Astana, Kazakhstan — Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek delivered a landmark address outlining Kazakhstan’s sweeping plans to transform its science and higher education landscape, positioning the nation as a rising global hub for academic excellence, innovation, and technological leadership.
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In a comprehensive lecture attended by international stakeholders, Nurbek detailed Kazakhstan’s national strategy for science and education reform through 2029, centered on global integration, AI-driven development, and youth empowerment.
From Resource Wealth to Innovation Powerhouse
Highlighting Kazakhstan’s rich reserves of 99 mineral elements—60 of which are actively mined—the Minister emphasized the nation’s role as a top global producer of uranium, chromium, and barite. Coupled with significant investments in renewable energy—wind (820 MWh), hydro (62 MWh), and solar (2.5 MWh)—Kazakhstan is anchoring its development on both sustainability and technological advancement.
“Kazakhstan is strategically positioned to become the Eurasian center of gravity,” Nurbek declared. “We are building bridges between East and West, connecting ideas, people, and technologies.”
The 2023–2029 National Strategy: Four Pillars of Progress
Kazakhstan’s science and education development plan, launched in 2023, features four key outcomes, 58 specific initiatives, and eight measurable indicators:
- New Model of Science Administration: A legislative overhaul in July 2024 introduced a modern Science and Technology Policy focused on reducing bureaucracy, incentivizing research, and aligning with international standards.
- Strengthening Human Capital: The Zhas Galym program will support 250 global internships and 1,000 research grants. Employment models are shifting to prioritize practical science roles with new scientist-engineer-technician ratios.
- University Innovation Hubs: With 16 billion tenge invested, science parks and engineering centers will emerge at top universities including ENU, KazNRTU, and KazATU, focusing on sustainable technologies, energy, and agri-tech.
- Commercialization and Digitalization: Enhanced funding models, tax incentives, and digital tools aim to stimulate private-sector collaboration and accelerate the commercialization of research.
AI-SANA: Kazakhstan’s Leap into Deeptech and AI Leadership
A highlight of the lecture was the unveiling of the AI-SANA initiative—“The Springboard of Technology”—which will train 100,000 students in AI and entrepreneurship by 2025. Backed by global partners such as Google, NVIDIA, Huawei, and Coursera, and academic leaders like Stanford University, the initiative aims to place Kazakhstan at the forefront of deeptech innovation.
The country’s new AI Academic Cluster, featuring 2 PFLOPS of computing power across major universities, will anchor Kazakhstan’s role in regional AI leadership. A partnership with Huawei will further develop smart campuses and R&D infrastructure.
To fuel this innovation, a $100 million Deep Tech Fund—in collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s NDTP—will support startups across Central Asia and the MENA region.
Global Partnerships and Academic Excellence
Kazakhstan’s education system is undergoing a bold transformation, marked by high-profile partnerships with:
- Coventry University (UK) – With a $50M investment and capacity for 3,200 students
- University of Arizona (USA) – Joint programs with Kozybayev University
- Université de Lorraine (France) – Specialized degrees in social sciences and business
- Arizona State University – Globally ranked for innovation and inclusion
- MEPhI (Russia) – A leading institution in nuclear engineering and physics
These collaborations reflect Kazakhstan’s commitment to internationalization and excellence in education.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
Kazakhstan’s geographic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia is bolstered by expansive infrastructure:
- 5 rail corridors (17,000 km), 135,000 freight wagons
- 8 road corridors (95,000 km), 27 border checkpoints
- 25 airports, including 18 international hubs
- 2 seaports (Aktau, Kuryk) with 27 million tons capacity
Handling over 1.5 million tons of transit cargo annually, Kazakhstan is a vital link in the Middle Corridor, transporting 80% of Central Asia’s trade.
Cultural Ties and Global Outlook
Nurbek also celebrated Kazakhstan’s diplomatic and cultural bonds, especially with India, recalling the historic 1955 visit of Prime Minister Nehru and Indira Gandhi. These ties are now evolving into dynamic educational and technological partnerships.
A Platform for Reform and Dialogue
The Forum of Strategic Partners, held during the CONNECTED-2024 conference in Astana, gathered over 300 experts to discuss academic quality, AI integration, sustainability, and digital transformation. The newly established International Council under the Ministry will oversee reforms to align Kazakhstan’s system with global competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: Science as a National Engine
Minister Nurbek concluded with a powerful message:
“Only science that is organically connected with production can truly drive a nation forward. Kazakhstan is not just adapting to the AI revolution — we are shaping it.”
With over 31,500 international students and 30+ foreign university programs already active, Kazakhstan is emerging as a beacon for innovation, higher learning, and global scientific progress.
The vision laid out by Minister Sayasat Nurbek reflects a confident, forward-looking Kazakhstan ready to lead Central Asia—and beyond—into a future defined by knowledge, technology, and sustainable growth.
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