President Tokayev Unveils Ambitious Plans for AI Development in Kazakhstan

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has outlined Kazakhstan’s ambitious vision for advancing artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and economic growth. During his visit to the Astana Hub innovation ecosystem, he reviewed significant AI developments and unveiled initiatives to position Kazakhstan as a leading digital hub in Eurasia.

AI Center and Education Initiatives
The President was presented with plans for the Alem International Center.AI, set to become a central hub for AI research, education, and innovation. The facility, located in Nur Alem, will train over 1,000 schoolchildren and specialists annually in programming, robotics, and creative technologies. It will also serve as a campus for startups and research projects.

Additionally, Tomorrow School and Tumo Education will operate at the center, focusing on developing digital and technical skills among youth.

Focus on Domestic AI Projects
Tokayev reviewed promising domestic startups and projects, including KazLLM, the first Kazakh language AI model, and solutions like digital twins, drone control systems, and robotics for industrial use.

International Collaboration
Kazakhstan is working to attract global tech giants such as Google, Telegram, and Tether to establish local offices, benefiting from tax incentives and supportive policies.

Infrastructure and Regulation
The President highlighted the need for robust computing infrastructure and global cybersecurity standards to support AI development. He also called for legislation on ethical AI use and transparency, recognizing both the opportunities and risks AI presents.

Future Vision
Tokayev reaffirmed the country’s goal of training 1 million citizens in AI skills over the next five years, emphasizing the importance of programs targeting students, professionals, and entrepreneurs. He also tasked the government with digitizing data and supporting AI research projects to enable innovation across various sectors.

“Artificial intelligence is essential for building a knowledge-based economy and achieving technological advancement. Kazakhstan has the potential to become a leader in this field, driving progress and innovation for the benefit of all,” Tokayev stated.

The government has been instructed to create favorable conditions for AI development, ensuring Kazakhstan remains at the forefront of technological transformation.