Central Asia’s AI ambitions gain momentum

Governments invest in AI hubs, startups, and education to drive digital transformation

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (MNTV) — Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a priority across Central Asia, with governments making significant investments in AI research, infrastructure, and education. 

While each nation follows its own approach, the shared objective is clear—fostering AI-driven economies and positioning the region as a global technology hub.

According to Uzbekistan-based news website Qalampir.uz, Central Asian nations are establishing AI hubs, training specialists, and supporting startups as part of a broader push to become influential players in the AI sector.

Kazakhstan is spearheading the region’s AI transformation with Alem.ai, an international AI center set to launch in Astana this year.

Announced by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov at the Digital Almaty 2025 forum, the initiative will bring together global IT firms, research institutions, and AI startups on a unified platform.

The center aims to boost AI-driven exports to $5 billion by 2029, train 1,000 AI specialists annually, support 100 AI startups, and fund 10 AI research projects.

Kazakhstan’s AI sector is already gaining traction, with several local startups reaching valuations of $100 million. With robust government backing, these investments are expected to cement Kazakhstan’s status as a regional AI leader.

Kyrgyzstan is also advancing its AI agenda, advocating for a Regional Center for Artificial Intelligence within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Odilbek Kassimaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, proposed the initiative at the Digital Almaty 2025 forum, emphasizing the need for stronger AI collaboration among EAEU member states.

The proposed center would focus on enhancing digital skills training, supporting AI startups and innovation, and strengthening regional cybersecurity. Domestically, Kyrgyzstan has established a National Council on Artificial Intelligence and is finalizing its National AI Strategy to integrate AI into key industries.

Tajikistan is prioritizing AI education through the AI-STUDY initiative, which has introduced AI lessons in schools.

Initially launched in five pilot institutions, the program has expanded due to high demand.

Participating schools include Dushanbe International School, Kontofield International School, Navoi School, Kafolat Gymnasium, and Hotam & PV Tajik-Russian Boarding Lyceum.

Each school hosts 15–20 students in AI study groups, with teachers trained in AI pedagogy. The initiative aligns with Tajikistan’s AI Development Strategy, which aims to have advanced technologies contribute 5% of GDP by 2040.

Turkmenistan is in the early stages of AI adoption but is making strides in education, public administration, and energy. The Academy of Public Administration recently hosted a seminar introducing government officials to AI-driven governance.

In education, the Ministry of Education is exploring Huawei’s ULearning Smartclass system, which assesses teaching effectiveness, develops personalized educational content, and analyzes academic performance.

A pilot project will soon launch for 200 students. In the energy sector, UAE-based Dragon Oil has implemented AI-driven geological analysis and 3D seismic technology to optimize oil and gas exploration in Turkmenistan.

Uzbekistan is rapidly expanding its AI initiatives, with over 20 AI-powered projects already underway. The country’s AI Development Strategy aims to position Uzbekistan among the top 50 nations in AI readiness by 2030.

Key investments include a $1.5 billion AI development plan, the establishment of 10 AI research labs, the construction of high-performance data centers, and the training of 1 million AI programmers in partnership with the UAE.

AI applications are already transforming various sectors, with innovations such as PalmPay, an AI-powered metro payment system; MyID & FaceID, digital identity verification for secure transactions; the E-Government Portal, which enhances public services through AI; AI-driven tax administration tools used by the Tax Committee; and LexAI, an AI-powered legal advisory platform. Uzbekistan will launch AI startup accelerators and venture investment funds in 2025 to strengthen its AI ecosystem.

Central Asia’s commitment to AI reflects its ambition to become a global technology player. From Kazakhstan’s AI hub to Uzbekistan’s large-scale AI initiatives, the region is investing in digital transformation and economic modernization.

As governments continue prioritizing AI, these advancements will drive technological innovation, create jobs, and enhance Central Asia’s global competitiveness in artificial intelligence.