Kazakhstan plans to develop an AI economy, from data centers to homegrown language models

Kazakhstan plans to develop all key layers of artificial intelligence — from energy and computing infrastructure to homegrown language models and applied AI services, El.kz reports citing the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

The approach to developing an AI economy was outlined by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev at the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 Forum in Astana.

According to him, Kazakhstan intends to simultaneously develop energy infrastructure, chips, cloud platforms, language models and applied AI solutions. At the same time, some technologies will be developed in cooperation with international partners.

Madiyev sees the greatest potential in applied artificial intelligence. This includes solutions that can improve the efficiency of businesses, public-sector processes and everyday services.

Founder of 01.AI Kai-Fu Lee noted that as artificial intelligence becomes more widespread, human skills will play an increasingly important role. According to him, AI should be used as a tool to transform work processes rather than solely as a means of reducing costs.

He also highlighted the development of AI agents. In his view, such tools will be capable of being developed not only by engineers but also by professionals from other fields, including lawyers and entrepreneurs.

Freedom Holding Corp. is working to integrate an AI assistant into its super app. The company’s CEO, Timur Turlov, said that in the future, users will be able to access investment, insurance, e-commerce and travel services through the assistant.

The company also continues to invest in data centers. One of its major projects is expected to be a data center to be developed jointly with NVIDIA.

Founder of Sofreh Capital Sherwin Pishevar announced plans to open the company’s offices in Kazakhstan. Among the country’s advantages, he cited its engineering talent, support for innovation and resource base.

Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhtelecom Bagdat Mussin said that Kazakhstan could eventually export computing capacity. According to him, the development of data centers and partnerships with global technology companies could support this objective.

AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is being held in Astana from October 1 to 3. The forum focuses on the development of artificial intelligence, the digital economy and technological infrastructure.