AGP Executive Report

Higher Education Diplomacy: Kazakhstan is moving to revive ties with Malaysia, focusing on student mobility, research collaboration, and potential Malaysian university branch campuses, with both sides outlining six cooperation areas including AI, nuclear science, agriculture, and critical minerals. AI Push in Kazakhstan: Astana hosted HackAlem AI, setting a Guinness World Record for the largest agentic AI hackathon, as Kazakhstan’s AI Month rolls out hackathons and tech events nationwide. Kazakhstan–China Tech & Industry Deals: At the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum, Tokayev backed new agreements spanning robotics localization (including humanoid/educational robots), automotive localization, pharma production, renewable energy, and logistics infrastructure. Digital Trade & Logistics: A Kazakhstan–China customs and clearance project aims to cut border processing from 30 days to about one day, boosting throughput at Khorgos and Nur Zholy. Science & Heritage: Archaeologists in southern Kazakhstan uncovered new medieval city structures and altar sites at Kesken-Kuyuk, potentially linked to the historical city of Huvara. Global Tech Governance: UNGA discussions highlighted calls for oversight of frontier AI models, while Kazakhstan-linked AI cooperation continues to expand.

Chess & Digitalization: Timur Turlov, Kazakhstan’s chess federation chief and Freedom Holding CEO, won the FIDE presidency runoff in Samarkand, pledging a more professional, modern, and digital global chess push. Higher Education Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Zambry Abd Kadir met in Astana to propose a five-pillar Kazakhstan–Malaysia knowledge partnership covering student mobility, research, digital education, culture, and human development. AI in Kazakhstan: HackAlem AI in Astana set a Guinness World Record for the largest agentic AI hackathon, bringing 2,415 participants from 21 countries and universities and giving access to up to $1.5M in resources. Kazakhstan–China Tech & Industry: At the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum, leaders backed 10 agreements and a specialized investment fund via AIFC, with plans spanning humanoid/educational robots, automotive localization, anticancer drug production, and logistics upgrades. Trade Logistics Upgrade: A Kazakhstan–China customs and road system aims to cut vehicle clearance from 20–30 days to within one day, supported by both governments. Space/Connectivity: Uzbekistan and APT Satellite signed to expand satellite communications and digital infrastructure, boosting broadband and broadcasting services. Environment & Science: A new study using GNSS data reports Earth’s shape is changing as polar ice loss accelerates uplift and equatorial subsidence.

AI Hackathon in Astana: HackAlem AI brought 2,415 participants to set a Guinness World Record for the largest agentic AI hackathon, with 21 countries and 219 universities involved and up to $1.5M in resources for teams. Education Diplomacy: Malaysia’s Zambry Abd Kadir visited Astana to deepen higher-education ties with Central Asia, proposing student mobility, research links, and digital learning cooperation with Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan–China Investment Push: At the Almaty forum, Tokayev backed a shift toward integrated production ecosystems, with 10 signed agreements and plans spanning robotics, automotive localization, pharma, renewables, and logistics, plus a new Kazakh-Chinese investment fund via AIFC. Robotics Localization: UBTech Robotics and Kazakhstan partners outlined a ~$440M project to localize humanoid and educational robotics production, R&D, and programming in a special economic zone, targeting a 2027 start. Digital Trade Expo: Kazakhstan joined the World Digital Trade Expo in China with a national pavilion of 28 IT and medical-tech firms, aiming to grow exports of digital services. Border Tech for Faster Trade: A Kazakhstan–China customs and logistics system upgrade targets cutting vehicle clearance from 20–30 days to within one day, supported by new infrastructure investment. Crypto Power Policy: Kazakhstan is pushing a model where crypto miners can use excess associated gas from oil fields to generate electricity, aiming to reduce grid strain. Archaeology with Modern Tools: Excavations near Kesken-Kuyuk (linked to Huvara/Juvara) used geodetic surveying, 3D scanning, photogrammetry, and aerial photography to map early medieval layers and altars.

Kazakhstan–China Tech & Investment Push: President Tokayev used the Kazakhstan–China Investment Forum in Almaty to call for a shift from one-off deals to integrated production ecosystems, highlighting transport, industry, critical minerals, digitalization and agriculture, plus a plan to make the investment cycle transparent and technology-driven. New Funding Architecture: Kazakh Invest and Silk Road Finance signed key terms for a specialized investment fund at AIFC to finance new projects, while the two sides also set a longer-term trade target of $100B. Robotics Localization: UBTech Robotics and Nero Group are moving ahead with a ~$440M Kazakhstan project covering production, R&D and programming. AI for Everyday Services: Tele2 Altel and Yandex Qazaqstan launched a working group to build a digital solution for daily tasks, starting with a beta. Digital IT Exports & Procurement: Kazakhstan is expanding exports of domestic IT services beyond $1B and rolling out a priority procurement mechanism for domestic IT solutions across Samruk Kazyna companies. Crypto Mining Policy Update: Kazakhstan is pushing miners to use excess associated oil-field gas to generate electricity, aiming to reduce grid strain. AI Month & Events: Astana will host AI & Digital Bridge (Oct 1–3) as part of Kazakhstan’s wider AI Month with hackathons and tech forums. Regional Tech Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans a mid-October visit to Uzbekistan for C5+1 talks with a business delegation of 100+ companies.

AI Month in Kazakhstan: Kazakhstan kicked off AI MONTH 2026, running from Sept. 23, with hackathons, investment sessions, cyber security, robotics and medical tech events, anchored by the AI and Digital Bridge 2026 forum in Astana. NVIDIA boosts AI infrastructure: NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang will visit Kazakhstan on Oct. 23 for a fireside chat at alem.ai, closing the AI Month program; the trip follows Kazakhstan’s Data Center Valley push using NVIDIA tech. Smart city bid: Astana made the WIPO City of Innovation Award shortlist, pitching an AI- and data-enabled smart city platform and a digital gateway for public services. Nuclear workforce push: Kazakhstan sought IAEA support for training nuclear power specialists and expanding nuclear medicine, including radiopharmaceutical production and cancer diagnostics. Green hydrogen plan: YPP Corporation and Kazakhstan’s energy ministry outlined a $2B green hydrogen and ammonia complex in East Kazakhstan, targeting up to 1 GW renewables. Digital oil upgrade: KazMunayGas advanced digital twin work at the Vostochny Moldabek field, aiming to integrate models into a single digital environment by Jan 2027. Middle Corridor focus: Kazakhstan and China reaffirmed plans to expand the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, stressing safer, faster and more predictable logistics. Archaeology collaboration: Chinese archaeologists are searching for traces of the ancient Yuezhi across Kazakhstan, including surveys in East Kazakhstan and Zhetisu. Cybersecurity/tech governance: Hackers published alleged correspondence involving Russian officials; Kazakhstan also faces ongoing scrutiny around tech and security measures.

AI & Data Infrastructure: NVIDIA founder Jensen Huang will visit Kazakhstan on Oct 23 for the alem.ai International Center fireside chat, closing the country’s AI Month and tied to the Data Center Valley push using NVIDIA tech. Smart Cities & IP: Astana is a finalist for WIPO’s City of Innovation Award, pitching an AI- and data-enabled smart city platform and a single digital gateway for public services. Nuclear Skills & Medicine: Kazakhstan used the IAEA General Conference to seek support for nuclear power workforce training and cancer diagnostics, including radiopharmaceutical production and proton therapy plans. Aviation & Connectivity: Astana signs a framework deal with Singapore’s Changi Airports International to develop a new airport and upgrade Astana International Airport. Transport Corridors: Kazakhstan and China reaffirmed Middle Corridor/TITR expansion in Beijing, aiming for safer, faster, more predictable logistics. AI Hackathon Record: HackAlem AI in Astana set a Guinness World Record with 2,415 participants. Energy/Space: Roscosmos says it launched about 60 spacecraft in 2026 and is working on new transport ships and a future orbital station.

AI Governance Push: 20 countries plus the EU back a UN-linked body to control “frontier” AI risks, with Kazakhstan among the signatories. Kazakhstan AI Acceleration: Astana hosts an AI hackathon aiming for a Guinness World Records title, with organizers citing 2,500+ participants and plans to connect talent to real-economy needs. Nvidia in Kazakhstan: Jensen Huang will visit on Oct. 23 for AI Month events, signaling Kazakhstan’s push to build AI capacity, not just adopt it. Fintech Upgrade: Kazakhstan’s fintech market is shifting toward open banking, banking-as-a-service, digital assets and AI, as public-sector tech adoption expands. Infrastructure Financing: Kazakhstan’s parliament ratifies an AIIB framework partnership, targeting about $6B in long-term funding for transport, energy, healthcare and green projects. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan plans to auction 56 oil and gas blocks on e-Qazyna (Dec. 25), while industry coverage highlights copper processing expansion. Regional Tech Links: Astana Hub supports Azerbaijani startups entering Kazakhstan via a 12-week CEME program.

AI Month & Hackathons: Kazakhstan’s AI MONTH kicks off Sept. 23 with HackAlem AI in Astana, aiming for a Guinness World Records title; organizers say 2,500+ participants from 21 countries and 129 universities are taking part, with OpenAI-powered agentic solutions for key sectors and verification results expected Sept. 23 evening. Nvidia Boost: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang will make his first Kazakhstan visit on Oct. 23 as a special guest of AI Month, holding talks on building local AI talent and solutions. Fintech Shift: Kazakhstan’s fintech is moving into a new phase where infrastructure, open banking, banking-as-a-service, digital assets and AI matter most; banks dominate consumer services while startups are pushed toward open and embedded finance. Digital Governance: Kazakhstan’s public-sector tech push continues, citing gains in UN e-government rankings and online services. Energy & Industry: Kazakhstan will auction 56 oil and gas blocks on e-Qazyna (Dec. 25, 2026). Trade & Connectivity: Intra-Central Asia trade rose 25.4% in Jan–Jul 2026, led by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Health & Infrastructure: Shymkent plans a 200-bed perinatal center and a new airport runway to expand neonatal care and cargo capacity. Science & Agriculture: Al-Farabi University developed NanoKukirt for organic agriculture, acting as fertilizer and plant protection against fungal diseases. Environment: A rare Przewalski’s horse foal was born on Kazakhstan’s steppe, seen as a major conservation milestone.

Digital Public Services: Cambodia is studying Kazakhstan’s digital public service model, including biometric IDs, 318 front offices, and AI-enabled “Digital Citizens Offices” that combine self-service terminals with assisted consultations. Smart Transport & Road Safety: Kazakhstan is expanding AI-based traffic enforcement in Astana and nationwide, adding more automated violation cameras and average-speed monitoring sections as accident and injury figures fall. AI Training & Research: Kazakhstan is pushing AI skills nationwide, including new training programs and a push to integrate AI across the research cycle, while partners launch professional AI/ML education initiatives. Crypto & Web3 Growth: Kazakhstan’s regulated crypto market topped $10.58B trading turnover in 2025, with 215,000 users, plus more Solana ecosystem training and grants for local Web3 startups. Healthcare Tech Expansion: M42’s Diaverum opened its first Kyrgyzstan renal clinic, building on a 10-year Kazakhstan presence and combining genomics, AI, and digital health. Food Security Planning: Kazakhstan may anchor a Central Asian food reserve network proposed by an Islamic food security body, aiming to link national stocks under agreed crisis rules. Copper Value Chain: Kazakhstan is proposing a new methodology for copper concentrate processing tariffs to make costs more transparent and predictable for both domestic smelters and international investors.

AI Governance: Australia joined a broad group of countries, including Kazakhstan, calling for “human direction, oversight and control” of frontier AI, with common standards and incident reporting ahead of UN talks. Kazakhstan Web3: Kazakhstan’s regulated crypto market hit $10.58B trading turnover in 2025 and grew to 215,000 users, alongside rapid Solana ecosystem training and plans for tokenization. Middle Corridor & Digital Transport: Kazakhstan pushed Middle Corridor development in Beijing, focusing on predictable transit times, unified standards, and digital customs platforms. Healthcare Tech Expansion: M42/Diaverum opened its first Kyrgyzstan renal clinic, expanding AI-and-genomics-enabled care after a decade in Kazakhstan. Cybersecurity & Industry: A global study says over a third of industrial firms see cybersecurity risk as a top growth obstacle, even as investment rises. Trade & Standards: Kazakhstan and the UK discussed expanding exports, critical minerals, and cooperation on certification and carbon rules like CBAM. Energy & Industry: CRRC showcased wind power projects and certifications, including Kazakhstan’s Arkalyk 50 MW site. Agriculture Planning: Kazakhstan reviewed the 2026 growing season and set steps for 2027, including water-saving tech and irrigation network repairs.

AI for Science in Kazakhstan: At the National Academy of Sciences, the “Qazaqstan AI for Science” public session brought researchers and industry together to rethink how AI can unify the research cycle. AI Skills Push: Yandex Qazaqstan, Astana Hub and Alem.ai Foundation launched a two-year ML school, while Kazakhstan expands free AI/programming training across regions and scales nationwide AI literacy for schools, civil servants and specialists. AI Philosophy Meets Tech: Scholars linked Al Farabi’s ideas to today’s AI era, arguing for new ethical and conceptual grounding. AI Governance & Industry: Samruk-Kazyna’s SKAI (AI with voting rights) signals a push for transparency in state-linked governance. Health Tech & Manufacturing: Kazakhstan plans to launch child hearing-aid production via a new road map, with ministries tasked to attract domestic producers and transfer technology. Payments & Fintech: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan agreed on cross-border QR payments and transfers between national platforms. Energy/Industry: Kazakhtelecom is seeking multi-billion funding for “Data Centre Valley” in Ekibastuz. Space & Tech Watch: Kazakhstan’s tech agenda also sits alongside global launch activity, including China’s Long March flights and SpaceX’s upcoming Falcon 9 mission. Environment Tech Angle: A wildfire-risk story highlights how Kazakhstan’s saiga antelope recovery could reduce fuel for fires. Business/Assets: State sells Zenit Uralsk Shipyard for 18.49 billion tenge.

AI Education Push: Kazakhstan is scaling free programming and AI training through Tomorrow School to 14 regions, while Yandex Kazakhstan, Astana Hub and Alem.ai Foundation launch ML School Kazakhstan to train machine learning and AI specialists for projects from computer vision to LLMs. Health Tech & Industry: Kazakhstan plans to launch child hearing-aid production, with a government road map and financing via local budgets; separately, scientists developed the W Balance functional spread using milk fat plus rapeseed and flaxseed oils for a targeted Omega-3/Omega-6 ratio. Digital Economy Infrastructure: Kazakhtelecom is seeking billions in funding for the Data Centre Valley in Ekibastuz to build large-scale computing infrastructure. Startups & Capital: SparkLabs and Mirae Asset, with Qazaqstan Investment Corporation and IT Park Ventures, signed a term sheet for a Central Asia VC fund focused on Series A+ and AI-native companies. Water-Saving Agriculture: Water-saving irrigation technologies expanded to 702,300 hectares by Sept. 1, 2026, nearly tripling since 2023. Regional Tech Links: Kazakhstan invited South Korea to invest in the Middle Corridor and discussed a broader tech and critical-minerals cooperation agenda.

AI & Geopolitics: China is recruiting countries into a new global AI alliance as the US prepares an “AI Force” and pressures partners to choose between American and Chinese AI ecosystems. Venture Capital: Qazaqstan Investment Corporation, IT Park Ventures, Mirae Asset Venture Investment and SparkLabs launched the SparkLabs Mirae Silk Road Fund I to back Central Asian AI-native startups. Fintech & Payments: Kazakhstan is pushing cross-border QR payments, building on its interbank mobile-payment system launched in July and targeting interoperability with India and other countries. Energy Markets: Oil prices slid for a third straight session as Saudi Arabia works to restore disrupted exports, but physical crude tightness still worries refiners. Kazakhstan–Korea Tech & Human Capital: Tokayev highlighted 230+ university agreements and new healthcare/biotech investment areas as Kazakhstan and South Korea deepen cooperation on critical minerals and technology. Climate Science: Scientists link rapid Himalayan warming to higher risks of rock-ice avalanches and floods, including the Nepal disaster. Public Security Tech (Region): China showcased AI police robotics and non-lethal restraint tools at a public security expo. Health Cooperation: “Days of Kazakh Medicine” in Kyrgyzstan reported 1,300 residents examined and joint high-tech medical training and surgeries.

Kazakhstan–France Culture Tech: Astana and Paris are pushing deeper cultural cooperation, with plans for mutual tours by ensembles, training and internships, and Louvre Museum artefacts potentially showcased in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan–Korea Human Capital: President Tokayev says Kazakhstan and South Korea already have 230+ university ties and calls for more Korean investment in healthcare, pharma, biotech and medical equipment. Kazakhstan–India AI Pressure: A U.S. draft letter warns some partners may have to choose between U.S.-led and China-led AI initiatives, raising stakes for Central Asia’s tech alignment. Payments Upgrade: Kazakhstan is moving toward cross-border QR payments, using its interbank mobile-payment system and aiming to interoperate with partners like India’s UPI model. Science & Heritage: A Kazakh economist’s 2007 Google Earth discovery of geometric earthworks is linked to dating around 800 BC, drawing archaeologists and satellite researchers. Climate Risk Research: Scientists say rapid Himalaya warming is boosting risks of rock-ice avalanches and floods, including the Nepal disaster. Regional Tech & Security: China showcases AI police robotics, including a net-launch robodog, at a public security tech expo. BRICS Finance Reform: BRICS adopted a 140-point New Delhi statement calling for reforms to global financial institutions while avoiding direct U.S. mentions.

Space & Security: The U.S. Air Force says it has deployed “space control” weapons in Earth orbit, using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, raising fresh questions about what’s being readied for satellite disruption. Climate Risk: Scientists linked rapid Himalayan warming to higher chances of rock collapses, rock-ice avalanches and floods, after the Aug 26 Nepal disaster. Payments Tech: Kazakhstan is pushing cross-border QR payments, using its interbank mobile-payment system (single QR, real-time transfers) as a base for interoperability with other countries, including India. Oil & AI for Industry: Al-Farabi KazNU researchers developed a model combining physical laws, neural networks and quantum computing methods to optimize oil production parameters. Health Tech Cooperation: “Days of Kazakh Medicine” in Kyrgyzstan delivered mobile diagnostics and consultations for about 1,300 residents, plus joint surgeries and training. Earthquake Monitoring: Kazakhstan’s nuclear center data recorded a magnitude 4.3 quake near China on Sept 18. Regional Business: Astana hosted the B5+Italy platform launch, focusing on trade, technology transfer, logistics and green energy.

Social Guarantees: President Tokayev stressed Kazakhstan’s “social state” model, pointing to the Constitution’s guaranteed free medical care for citizens and even certain foreign residents, including primary care, diagnostics, emergency help, and treatment for major diseases. Fintech Payments: Kazakhstan is pushing cross-border QR payments, using its interbank mobile-payment system (single QR, real-time transfers) as a base and looking to cooperate with India and other countries. Health Cooperation: “Days of Kazakh Medicine” in Kyrgyzstan wrapped up after 1,300 residents examined via two mobile medical units, with 774 consultations and about 1,000 diagnostics, plus joint surgeries and new medical memorandums. Regional Business Tech: Astana hosted the B5+Italy platform launch, aiming to turn Central Asia–Italy dialogue into investment, industrial cooperation, technology transfer, and logistics links. Earth & Risk: Kazakhstan’s data center recorded a magnitude 4.3 earthquake near China (Sept 18), while a new study links Himalaya warming to rock-ice collapses and flood risks.