Kazakhstan and Slovenia are stepping up their tech ambitions, sealing a new Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at accelerating collaboration in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

The agreement comes as both countries look to deepen ties in high-tech sectors, with fresh momentum building around AI, digital economy development, and next-generation ICT solutions, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

During high-level meetings in Ljubljana, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Slovenia Altay Abibullayev held in-depth discussions with Leon Cizelj, Director of the leading research and technology center Jožef Stefan Institute, and Mojca Štruc, Director General for Digital Society at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Republic of Slovenia.

The talks focused on unlocking new opportunities in AI, digital infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems-areas both nations see as critical to future economic growth.

Kazakhstan is doubling down on its tech-driven future. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has declared 2026 the “Year of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies,” signaling a major national push toward digital transformation.

The country is already showing results-ranking 24th globally in digital development-and gaining recognition for its advanced e-government systems and rapidly evolving fintech sector.

Key platforms like eGov.kz and innovation hub Astana Hub were highlighted as pillars of Kazakhstan’s growing tech ecosystem, assisting to drive startup growth and expand IT service exports.

Both sides outlined plans to:

Support startup ecosystems

Launch joint research initiatives

Expand IT export potential

Strengthen ties between tech companies and research institutions

Train highly skilled digital specialists

A major upcoming milestone will be the Kazakh-Slovenian business forum “AI Digital Bridge” in Ljubljana, expected to bring together government, business, and academic leaders to spark new joint projects.

Slovenia has also been invited to participate in the international tech forum GITEX AI Almaty, set for May 4-5 in Almaty. The event is expected to serve as a key platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and forging direct partnerships.

The invitation was extended by Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan and Co-Chairman of the Kazakh-Slovenian Intergovernmental Commission, Zhaslan Madiyev to Minister of Digital Transformation of Slovenia, Ksenija Klampfer.

With the memorandum ready for signing, Kazakhstan and Slovenia are entering a new phase of cooperation-one that puts artificial intelligence and digital innovation at the heart of their bilateral relationship.

As both countries align their digital strategies, the partnership could unlock fresh opportunities across Europe and Central Asia’s fast-evolving tech landscape.