Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov met with Balaji Srinivasan, founder of the international technology community Network School, to discuss cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology entrepreneurship and startup development.

According to a statement by the Kazakh Government, during the meeting, the two sides reviewed plans to establish an international innovation hub in the Akmola Region, with future expansion into the city of Alatau, The Caspian Post reports.

The project is intended to advance AI development, train highly qualified specialists and promote the growth of technology startups.

The discussions also focused on joint initiatives, including Kazakhstan's participation in the AI Film Festival, which features a prize fund sponsored by Srinivasan, as well as the Network State Conference. The conference is scheduled to take place as part of the international AI & Digital Bridge forum and will bring together leading global technology companies.

According to the Government, officials presented the concept behind Network School, an international community that unites entrepreneurs, developers, engineers and researchers to collaborate on learning and technology projects. The platform combines educational programs with coworking spaces, conferences, hackathons and startup acceleration programs.

Srinivasan highlighted Kazakhstan's strong potential in artificial intelligence and pointed to opportunities for cooperation with international pools of capital and talent. He also noted that Network School initiatives are financed entirely through private investment and do not receive government funding.

Participants additionally presented plans for Network City, a technology hub to be developed in the Burabay resort area in partnership with the local administration and community. The project предусматривает modular infrastructure designed to integrate with the surrounding natural environment and existing urban layout. Once completed, the hub is expected to attract IT professionals, entrepreneurs and researchers by providing a shared environment for work, education and professional collaboration.

Bektenov emphasized the importance of attracting international expertise and deepening Kazakhstan's cooperation with the global technology community. He said the development of human capital, education, science and innovation has been designated a national strategic priority, with particular attention being given to artificial intelligence and the protection of citizens' personal data.

"This year has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence by the Head of State. Kazakhstan is implementing the nationwide Digital Qazaqstan strategy for digital transformation and AI development while building the infrastructure needed for the digital economy. Major initiatives include Astana Hub, the Data Center Valley project in Ekibastuz, and the TUMO and Tomorrow School educational programs operating under the Alem.AI International Center for Artificial Intelligence," the Government said.

The participants agreed that their partnership and joint initiatives would strengthen Kazakhstan's talent development system and further establish the country as one of the leading international platforms for information technology. Following the meeting, Bektenov instructed the relevant government agencies to support the implementation of the project.