Kazakhstan and European partners agree to advance AI, science, and space technologies

During the state visit of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to Belgium, a series of strategic agreements were signed to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence, scientific research, digital infrastructure, and space technologies.

According to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, cited by Report, the signing ceremonies were attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, as well as Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek.

The agreements include partnerships with Ghent University and KU Leuven, two of Europe's leading academic and research institutions. The cooperation framework covers joint research projects, the establishment of international scientific teams, academic mobility programs, talent development, and technology initiatives under Kazakhstan's collaboration with the European Union and the Horizon Europe program.

Kazakh officials emphasized that Horizon Europe serves as an important mechanism for integrating the country into the European research area, increasing the participation of Kazakh scientists in international consortia, and promoting joint innovation projects.

The new agreements provide a practical foundation for submitting joint research proposals, launching collaborative programs, establishing international laboratories, and bringing scientific developments into the economy.

A major focus of the cooperation will be the development of AI for Science and Innovation, including the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific research, model complex processes, develop new materials and technologies, analyze large datasets, and create innovative solutions for industry and the economy.

The central platform for implementing this agenda in Kazakhstan will be ALEM.AI, which is expected to unite artificial intelligence capabilities with universities, research centers, startups, and industrial partners.

Collaboration with Ghent University will focus on mathematical modeling, scientific computing, digital twins, and AI technologies. The partnership with KU Leuven will expand cooperation in sustainable materials, critical minerals, engineering education, technology commercialization, and industrial applications of scientific research.

The International Science and Technology Center will also participate in the initiative, contributing its expertise in building international research consortia and supporting science and technology projects.

In addition, a joint activity agreement was signed between Kazakhstan's National Company Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary and Luxembourg-based satellite analytics firm Hydrosat S.à r.l. The agreement outlines the implementation of the pilot project "Water Resource Management in Kazakhstan Using Copernicus and Hydrosat."

The project aims to improve water management, irrigation planning, and water-use assessment through verified satellite data and analytics. It will combine Hydrosat's satellite technologies, including models of processing satellite and ground data, evapotranspiration, soil moisture, and crop-condition monitoring, with Kazakhstan Gharysh Sapary's field operations and engagement with land users in the Zhambyl region.

The agreement also provides for scaling the project across Kazakhstan and Central Asia and includes the possibility of establishing a specialized project company to support future joint initiatives at the intergovernmental level.

During meetings with representatives of the Institute of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technologies and the International Science and Technology Center, the parties discussed workforce development, research collaboration, national language models, and Kazakhstan's integration into leading European scientific and technological initiatives.

The ministry stated that the agreements will contribute to the growth of Kazakhstan's AI ecosystem, strengthen international scientific cooperation, and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies across the economy, education system, and public administration.