Kazakhstan Unveils Central Asia's Most Potent Computer Superpower
In a significant stride towards a digital future, Kazakhstan has launched its national supercomputer, marking a milestone in the country's journey towards AI leadership. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev unveiled the powerful computing system on July 9, which boasts a performance capacity of up to two exaflops using FP8 precision, making it the most powerful computing system in Central Asia.
The supercomputer, developed through a strategic partnership with the UAE-based company Presight and the Ministry of Digital Development, is set to power large-scale AI research, advanced model training, and secure data infrastructure. This will pave the way for innovation in industry automation, cloud computing, and cross-border scientific collaboration, positioning Kazakhstan as a regional hub for AI and digital transformation across Central Asia and beyond.
Healthcare is one sector that stands to benefit significantly from Kazakhstan's AI advancements. Kazakh scientists have developed innovative AI systems for early detection of breast and prostate cancers, enhancing screening accuracy and early diagnosis capabilities. Additionally, research and development include domestic cancer treatment drugs expected for registration soon, alongside advanced surgical methods such as novel tumor removal techniques in oncology. The healthcare sector also benefits from the introduction of artificial heart implantations and emerging treatments led by national scientific centers.
Education is another area where AI is being integrated to elevate quality and accessibility. The government promotes AI-driven EdTech solutions, with President Tokayev's visit to showcase domestic EdTech solutions indicating strong ongoing development. The AI Kitap platform, for instance, is a tool for personalized digital learning in the education sector.
Kazakhstan is also leveraging AI to deliver more efficient, high-quality government services. The Astana Civil Service Hub (ACSH), a joint government and UNDP initiative, is pivotal in fostering AI adoption in public administration by strengthening institutional capacities, creating regulatory frameworks, and promoting ethical AI use. It also supports partnerships and international cooperation to grow the AI ecosystem across Central Asia.
Industrial technology and digital transformation are cornerstones of Kazakhstan’s AI advancement. The new supercomputer will fuel innovation in these areas, driving smart city projects and technological sovereignty. Notable projects include AlemLLM, a Kazakh-language large language model with high accuracy, optimized for local deployment, and the OlympIQ platform, a tool for managing and analyzing sports-related data through AI.
Moreover, Kazakhstan is making strides in AI-driven solutions for public safety. An AI meeting agent transcribes audio recordings of government meetings into written protocols, streamlining documentation and reducing manual workload. A new early fire detection system using AI-driven video monitoring and analytics is in use in Burabay National Park and the Yertis Ormany forest reserve.
Beyond these initiatives, Kazakhstan is nurturing a vibrant AI ecosystem. The Alemcloud National Supercomputing Center offers high-performance computing resources to startups developing neural network technologies, universities, research institutes, and public and private organizations. Baspana Hub, a digital ecosystem offering comprehensive solutions for housing and related services, is a testament to this commitment, developed without external funding or investments.
In summary, Kazakhstan is pioneering AI solutions from early cancer detection and cutting-edge medical treatments, through AI-augmented public administration and education, to supercomputer-enabled industrial technology and regional AI leadership. The government’s integrated strategy includes infrastructure investment, human capital development, regulatory frameworks, and international partnerships to foster a comprehensive AI ecosystem across key sectors.
The supercomputer, a product of the strategic partnership with Presight and the Ministry of Digital Development, will undeniably contribute to large-scale AI research and advanced model training in Kazakhstan, powered by artificial-intelligence. This technological advancement is anticipated to spur innovation in industries such as automation, cloud computing, and cross-border scientific collaboration, owing to its position as a regional AI and digital transformation hub.
Healthcare, one of the sectors set to benefit, has seen the development of innovative AI systems for the early detection of breast and prostate cancers, enhancing accuracy and early diagnosis capabilities through artificial-intelligence technology.
