From January 31 to February 1, Almaty hosted Digital Almaty 2025, a forum focused on artificial intelligence and its pivotal role in the new industrial era. Under the theme “Industrial AI: Technologies for a New Era,” participants explored AI integration in industry, finance, healthcare, education, and ESG, along with emerging opportunities for digital transformation.
The forum was organized by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, the Akimat (administration) of Almaty, and Astana Hub.
Speaking at the forum, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov emphasized that the introduction of digital technologies will ensure annual GDP growth of 2-3%, determining the critical role of AI in economic development.
“The head of our state Kassym-Jomart Tokayev initiated the creation of an ecosystem of competencies based on the International Center for Artificial Intelligence, Alem.ai. It will be opened in Astana this year. It will bring together leading IT companies, research laboratories, startups and educational programs on one platform for the joint development of solutions,” Bektenov said, pointing to the need to unite the efforts of Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) partners in developing joint projects in the field of artificial intelligence based on the Alem.ai center.
One of the strategic priorities of Kazakhstan is the training of specialists in the field of artificial intelligence. In the next 5 years, it is planned to train 1 million people with full coverage of civil servants.
As part of the formation of the institutional basis for the development of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan, a Concept was approved, which became the starting point for the development of the National AI Strategy. A bill has been prepared aimed at creating a favorable legal environment for innovation. The Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence is being formed under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, which will unite leading domestic and international experts to implement advanced technologies. In addition, a Venture Investment Fund with a target volume of $1 billion has been created on the basis of Astana Hub to support AI startups.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the Government of Kazakhstan is open to cooperation and is ready to support new projects.
Photo: primeminister.kz
