Tokayev Calls for Faster AI Development and Launch of AI Challenge at AI & Digital Bridge-2026
Technology
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the AI & Digital Bridge-2026 international forum, outlining the country’s priorities in artificial intelligence and the digital economy. He proposed creating a list of industrial AI challenges based on real economic needs and launching an AI Challenge involving teams from Kazakhstan and abroad.
Tokayev said AI & Digital Bridge had become an influential technology platform in Eurasia, bringing together specialists, technology companies and business representatives. According to the President, the forum generates innovative ideas, builds business contacts and supports the launch of practical projects. Its agenda includes digitalization, computing infrastructure, large language models, robotics, as well as technology regulation and security.
The President noted that artificial intelligence is transforming industry, finance, education, science, public administration and people’s daily lives. Kazakhstan, he said, is consistently creating conditions for a transition to a fully digital state. Last year, the country’s IT services exports exceeded $1 billion, while Kazakh digital solutions are used in more than 100 countries.
Tokayev stressed the need to support innovative startups and implement advanced projects. In this context, he proposed identifying the real needs of the economy and creating a dedicated list of industrial AI challenges. The best solutions developed through the AI Challenge and proven effective are expected to be introduced into production.
The President also addressed AI regulation. Kazakhstan has already established a legal framework for digital transformation, including the Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Code. At the same time, Tokayev called for a balance between security requirements and innovation, warning that excessive regulation could drive promising teams, technologies and capital to other jurisdictions.
Human capital was another major focus of the President’s address. He said technological progress would not be possible without scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. In this regard, an important role has been assigned to Qazaq AI Research University, which is expected not only to train specialists but also to conduct research responding to the needs of industry and the economy. The AI+X model is designed to apply artificial intelligence in specific sectors, including industry, energy, healthcare, finance and public administration. The university’s opening in Astana is part of the development of Kazakhstan’s national AI ecosystem.
Tokayev also called for a culture of responsible AI use. He highlighted cybersecurity, data protection, information reliability, algorithmic transparency and accountability for decisions as issues requiring attention. According to the President, artificial intelligence should serve people and should not create new dividing lines between countries.
The plenary session also featured William Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic; Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of NVIDIA; Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School; and Greg Wyler, founder of OneWeb and E-Space.
Tokayev concluded that the main task of Kazakhstan’s Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence is to turn technological progress into tangible results for citizens.
The President noted that artificial intelligence is transforming industry, finance, education, science, public administration and people’s daily lives. Kazakhstan, he said, is consistently creating conditions for a transition to a fully digital state. Last year, the country’s IT services exports exceeded $1 billion, while Kazakh digital solutions are used in more than 100 countries.
Tokayev stressed the need to support innovative startups and implement advanced projects. In this context, he proposed identifying the real needs of the economy and creating a dedicated list of industrial AI challenges. The best solutions developed through the AI Challenge and proven effective are expected to be introduced into production.
The President also addressed AI regulation. Kazakhstan has already established a legal framework for digital transformation, including the Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Digital Code. At the same time, Tokayev called for a balance between security requirements and innovation, warning that excessive regulation could drive promising teams, technologies and capital to other jurisdictions.
Human capital was another major focus of the President’s address. He said technological progress would not be possible without scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs. In this regard, an important role has been assigned to Qazaq AI Research University, which is expected not only to train specialists but also to conduct research responding to the needs of industry and the economy. The AI+X model is designed to apply artificial intelligence in specific sectors, including industry, energy, healthcare, finance and public administration. The university’s opening in Astana is part of the development of Kazakhstan’s national AI ecosystem.
Tokayev also called for a culture of responsible AI use. He highlighted cybersecurity, data protection, information reliability, algorithmic transparency and accountability for decisions as issues requiring attention. According to the President, artificial intelligence should serve people and should not create new dividing lines between countries.
The plenary session also featured William Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic; Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of NVIDIA; Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School; and Greg Wyler, founder of OneWeb and E-Space.
Tokayev concluded that the main task of Kazakhstan’s Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence is to turn technological progress into tangible results for citizens.
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