Kazakhstan bets on AI to achieve breakthrough development
EL.KZ Информационно-познавательный портал
AI is increasingly being integrated into daily lives and for many people this has not gone unnoticed. Artificial intelligence is often hailed as the technology of the future, but by 2025 it already helps people work, study, analyze data, and create new things. Kazakhstan has not remained a mere observer in this global digital race: the country is consistently shaping its own AI development strategy, turning it into one of the key drivers of economic growth, technological independence, and sustainable development, El.kz reports.
Kazakhstan’s focus on artificial intelligence is not a trend but a strategic choice at the state level. As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized that “digitalization and artificial intelligence have become a matter of national survival in the new technological reality.” This clearly reflects the government’s approach: AI is viewed as a fundamental tool for the country’s competitiveness in the 21st century. The declaration of 2026 as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence symbolized the transition from pilot projects to the systematic implementation of technologies in public administration, education, industry, science, and the social sphere.
Alem.Cloud Supercomputer
The foundation of the AI economy is computing infrastructure. One of the most significant practical steps was the launch in of the national supercomputer Alem.Cloud, which became the most powerful in Central Asia. Its capacity opens up the opportunities for training complex neural networks, analyzing large volumes of data, and accelerating scientific and applied research.
The supercomputer is already being used for tasks in medicine, geology, and industry, that previously required months or even years of computation. This represents a qualitatively new level for domestic science and high-tech business.
In October 2025, the infrastructure was further strengthened with the launch of a second computing cluster, Al-Farabium, created on the basis of Kazakhtelecom’s infrastructure using NVIDIA H200 technology. Its performance is measured in tens of petaflops. Both supercomputers are integrated into a single platform, Alem.Cloud, which provides access to computing resources for startups, universities, and companies across the country. In this way, a technological foundation is being formed for the large-scale development of AI solutions within Kazakhstan.
Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and AI Law
To coordinate these large-scale processes, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development was established in September 2025. It consolidated the management of all key AI projects - from digital public services to the implementation of technologies in the economy and the social sector.
The next step was the creation of a legal framework. In November 2025, the Law on Artificial Intelligence was signed, becoming one of the first regulatory acts of its kind in the region. The document clearly defines the responsibility of AI owners and users, prohibits manipulative technologies and the illegal collection of data, and introduces mandatory labeling of synthetic content. Thus, Kazakhstan has laid the foundation for the safe, transparent, and ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Alem.ai and the Innovation Ecosystem
An important element of the national strategy is the international artificial intelligence center Alem.ai. Its opening was announced by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in October 2025 at the International Digital Bridge Forum in Astana. The Head of State described Alem.ai as a “factory of ideas and innovations,” highlighting its role in shaping the country’s future technological ecosystem.
Speaking at the forum, the President emphasized:
“Alem.ai is intended to become a global center where artificial intelligence technologies are implemented as efficiently as possible and in accordance with ethical standards. It is extremely important to apply artificial intelligence technology responsibly.”
Alem.ai is envisioned as a platform that brings together scientific research, the practical implementation of AI solutions, and international cooperation. The center is expected to become a point for startups, research teams, and global technology partners, strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a regional AI hub.
At the same time, Astana Hub continues to develop and today brings together around two thousand IT companies. In 2025, exports of IT services approached $1 billion, indicating that Kazakhstani startups are entering international markets and that an export-oriented digital economy is taking shape.
Talent Development: AI-Sana
No artificial intelligence development strategy is possible without training qualified specialists. In this area, the AI-Sana program plays a key role, having already reached over 650,000 students. It is aimed at building both basic and advanced digital skills required to work with AI technologies. Looking ahead, plans include the establishment of a specialized research university focused on artificial intelligence, which is expected to become the core for talent development and the growth of a national AI research school.
Infrastructure and Access to Technology
The development of artificial intelligence directly depends on the availability of modern digital infrastructure. In this context, the deployment of Starlink satellite internet has improved access to high-speed connectivity in remote regions of the country. This reduces the digital divide and expands opportunities for the adoption of AI solutions across the entire territory of Kazakhstan — from education and healthcare to public administration.
The international community has also taken note of the country’s progress. According to the latest Government AI Readiness Index report, Kazakhstan has entered the top 60 countries worldwide, climbing 16 positions at once and strengthening its status as a leader in Central Asia.
Supercomputers, a solid legal framework, educational programs, and international partnerships are creating the conditions for a technological breakthrough. In this model, artificial intelligence is a tool for improving citizens’ quality of life, enhancing economic resilience, and strengthening Kazakhstan’s technological independence.

