched by their practical focus: Tech Orda graduates are employed across 1,287 companies, 79 Tomorrow School students have already secured IT positions, and 442 applied AI solutions are being tested and implemented under AI-Sana.
At the same time, Kazakhstan continues to expand geographical access to AI education. Online training is available in Kazakh and Russian, Tomorrow School has expanded into 12 regions, and educational programmes reach students, professionals, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and senior executives.
Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, has signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation between the Astana International Financial Centre, Kazakhtelecom Joint Stock Company, Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School, and Shervin Pishevar together with Sofreh Capital, Edison and Alpha.
The memorandum provides for building an ecosystem in Kazakhstan that brings together computing capacity, international capital, engineering expertise and an industrial base. The partnership aims to create conditions in which Kazakh and international teams can develop technologies, launch manufacturing and build companies for the global market.
The signing of the memorandum was preceded by a statement from Shervin Pishevar at the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international forum. Speaking at the session THE NEW ECONOMY: POWERED BY AI, the investor announced his intention to open offices in Kazakhstan, relocate his company here and invest in the country’s development. Among Kazakhstan’s advantages, he cited its engineering talent, government support for innovation, and its industrial and resource base, and pointed to the success of Higgsfield as an example of international recognition of Kazakhstan’s technological potential.
The partnership also builds on Kazakhstan’s existing cooperation with Network School. Balaji Srinivasan’s Network School project has already begun operating in Kazakhstan. With the launch of the initiative, more than 240 members of his team and of the international tech community arrived in the country.
The memorandum sets out the areas for further joint work – from training specialists and attracting international teams to creating companies, financing them, developing infrastructure and deploying technologies in industry.
The memorandum’s central infrastructure pillar is the Digital Silk Road joint venture.
Sofreh Capital, the investment holding company founded by Shervin Pishevar, will serve as a founding partner of the Digital Silk Road joint venture. In collaboration with the Ministry and Kazakhstani partners, Sofreh will lead the structuring of the venture, attract international capital and technology partners, and help develop Digital Silk Road into an integrated AI infrastructure company connecting data centers, space-based computing infrastructure, satellites, and the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line.
The memorandum’s central infrastructure pillar is the Digital Silk Road project.
The memorandum establishes a framework for developing new technology industries in Kazakhstan and bringing the infrastructure projects already under way into a single ecosystem. These include computing capacity and data centers, telecommunications and space infrastructure, robotics and Physical AI, new energy solutions, critical materials, and the attraction of international technology capital. These areas are viewed as building blocks of a new economy capable of creating products and technologies in Kazakhstan for the global market.
“Kazakhstan has the resources, the expertise and the scale of projects to become one of the world’s technology powers. To that end, the Head of State has made the development of a new economy a national priority, with a targeted allocation of financial, infrastructure and human resources. We are already advancing major projects – the Data Center Valley and the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line – developing the space industry and laying the foundation for new technology manufacturing.
“One of the key areas is the AI token economy, in which our energy resources are converted into computing capacity, and computing into artificial intelligence services for the global market. We see AI tokens as the future ‘currency of access to intelligence’: Kazakhstan can become a major producer and exporter of this new digital resource, generating high added value on the basis of its own energy potential.
“Another strategic area is Physical AI – artificial intelligence that controls robots, equipment and autonomous systems in the real world. Our mining, metallurgy and other industries give us a competitive advantage: industrial data and real-world sites on which, together with leading technology companies, we can build industry-specific AI models and bring these solutions to the global market.
“New opportunities are also opening up in space technologies and commercial launches, the processing of critical minerals for semiconductors and batteries, the crypto industry, autonomous transport and the low-altitude economy. Alatau City and the international IT talent ecosystem should become magnets for entrepreneurs, engineers and capital, driving the development of these industries.
“By bringing these areas together, we can build the Digital Silk Road, along which Kazakhstan will supply computing, technologies and intelligent products to global markets. The vehicle for implementing this strategy could be an international AI technology holding capable of uniting key projects, attracting large-scale capital and creating joint ventures with global technology leaders. Our ambition is to build on this foundation a global business with a market capitalization of over $100 billion that will strengthen Kazakhstan’s technological standing and create new sources of long-term prosperity for the country,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
Kazakhstan’s industrial base makes it possible to position the country as a platform for developing, testing and scaling such technologies. The cooperation envisages exploring pilot projects, testing grounds, robot assembly and component manufacturing. Other promising areas include space technologies, small-scale nuclear energy, quantum computing and new materials.
The financial component of the partnership provides for exploring the establishment of a venture fund in the AIFC jurisdiction to invest in companies operating in Kazakhstan or basing their business here. Any participation by national development institutions will be determined by those institutions independently, in accordance with established procedures.
In parallel, the parties plan to establish a venture studio affiliated with Sofreh Capital to systematize the incubation of new entities as well as a Kazakhstan arm of the Alpha platform to launch and grow new companies.
"Kazakhstan is interested not only in attracting capital, but also in creating conditions in which international technology companies and investors can build long-term projects here. The AIFC provides the legal and financial infrastructure needed for this. Our task is to serve as a bridge between international capital and Kazakhstan's investment opportunities," said Renat Bekturov, Governor of the AIFC.
A key role in this part of the cooperation belongs to Kazakhtelecom JSC, the national telecom operator and a company of the Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund group. The company owns and operates Kazakhstan’s backbone fiber-optic infrastructure and data center network, and represents the Kazakh side in the construction of the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line as part of Digital Silk Way.
“We are building a Data Center Valley and AI infrastructure with a capacity of hundreds of megawatts. Kazakhtelecom has an extensive communications infrastructure, including the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic line. But Kazakhstan’s potential is far greater.
“If all of this is brought together into a single system, backed by large-scale venture investment and strong technological expertise, an entirely new picture of the future could emerge. In the long term, we can even talk about launching data centers into space from Kazakhstan. But to get there, it is important to move systematically, step by step,” said Bagdat Mussin, Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC.
Another area of cooperation is the development of trusted supply chains for the AI industry and advanced technologies. The parties intend to facilitate investment in automation, robotics and Physical AI, the space industry, quantum computing, energy and the critical materials sector.
The training of specialists for these new areas is to be developed with the participation of Network School. The approach is built on the practical skills that technology companies need, engagement with Kazakhstan’s universities and research organizations, and support for the commercialization of research and development.
“Shervin Pishevar has invested in dozens of unicorns, including Uber, Airbnb, Slack, Instacart, and Doordash. He’s setting up Sofreh Capital in Kazakhstan to help incubate the Digital Silk Road JV as well as other companies in the broader Central Asian region. We’ll collaborate with him and the government of Kazakhstan to help recruit and train any talent they need, from Kazakhstan and from around the world.” said Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School (ns.com).
As part of the cooperation, the partners also intend to build infrastructure that will enable entrepreneurs to launch companies directly from Kazakhstan. Shervin Pishevar announced plans, together with Balaji Srinivasan, to help attract up to 10,000 new entrepreneurs to the country and to provide them with the infrastructure to launch companies.
“Kazakhstan has everything it takes to lead the AI age: world-class human capital, a highly educated workforce, extraordinary natural resources, and the leadership, ambition, drive and work ethic to build at global scale.
Together with our partners, we are launching the Digital Silk Road, a joint venture to build Eurasia’s leading AI infrastructure company integrating AI compute, power and connectivity infrastructure linking data centers, space data centers, satellites and the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic network.
We will promote frontier-technologies spanning automation, robotics, physical intelligence, nuclear power, space, quantum computing and critical materials sectors in Kazakstan. We will build a vertically integrated full stack of the new economy: AI data centers on the ground and in orbit, space launch and satellite manufacturing, and the energy and computing of the future, from small modular and micro-nuclear reactors to quantum computing.
We are also launching a Kazakhstan venture fund and venture studios, so that global companies can be invented and built right here in Kazakhstan. And with Balaji Srinivasan and the Network School, we aim to bring 10,000 entrepreneurs to Kazakhstan and give them everything they need to build the next Higgsfield, the world-class AI company born here. For Kazakhstan, the sky is no longer the limit. It is the stars” said Shervin Pishevar.
The memorandum also provides for a phased exploration of basing the Pishevar group’s investment operations in the AIFC and of bringing its portfolio companies, employees and teams to Kazakhstan. Decisions on establishing a presence will be made by each company independently.
Within 100 days of signing, the parties intend to agree on a plan for implementing the cooperation.
The memorandum is a framework document: specific projects, investment volumes and the terms of each party’s participation will be determined by separate agreements.
As part of the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international technology forum, the winners of the annual AI & Digital Bridge Awards 2026 were announced. The awards recognize the best projects, companies, and teams that have contributed to the development of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and digital transformation.
The award ceremony took place on October 3, on the final day of AI & Digital Bridge 2026. The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Olzhas Bektenov, who addressed the forum participants and presented awards to the winners of the AI & Digital Bridge Awards 2026.
In his speech, Olzhas Bektenov highlighted the development of Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure, the introduction of artificial intelligence into the real sector of the economy, and the significance of international technological cooperation. The Prime Minister also emphasized the role of AI & Digital Bridge as a platform bringing together the government, business, technology companies, investors, and the international expert community.
An international perspective on the development of Kazakhstan’s technological ecosystem was presented by the ceremony participants: Sebastian Kurz, Co-Founder and President of Dream, former Federal Chancellor of Austria; Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.; Jamie Beaton, Founder of Crimson Education; and Alex Mashrabov, Co-Founder and CEO of Higgsfield AI.
“This is my third visit to Kazakhstan over the past 12 months, and it is no coincidence. Kazakhstan is among the leaders in digitalization, IT, and artificial intelligence. The country is becoming a technological hub thanks to the development of AI infrastructure, supercomputers, its own language model, Data Center Valley, and the digitalization of public services. In the technological race between the US and China, it is especially important that there are countries like Kazakhstan that are at the forefront and can at the same time serve as a bridge between East and West,” said Sebastian Kurz, Co-Founder and President of Dream, former Federal Chancellor of Austria.
Timur Turlov continued the discussion on the opportunities that AI development opens up for Kazakhstan and businesses.
“A new window of opportunity is opening up for Kazakhstan right now—this time in artificial intelligence. Project by project, Kazakhstan is securing its place on the global AI map, no longer as an observer, but as a full-fledged participant in the AI race. The architecture of digital transformation has already been established. The task for business is to fill it with content and be a reliable partner to the state. We will walk the path of AI transformation together,” emphasized Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.
Jamie Beaton spoke about Kazakhstan’s potential as a platform for developing a new generation of technology entrepreneurs.
“The government of Kazakhstan plays a significant role in shaping a new generation of entrepreneurs, and Kazakhstan’s entrepreneurs are well-positioned to first scale up regionally, attract global venture capital, and then enter the global market. Kazakhstan’s strong international ties can serve as a powerful launchpad for technology companies. The country has strong energy resources, government support, and an educational system—essential conditions for development in the AI era,” said Jamie Beaton, Founder of Crimson Education.
Against this backdrop, the AI & Digital Bridge Awards recognize specific projects and teams that are already developing digital solutions and bringing them to market.
In 2026, awards were presented in seven categories: GovTech Project of the Year, EdTech Project of the Year, Startup of the Year, Corporate AI Transformation of the Year, International Breakthrough of the Year, VC of the Year, and Creative Industry Project of the Year.
The selection process took place in two stages. First, a shortlist of five nominees in each category was compiled using artificial intelligence technologies. The finalists were then submitted to an online jury vote, which determined the winners.
The winners of the AI & Digital Bridge Awards 2026 are:
The award winners represent various sectors of the technology economy—from digital public services and education to healthcare, corporate AI, the venture capital market, and the creative industries.
One example of a technology project created in Kazakhstan and expanding into global markets is Higgsfield AI, which received the International Breakthrough of the Year award.
“Over these past three days, we have seen that Astana has become a hub attracting leading global technology leaders. At Higgsfield, we are building this bridge in the opposite direction—from Kazakhstan to the world. We have created a product that has entered the global generative media market. And our main resource is not models or products, but the people and talent from Kazakhstan. It is especially important to me that today we are bringing talent back to Kazakhstan to build Higgsfield together with us from Kazakhstan. Astana Hub has created a foundation that allows us to build an international technology leader from Kazakhstan to international standards. We became Kazakhstan’s first AI unicorn primarily thanks to the ecosystem and the conditions created here. And we believe this is just the first example—other unicorns will follow,” emphasized Alex Mashrabov, Co-Founder and CEO of Higgsfield AI.
Thus, the AI & Digital Bridge Awards 2026 brought together winners from various segments of Kazakhstan’s technology ecosystem—GovTech, EdTech, HealthTech, generative AI, venture capital, and the creative industries.
Concluding the ceremony, Olzhas Bektenov outlined the next priority: transitioning from individual technological solutions to their large-scale implementation across the economy.
“The next stage is the large-scale rollout of technologies that have proven their effectiveness, as well as the introduction of new technologies and digital standards into our economy. To achieve this, the state, the scientific community, and international technology companies must join forces. Digital Bridge serves precisely as a platform that will strengthen ties between business partners. More than 60 new agreements were signed this year,” said Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 took place in Astana from October 1 to 3, bringing together representatives of government, business, technology companies, startups, investors, and the international expert community.
The organizers of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 are the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub, and the Akimat of Astana.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is made possible through the support of the forum’s partners and sponsors. All forum expenses are covered by sponsorship funds.
Gold Partners: Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, and Kazakhtelecom JSC. Silver Partner: Halyk Bank. Business Partner: Beeline Kazakhstan. Bronze Partner: Yandex Qazaqstan. Telecom Partner: Freedom Telecom Operations LLP. Technology Partner: Transtelecom JSC. Official Airline Partner: Air Astana.
On 2 October, Astana hosted the panel session “Digital Qazaqstan 2029: From Strategy to Economic and Government Transformation” as part of the international AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum. Representatives of government agencies, businesses and international consulting firms discussed the adoption of artificial intelligence, the development of digital services and the indicators that will be used to assess the results of these changes.
Digital Qazaqstan is a national strategy for digitalisation and AI adoption through 2029. The strategy aims to reduce the time required to deliver public services and social support by at least 50%, double exports of IT services and digital solutions, halve the number of inspections of compliant businesses, and introduce digital twins at no fewer than 60% of large industrial enterprises.
The session was moderated by Aliya Ospanova, Director General of the Digital Government Support Centre. The discussion focused on practical questions: what changes citizens and businesses should experience, how to ensure coordination between government agencies, and what conditions are needed to achieve the strategy’s goals.
“Digital transformation should be measured by the outcomes it delivers for people, government and the economy, rather than by the number of technologies introduced. This principle should guide the further implementation of Digital Qazaqstan,” Aliya Ospanova emphasised.
Aray Urazova, Deputy Director General of the Digital Government Support Centre, presented the strategy’s structure, comprising 20 initiatives across three pillars. For citizens, the focus is on services triggered by life events without the need to submit separate applications, alongside more targeted social support. For businesses, priorities include AI adoption in production processes and a service-based approach to tax administration. For government, the strategy provides for a unified data architecture, paperless interagency collaboration and information security.
Yerbol Ospanov, Vice Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Kazakhstan, outlined the priorities for healthcare digitalisation: a unified digital patient profile, personalised services providing access to medical records and preventive care reminders, AI adoption, and the expansion of telemedicine, including in school healthcare and remote regions.
By 2028, at least 95% of healthcare organisations are expected to be integrated into a unified digital ecosystem, while the share of clinical decisions supported by AI is targeted to reach at least 80%. These measures are intended to improve the quality of care, reduce doctors’ workloads and enable more efficient use of healthcare resources.
Asset Turyssov, Vice Minister of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented digitalisation and AI initiatives supporting the economy and businesses. The strategy envisages a transition to “invisible” tax administration and a “tax as a service” model, reducing the administrative burden on compliant businesses and automating tax procedures.
Mikhail Volkov, Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group, shared international experience in digital transformation, focusing on approaches to technology adoption that drive productivity growth in key sectors and opportunities to adapt global practices to Kazakhstan’s priorities.
Nariman Mukushev, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC, discussed digitalisation and AI adoption in banking, contributing practical insights from the financial sector and its interaction with government platforms.
Concluding the session, participants highlighted that the practical value of digital projects should be reflected in more convenient services, time and resource savings, higher productivity and better decision-making.
About the Forum
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is organised by the Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster in cooperation with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Astana Akimat.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is made possible through the support of the forum’s partners and sponsors. All costs associated with the forum are covered by sponsorship funding.
Gold Partners - Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Samruk-Kazyna JSC and Kazakhtelecom JSC. Silver Partner - Halyk Bank. Business Partner - Beeline Kazakhstan. Bronze Partner - Yandex Qazaqstan. Telecommunications Partner - Freedom Telecom Operations LLP. Technology Partner - Transtelecom JSC. Official Airline Partner - Air Astana.
On October 1, the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international technology forum kicked off in Astana as the central international event of AI MONTH, held as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.
As part of the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international IT forum, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited an exhibition showcasing promising projects in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and robotics.
The Head of State was shown the AI-Enabled University model implemented at Qazaq AI Research University, Kazakhstan’s first specialized research university focused on artificial intelligence and the first AI-Enabled university in Central Asia.
The presentation also featured the Trusted Kazakhstan digital service, the ALFA project for integrating AI into education in small rural schools, and new features of the national Aitu messenger.
Artificial intelligence solutions from the Samruk-Kazyna group were also showcased, including a digital twin of a deposit and the Smart Diagnostics project.
In addition, Higgsfield.ai generative AI technologies for video content creation and the Data Center Valley project, which aims to establish Central Asia's largest data center and AI infrastructure cluster, were showcased.
These developments aim to drive the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across various sectors of the economy and public administration, support domestic digital infrastructure, and strengthen Kazakhstan's position as a regional technology hub.
This year’s core forum positioning — Kazakhstan is the Eurasian AI Hub — reflects the country’s course toward developing its own technological ecosystem, attracting international expertise and investment, training specialists, and creating conditions for the growth of AI companies.
This agenda continued during the key event of the forum's first day—a plenary session featuring the Head of State, where the development of artificial intelligence and the digital economy was examined in the context of Kazakhstan's subsequent technological transformations.
– "We are all witnessing how artificial intelligence technologies are radically transforming industry, finance, education, science, public administration, and people's way of life. With this in mind, the AI & Digital Bridge agenda is updated annually: new relevant topics emerge, and the range of participants expands. Alongside digitalization, the forum also features discussions on computing infrastructure, large language models, and robotics. Special attention is paid to legislative regulation and ensuring security in science and technology. Thus, AI & Digital Bridge effectively serves as a golden bridge for international contacts in the field of new technologies," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated.
The program also featured international speakers representing the global technology industry:
"A technological breakthrough is impossible without three conditions: clear and stable rules of the game, the trust of the business community, and close cooperation between government, business, and science. We need international knowledge exchange, joint research, investment, technological cooperation, and talent development. Kazakhstan consistently advocates for the peaceful, safe, and responsible development of artificial intelligence. Our position remains unchanged," Head of State Tokayev said.
Another central event of the first day was the grand opening of the Qazaq Artificial Intelligence Research University (QAIRU), a new research university where artificial intelligence forms the foundation of the educational and research environment. The establishment of QAIRU is aimed at training specialists and developing a research base for Kazakhstan's new technological economy.
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev.
"The university should become a magnet for talent and a flagship platform for developing new educational technologies. Our goal is to transition to personalized education using artificial intelligence and build a full cycle—from education and research to production, technological products, and their commercialization. Graduates must not only master modern AI tools, but also learn to apply them in practice, turning knowledge into economic impact," said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The special program of the first day concluded with bilateral meetings dedicated to the development of international technological cooperation and new joint initiatives.
The first day of AI & Digital Bridge outlined the main directions of the forum's technological agenda: the development of the AI industry and computing infrastructure, human capital and technological entrepreneurship, attracting investment, and expanding international partnerships.
October 2–3: Forum Open Program
The main program of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 will continue on October 2–3 and will be accessible to ticket holders. It will bring together international experts, technology companies, investors, startups, and developers.
The program focuses on artificial intelligence and computing infrastructure, venture investment and digital finance, technology entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, human capital development, GameDev and creative industries, as well as the application of AI in business and public administration.
AI & Digital Bridge is becoming a platform for discussing not only the development of individual technologies, but also broader issues: where new AI companies will emerge, how to attract capital and talent, develop technological infrastructure, and shape new centers of the digital economy.
For Kazakhstan, the forum continues to position the country as a Eurasian AI hub and a platform for international technological cooperation.
For reference:
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is taking place on October 1–3 in Astana and serves as the central international event of AI MONTH, a month dedicated to artificial intelligence and digital technology events.
The forum is organized by the Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster together with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Astana.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is funded through sponsorship funds with the support of the forum's partners.
Gold Partners: Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, and Kazakhtelecom JSC. Silver Partner: Halyk Bank. Business Partner: Beeline Kazakhstan. Bronze Partner: Yandex Qazaqstan. Telecom Partner: Freedom Telecom Operations LLP. Technology Partner: Transtelecom JSC. Official Airline Partner: Air Astana.
With the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Beeline Kazakhstan, in partnership with Starlink Mobile, is launching satellite mobile connectivity based on Direct to Cell technology. The technology will allow users to access selected communication services on compatible smartphones beyond the coverage of terrestrial mobile networks.
The introduction of Starlink Mobile is the result of agreements reached during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States in 2025. In November of the same year, the Ministry and Beeline Kazakhstan signed a memorandum of cooperation on the implementation of Direct to Cell technology, followed by the first practical tests in December.
“In autumn 2025, during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to the United States, Kazakhstan reached an agreement on the introduction of Starlink Mobile (Direct to Cell) satellite connectivity. Today, we are seeing this agreement become a reality. Kazakhstan has become the first country in Central Asia where Direct to Cell has undergone practical testing and is now moving to the user service stage. It is important for us that advanced technologies are not simply part of international agreements, but are beginning to work here in Kazakhstan and deliver tangible benefits to people,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The technology provides a direct connection between a compatible smartphone and Starlink Mobile (Direct to Cell) satellites without the need for a dedicated satellite phone, external antenna or additional equipment. Users will be able to send and receive messages, as well as access basic internet services in areas where there is no terrestrial mobile network coverage. For Beeline Kazakhstan customers, the service will be available free of charge during the promotional period.
Satellite connectivity complements terrestrial mobile infrastructure and expands communication opportunities in remote areas, along highways outside urban areas and in mountainous regions. The service can be used where there is no terrestrial coverage, provided that conditions allow a connection to be established with a satellite.
For Kazakhstan, with its vast territory, the development of satellite mobile connectivity is of particular importance. The technology creates additional opportunities for sending messages from hard-to-reach areas, as well as in situations where terrestrial infrastructure has been damaged. It can be useful for tourists, residents of remote settlements, road and utility service workers, and specialists working far from populated areas.
“Beeline has been operating in Kazakhstan for more than twenty years, and throughout this time we have consistently invested in the development of connectivity and new technologies. Kazakhstan is one of the largest countries in the world by territory, and distance should not become a barrier to people’s access to modern technologies. The development of digital infrastructure is a long-term investment in the country’s competitiveness and quality of life,” said Kazakhstani businessman and investor of the Verny Capital Group, Bulat Utemuratov.
“The launch of satellite mobile connectivity is the result of extensive joint efforts by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Beeline Kazakhstan team and Starlink specialists. Beeline is the first company in Kazakhstan to launch this technology, which will expand the capabilities of mobile connectivity beyond conventional coverage areas. The results of this long and dedicated effort are now available to people across Kazakhstan. We are offering a simple and fundamentally new level of connectivity that will allow people to stay connected in places where this was previously impossible,” said Jabbor Kayumov, CEO of Beeline Kazakhstan.
The project is being implemented jointly by the Ministry, Beeline Kazakhstan and Starlink. An additional foundation for the cooperation is the global framework agreement between Starlink and the VEON Group, which holds a controlling stake in Beeline Kazakhstan.
How to Use the Technology
At the current stage, the service is available on compatible Android devices. Support for other operating systems is planned to be expanded in the future.
To activate the service, users need to update the Janymda app to the latest version, activate the Starlink service in the app and enable data roaming in their phone settings. If there is no terrestrial mobile coverage, the satellite network can be selected manually as Beeline Starlink. In some cases, it may appear as 401 04.
At AI Month in Astana, HackAlem AI set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the number of participants in an AI hackathon.
HackAlem AI surpassed the previous world record set on December 21, 2025, in Hyderabad, India. The hackathon, organized by Google for Developers and Google Developer Groups Hyderabad, brought together 2,089 participants.
“Before the hackathon began, I mentioned that this record already existed. It was set by Google in India in December last year, with 2,089 participants. My role was to observe the event and, together with the stewards and independent witnesses, ensure that all Guinness World Records requirements were met. We counted only those who genuinely participated in the hackathon, fulfilled the necessary requirements, and remained at the venue for the required period of time. After reviewing all the data and the participants’ work, I can officially announce that HackAlem AI achieved a total of 2,415 participants. You have set a new Guinness World Records title!” announced Glenn Pollard, official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator.
“Setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title is an achievement for Kazakhstan’s entire technology community and a testament to our country’s strong potential. HackAlem AI brought together thousands of talented developers, students, and young professionals who worked on real-world economic challenges using cutting-edge technologies. It is important to us that the projects created here continue to develop — from ideas and prototypes to piloting and implementation. This result demonstrates that Kazakhstan is capable not only of participating in the global technology agenda, but also of shaping it. HackAlem AI took place as part of AI Month, which is being held within the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Participants developed projects across ten areas: energy, finance, governance, telecommunications, logistics, creative industries, education, innovation, communications, and trade. They received access to technology and educational resources from OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Arizona State University with a total value of up to $1.5 million.
The world record was set in accordance with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ requirements. Participants underwent registration and identification, their entries and exits were recorded by scanning personalized badges, and stewards monitored compliance with the rules in each sector. Only participants who met the established requirements and directly worked on projects during the hackathon were included in the final count.
“Today, Kazakhstan has set a Guinness World Records title, and behind this achievement are, first and foremost, people — our young developers, students, and AI enthusiasts. Thousands of participants gathered in Astana to turn their ideas into real AI solutions in just a few hours. For us, this record is not only a reflection of the scale of HackAlem AI, but also confirmation that Kazakhstan and the region have developed a strong technology community and a new generation of talent. We strive to create opportunities for them and provide access to global technologies, knowledge, and partnerships so that their ideas can become competitive products and enter global markets. HackAlem AI has become a landmark event of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State,” said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub.
HackAlem AI opened AI Month, a series of events dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cybersecurity, and the development of technological competencies. The program is taking place ahead of the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026 as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.
The organizers and partners of HackAlem AI were the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akimat of the City of Astana, Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster, Silkroad Innovation Hub, Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC), AI & Digital Bridge, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Arizona State University, Palo Alto Networks, MSSP.GLOBAL, and Romanovsky Product.
The sponsors of HackAlem AI were Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund JSC, Freedom Holding Corp., Kaspi.kz JSC, Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC (Halyk Bank), Kazakhtelecom JSC, Transtelecom JSC, Beeline Kazakhstan, and Firebird Inc.
One of the world’s largest AI hackathons, featuring global technology leaders OpenAI and NVIDIA, kicked off in Astana as part of AI Month. HackAlem AI received 6,586 applications, while the hackathon itself became an official attempt to set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title.
“HackAlem AI is an opportunity for us to bring together talent, cutting-edge technologies, and real-world economic challenges. Participants worked on specific industry challenges provided by the country’s leading companies, developing solutions for businesses and key sectors. Our goal is to build an environment in Kazakhstan where talent, technology, and the needs of the real economy come together within a single ecosystem. It is important that the best solutions have an opportunity to progress from an idea and prototype to piloting and implementation. It is through this connection between technology teams and industry that new products and companies capable of competing in the global market emerge,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
“Today, artificial intelligence is becoming one of the key technologies shaping the competitiveness of countries and economies. For Kazakhstan, it is essential not only to adopt ready-made solutions, but also to build its own ecosystem of developers, researchers, and technology entrepreneurs. HackAlem AI gives our young people an opportunity to work on real-world challenges, develop their own solutions, and gain practical experience. It is particularly important that university students from across the country have actively joined the initiative. Through projects like this, we are developing a new generation of specialists capable of creating the technologies of the future here in Kazakhstan,” said Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Over five hours, participants developed AI solutions across ten areas: energy, finance, governance, telecommunications, logistics, creative industries, education, innovation, communications, and trade. Developers, students, young professionals, and IT enthusiasts worked on AI solutions addressing real-world challenges faced by businesses, government, and key sectors of the economy.
“HackAlem AI has become a large-scale platform for young developers, students, and AI enthusiasts from around the world. The hackathon brought together 2,500 participants from 21 countries, including students from 129 universities. Every participant had the opportunity to work with technology resources provided by global leaders such as OpenAI and NVIDIA. It is important for us to create opportunities for talent in Kazakhstan, provide access to knowledge and cutting-edge technologies, and help turn ideas into real products. We want young developers not only to gain their first practical experience, but also to create solutions with the potential to enter global markets. Initiatives like this are shaping a new generation of technology leaders in Kazakhstan,” said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub.
Hackathon participants received access to technology and educational resources from OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Arizona State University (USA) with a total value of up to $1.5 million.
“HackAlem AI is not just the largest Agentic AI Hackathon; it is an event that demonstrates the scale of opportunities our region can create today. For the first time, we are officially announcing that the hackathon is being held as an attempt to set a Guinness World Records title. The project involves global technology partners, including OpenAI, NVIDIA, Palo Alto Networks, Firebird, and Arizona State University, and for us, this is an important indication that Kazakhstan and Central Eurasia are becoming increasingly integrated into the global AI ecosystem. The mission of Silkroad Innovation Hub is to give talent, teams, and companies from our region access to global technologies, knowledge, and partnerships. HackAlem AI is exactly this kind of opportunity: to create something meaningful here in the region, but with the potential to make an impact on a global scale,” said Asset Abdualiyev, Founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub.
The creators of the best AI solutions will share a $200,000 prize pool: $100,000 in technology resources and an additional $100,000 from Astana Hub. The official awards ceremony will take place on the stage of the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026
In addition to technology and educational opportunities, participants received branded HackAlem AI merchandise and personalized certificates. The hackathon also served as a platform for professional networking, bringing together developers, technology teams, and representatives of the international AI community.
“HackAlem AI is more than just an event. Behind it is a technology community that has been developing in Kazakhstan for years and today brings together thousands of developers. Now this community also has its own digital infrastructure. To host a hackathon of this scale, we created a platform capable of supporting the entire competition cycle and the simultaneous work of thousands of participants. But its purpose extends far beyond a single event: it will host new hackathons, companies will be able to set real-world technology challenges, and the solutions created on the platform will be able to develop further and enter the market. In the AI era, the path from an idea at a hackathon to a fully fledged product is becoming increasingly shorter. That is why the legacy of today’s HackAlem AI will be not only a world record, but also an ongoing ecosystem: a community and infrastructure that will contribute to Kazakhstan’s continued technological development,” said Aidana Kaskyrbek, Founder and CEO of Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC).
The world record attempt was conducted in accordance with Guinness World Records requirements. A system was in place at the venue to verify actual participation: participants underwent registration and identification, entries and exits were recorded by scanning personalized badges, and stewards monitored compliance with the established rules in each sector. Only participants who met the established requirements and directly worked on projects during the hackathon were counted toward the final result. The final result will be announced after the required record verification and confirmation procedure has been completed.
HackAlem AI opened AI Month, a series of events dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cybersecurity, and the development of technological competencies, held ahead of the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026 as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.
The organizers and partners of HackAlem AI were the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akimat of Astana, Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster, Silkroad Innovation Hub, Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC), Romanovsky Product, AI & Digital Bridge, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Arizona State University, Palo Alto Networks, and MSSP.GLOBAL.
The sponsors of HackAlem AI were Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund JSC, Freedom Holding Corp., Kaspi.kz JSC, Kazakhtelecom JSC, Transtelecom JSC, Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC (Halyk Bank), Firebird Inc., and Beeline Kazakhstan.