Kazakhstan wants to build a comprehensive artificial intelligence ecosystem spanning computing infrastructure, data centres, connectivity, satellite technology, startups and digital public services, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev has said.
Roadmap unveiled in Astana
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 in Astana on Friday, Madiyev outlined the Central Asian country's digital transformation roadmap. "The idea is not to over-regulate but to uphold some ethical standards," he said, stressing the need to balance regulation with innovation.
1 GW Data Center Valley
On large-scale AI computing infrastructure, Madiyev pointed to the Data Center Valley project in Ekibastuz, saying Kazakhstan was targeting at least 1 GW of capacity. The project is being developed around the energy infrastructure of Ekibastuz in the Pavlodar region, with land allocated and infrastructure development under way. Government discussions have involved more than 20 international hyperscale companies from the US, China and India, with preliminary demand exceeding 100 MW.
Higgsfield AI as a model startup
Madiyev highlighted Higgsfield AI, a generative AI company with Kazakh roots, as the kind of technology ecosystem Kazakhstan wants to develop and retain. The company said on September 29 that it had crossed a $1 billion annualised revenue run rate, 18 months after launching its AI-native creative suite, and has previously raised funding at a $1.3 billion valuation.
Connectivity, space and digital assets
The government also plans to connect more than half of the country's villages with fibre-optic infrastructure within 18 months to two years, alongside the Caspian Fibre project to strengthen international connectivity. Starlink services have already been officially launched in Kazakhstan, and Madiyev said the country had begun exporting satellites for the first time in its history while working toward its own launch infrastructure. On digital assets, he said Kazakhstan was developing a regulated ecosystem for crypto mining and exchanges.
Sources: Kazakhstan aims to build 'full-stack' AI ecosystem, eyes 1 GW Data Center Valley
Roadmap unveiled in Astana
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 in Astana on Friday, Madiyev outlined the Central Asian country's digital transformation roadmap. "The idea is not to over-regulate but to uphold some ethical standards," he said, stressing the need to balance regulation with innovation.
1 GW Data Center Valley
On large-scale AI computing infrastructure, Madiyev pointed to the Data Center Valley project in Ekibastuz, saying Kazakhstan was targeting at least 1 GW of capacity. The project is being developed around the energy infrastructure of Ekibastuz in the Pavlodar region, with land allocated and infrastructure development under way. Government discussions have involved more than 20 international hyperscale companies from the US, China and India, with preliminary demand exceeding 100 MW.
Higgsfield AI as a model startup
Madiyev highlighted Higgsfield AI, a generative AI company with Kazakh roots, as the kind of technology ecosystem Kazakhstan wants to develop and retain. The company said on September 29 that it had crossed a $1 billion annualised revenue run rate, 18 months after launching its AI-native creative suite, and has previously raised funding at a $1.3 billion valuation.
Connectivity, space and digital assets
The government also plans to connect more than half of the country's villages with fibre-optic infrastructure within 18 months to two years, alongside the Caspian Fibre project to strengthen international connectivity. Starlink services have already been officially launched in Kazakhstan, and Madiyev said the country had begun exporting satellites for the first time in its history while working toward its own launch infrastructure. On digital assets, he said Kazakhstan was developing a regulated ecosystem for crypto mining and exchanges.
Sources: Kazakhstan aims to build 'full-stack' AI ecosystem, eyes 1 GW Data Center Valley
