From Apple Store-Style Public Services to a Major AI Hub: How Technology is Developing in Almaty

During a working trip to Almaty, Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiev, tested the operation of key innovation hubs in the city, where digital transformation has evolved from concept into real practice.

The trip included a series of meetings with representatives of IT companies, including Higsfield, Zimran, and other leading tech teams.

Jhaslan Madiev visited the Medeu District PSC (Public Service Center), which is being prepared for reformatting. Instead of traditional waiting halls with queues, the concept of a ‘New Generation Digital Office’ is being implemented here, architecturally and functionally similar to modern technology-oriented public-facing offices like the Apple Store. Minister Madiev personally went through the client journey, checking how intuitive and barrier-free the environment is becoming. The Minister emphasized that public services should become ‘invisible’ to citizens, and the priority remains transferring at least 70% of all services to electronic format, making interaction with the state fast and simple.

Parallel to the civilian sector, digital transformation has also encompassed the defense sphere. The trip program also included a visit to the Almaty Hub site, located within Defense Tech at the House of the Army. Almaty Hub presented an ecosystem of startups in artificial intelligence, projects that have completed Astana Hub programs and are applying AI in various industries, including the defense sector. The Minister was also shown projects from the robotics school and robotic solutions aimed at developing engineering potential and new competencies.

Furthermore, based on the visit to Almaty, a location was determined for the new Almaty AI Hub. It will be one of the largest AI hubs by area, becoming a key attraction point for startups, investment, and AI ecosystem development in the region.

Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Zhaslan Madiev, also took part in the Digital Nauryz festive events at the Almaty Hub venue.

Following the inspection of the facilities, Zhaslan Madiev issued specific instructions for the further improvement of Almaty’s infrastructure, noting that the city should maintain its leadership in mastering the most advanced digital standards.