Kazakhstan to launch AI University, train citizens in digital skills

President Tokayev and participants at AI development council meeting in Astana. 1st oct 2025
Kazakhstan Government

Kazakhstan has unveiled plans to create a specialised research University for artificial intelligence while also providing digital skills training for up to one million citizens over the next five years.

The initiative unveiled as part of the country’s ambitious digital transformation plans, aims to train domestic AI specialists and strengthen Kazakhstan’s technological sovereignty.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made the proposal during the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence held in Astana on Wednesday 1st October.

The meeting brought together government officials, including the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, as well as international experts and academics from leading universities and companies in the UAE, the USA, and China. 

Discussions focused on integrating AI into education, developing human capital, and building national digital infrastructure.

President Tokayev at the meeting said, “Currently, the country does not have an institution that trains AI specialists. We need to establish a research university with a special status,” 

Artificial intelligence is viewed as a key driver of Kazakhstan’s economic competitiveness and national transformation. 

The global AI market is projected to reach US$740 billion in 2025, with investments in new AI developments rising by 20%. Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan aims to become a fully digital state within the next three years.

Key measures already underway include the adoption of a law on artificial intelligence, the development of a digital code, the launch of a supercomputer, and the creation of the necessary digital infrastructure. 

The EXPO area in Astana is being transformed into an international centre for digital solutions. Kazakhstan currently ranks 24th globally in e-government performance. 

Digital sovereignty is a central priority as Kazakhstan intends to develop its own AI models and build systems to protect personal data and labour rights in the digital economy.

The country’s AI strategy focuses on three main pillars: institutional development, human capital, and digital infrastructure.

President Tokayev emphasised that building domestic technologies and training highly qualified IT professionals is essential for both technological independence and overall national development.

Tags