Kazakhstan builds AI ecosystem to power next phase of digital transformation

Astana: Kazakhstan is moving to establish a comprehensive artificial intelligence ecosystem spanning education, research, digital infrastructure, public administration, cybersecurity and industry as the country seeks to accelerate its transition into a fully-fledged digital economy.

The emerging strategy was highlighted during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s visit to an exhibition of advanced artificial intelligence, digital technology and robotics projects held on the sidelines of the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 International IT Forum in Astana.

Rather than focusing solely on the deployment of individual AI applications, Kazakhstan is increasingly pursuing an integrated approach designed to create the infrastructure, talent, research capacity and regulatory safeguards needed to support the long-term expansion of artificial intelligence.

The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, being held from October 1 to 3, has brought together technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and government representatives from different countries to examine the rapidly evolving AI landscape and opportunities for international digital cooperation.

During the exhibition, Tokayev reviewed projects covering education, digital services, artificial intelligence, robotics, communications and data infrastructure, reflecting the expanding role of technology in Kazakhstan’s economic and administrative transformation.

Among the projects presented to the President was the AI-Enabled University model developed by Qazaq AI Research University, highlighting the growing emphasis on integrating artificial intelligence into higher education, research and professional training.

The exhibition also featured the Trusted Kazakhstan and ALFA projects, as well as new functions of the national Aitu messenger, demonstrating efforts to strengthen domestic digital platforms and expand the use of locally developed technologies.

Intelligent solutions developed by Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund and Higgsfield.ai were also showcased, alongside plans for the development of the Data Center Valley cluster, underlining the importance of computing capacity and digital infrastructure for the country’s future AI ambitions.

The projects collectively point to a broader transformation in Kazakhstan’s technology policy, with artificial intelligence being positioned not simply as a new digital tool but as a potential driver of productivity, innovation, new industries and public-sector modernisation.

Tokayev has repeatedly emphasised the need to ensure that Kazakhstan keeps pace with the global development of AI while placing people and their needs at the centre of technological transformation.

This approach places human capital at the heart of the country’s AI ambitions.

Kazakhstan is seeking to expand its pool of highly skilled specialists through stronger links between universities, research institutions and the technology industry. The development of international networks of AI schools and academic partnerships is also being pursued to prepare specialists for emerging professions and rapidly changing digital industries.

AI literacy is another major component of the strategy, with Kazakhstan aiming to broaden access to AI-related knowledge and skills beyond the technology sector.

The government’s objective is to ensure that the benefits of digital transformation extend across the wider economy and society, while businesses, students, researchers and public institutions acquire the capacity to work with increasingly sophisticated AI systems.

The expansion of AI infrastructure is being accompanied by growing attention to digital security.

As artificial intelligence becomes more widely available, Kazakhstan is also examining ways to strengthen protection against cyberattacks, deepfakes, digital fraud and other emerging threats.

The development of common testing and security standards has therefore emerged as an important element of the country’s digital agenda, reflecting growing international concern over the risks associated with increasingly powerful AI technologies.

The emphasis on safeguards is being pursued alongside efforts to encourage innovation, investment and international technological partnerships.

Kazakhstan’s geographical position, expanding digital infrastructure and growing technology sector are being leveraged to strengthen its role as a regional technology and innovation hub connecting Central Asia with wider international markets.

The AI & Digital Bridge forum has become an important platform for advancing that ambition, bringing together startups, established technology companies, investors, researchers and policymakers to discuss investment, digital infrastructure, AI applications, robotics and emerging professions.

The 2026 edition is expected to attract more than 20,000 participants and over 100 technology companies, providing a platform for technology firms and investors to explore new partnerships and business opportunities.

The exhibition visited by Tokayev offered a snapshot of the wider transformation Kazakhstan is seeking to achieve: building the physical infrastructure required for AI, developing the human capital needed to operate it, creating domestic digital platforms, strengthening cybersecurity and connecting the national technology ecosystem with international partners.

For Kazakhstan, the next stage of digitalisation is therefore increasingly being framed not simply around adopting artificial intelligence, but around building an entire ecosystem capable of developing, deploying and governing the technology at scale.