Kazakh and Uzbek Leaders Discuss Artificial Intelligence Partnership at Almaty Event
Almaty, Kazakhstan - It's game time for tech innovators! Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev took a spin at the cutting-edge world of groundbreaking solutions at the AlmatyFair.ai exhibition on March 29 during Mirziyoyev's working trip to Kazakhstan.
As reported by Akorda, a whopping 39 startups from both nations strutted their stuff at major IT events last year, including INMerge Innovation Summit, Web Summit 2024, and TechCrunch Disrupt 2024.
At the exhibition, the presidents got an eyeful of trailblazing technologies in GovTech, FinTech, BigTech, and Smart City sectors. They cruised through IT company accomplishments, industrial innovations, and educational projects – those specs that'll soon dominate our daily lives.
Tokayev showcased the Alem.ai International Center for Artificial Intelligence, a brainchild destined to groom thousands of AI experts, boost startups, and drive scientific research. The duo also discussed Kazakhstan's National AI Platform, geared towards streamlining government operations, and the AI-Sana program that sparks AI-driven economic growth and entrepreneurship.
Deals, Deals, Deals
A landmark investment agreement seized center stage with Singapore's GK Hyperscale Ltd, who promised to pour $1.5 billion into building and managing two hyperscale data centers in Kazakhstan. These Tier 3-level centers pack a punch with a total IT capacity of 200 MW, creating over 360 high-skilled jobs.
The Kazakh economy stands to gain nearly $1.2 billion, while data centers could fetch half their revenue from exports, attracting heavyweights like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon to Kazakhstan. An additional $1.2 billion sets sail for a power plant, including a wind farm and an electricity storage system before construction kicks off in early 2026.
The AI Startup Showdown undoubtedly stole the show. Teams pitched AI zingers for a $10,000 prize pool and a shot at Silicon Valley's Hero Training Program acceleration initiative. Let the games begin!
Fun Fact
The Central Asian Innovation Hubs alliance, comprising Kazakhstan’s Astana Hub and Uzbekistan's IT Park, is in the limelight. They're already rubbing shoulders with tech leaders in the U.S., Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. They've even made a splash at Dubai AI Week (April 21–25, 2025), flashing their advanced AI solutions to intrigued investors and global corporations[1].
- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during Mirziyoyev's visit to Kazakhstan, were impressed by various startup innovations showcased at the AlmatyFair.ai exhibition, highlighting the potential for AI-driven solutions in sectors such as GovTech, FinTech, and Smart City.
- The AI Startup Showdown during the AlmatyFair.ai exhibition provided an opportunity for tech startups from both nations to compete for a $10,000 prize pool and gain acceleration entry into Silicon Valley's Hero Training Program.
- The Central Asian Innovation Hubs alliance, consisting of Astana Hub from Kazakhstan and IT Park from Uzbekistan, is attracting global attention, partnering with tech leaders across the United States, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and even showcasing their advanced AI solutions at Dubai AI Week (April 21–25, 2025).
