The Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, delivered a comprehensive speech on the development of the country’s higher education and the achievements of science in the modern world. The Minister’s lecture outlined the development path for Kazakhstan’s education system and revealed significant initiatives for integrating into global progress.
The Minister unveiled the country’s strategic vision to position itself as a global academic and innovation hub. The presentation highlighted Kazakhstan’s abundant natural resources, dynamic demographics, historic diplomatic ties, and an ambitious plan to transform its scientific and educational landscape from 2023 to 2029.
He tried to demonstrate Kazakhstan’s rich endowment in mineral resources. They place the country among the top global producers of key elements such as uranium, chromium, and barite. With reserves of 99 elements—70 of which are under investigation and 60 already mined—the country’s mining sector is aligned with global best practices, guided by a transparent and investor-friendly Subsoil Use Code.
In addition to mineral wealth, Kazakhstan is investing in renewable energy, with significant annual capacities in wind (820 MWh), hydropower (62 MWh), and solar (2.5 MWh), reinforcing its sustainability goals.
From a geopolitical perspective, Kazakhstan stands at the heart of Central Asia and Eurasia—a region home to over 2 billion people, more than half of whom are under the age of 25. This youthful demographic presents both opportunities and challenges for education, employment, and innovation-driven development.
The minister underscored the historic ties between Kazakhstan and India, emphasizing cultural and diplomatic bonds dating back to the mid-20th century. In 1955, Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi visited Kazakhstan, marking a symbolic moment in bilateral relations that continue to grow in fields like education and technology.
The centerpiece of the lecture was the unveiling of Kazakhstan’s national plan for the development of science and higher education. Spanning from 2023 to 2029, the strategy is driven by four expected outcomes, 58 activities, and eight measurable indicators.
Key reforms include:
• A New Model of Science Administration: Legislation adopted in July 2024 introduces a comprehensive “Science and Technology Policy” aimed at boosting research, reducing bureaucracy, and aligning with international best practices.
• Strengthening Human Capital: The state will support 250 international internships and 1,000 research grants under the Zhas Galym program. Structural employment reforms will shift focus toward practical scientific roles (scientist-engineer-technician ratios adjusted from 25:4:1 to 12:2:4).
• University-Based Innovation: The government is investing 16 billion tenge to develop engineering centers and science parks at leading universities including ENU, KazNRTU, and KazATU. These hubs will focus on sustainable technologies, energy, and agri-tech innovation.
• Commercialization and Digitalization: New funding models, tax incentives, and non-financial support mechanisms will stimulate private sector collaboration and the commercialization of scientific research.
The Minister emphasized that only science that is organically connected with production can propel Kazakhstan forward. With 31,500 international students and over 30 foreign university programs already active in the country, Kazakhstan is well on its way to becoming a regional center of academic excellence and technological advancement.
This comprehensive strategy places education, science, and youth empowerment at the core of Kazakhstan’s long-term vision—reflecting a confident, forward-looking nation prepared to lead innovation in Central Asia and beyond.
The Minister emphasized, first and foremost, the impact of fostering highly skilled students and young scientists within Kazakhstan’s education system. He highlighted the importance of modern technologies and science in the country’s economy and social life.
In his speech, the Minister stressed that the development of science and technology significantly influences not only Kazakhstan but also the global community. As part of the country’s strategy, he also spoke about strengthening international cooperation and creating opportunities for universities to reach global platforms.
The lecture by the Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education represents an important step not only for the development of the nation’s education system but also for laying the groundwork for advanced opportunities for future generations.
Kazakhstan is rapidly asserting itself as the Eurasian center of gravity—a strategically located, resource-rich, and forward-looking nation that is fast becoming a hub for global trade, academic excellence, and innovation-driven development.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure: A Gateway to Eurasia
Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kazakhstan is leveraging its geography to become a key connector across the Eurasian continent. The country boasts:
• 5 rail transit corridors spanning 17,000 km with 135,000 freight wagons
• 8 road transit corridors and 95,000 km of roads
• 27 interstate checkpoints for seamless cross-border transport
• 25 airports, including 18 international hubs
• 2 seaports (Aktau and Kuryk) with a cargo capacity of 27 million tons
Kazakhstan’s airspace alone handles 1.5 million tons of transit cargo annually. As a vital link in the Middle Corridor—a transcontinental route between China and Europe—Kazakhstan moves over 80% of goods transported through Central Asia.
Economic Powerhouse with Global Standards
The country’s natural wealth is matched by a modern legal and regulatory framework. Academic Excellence and Internationalization
Kazakhstan’s higher education system is undergoing a transformation, anchored by global partnerships and a strong state commitment. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education has made strategic agreements with leading universities including:
• Coventry University (UK) – One of the UK’s fastest-growing institutions with a $50 million investment in Kazakhstan and capacity for 3,200 students
• University of Arizona (USA) – In partnership with Kozybayev University, the collaboration brings cutting-edge research and academic programs ranked within the global top 300
• Université de Lorraine (France) – Offering programs in social sciences, pedagogy, and business
• Arizona State University (ASU) – Globally recognized for innovation and inclusivity, with over 850 academic programs and leadership in online education
• MEPhI (Russia) – A top-tier nuclear research university specializing in engineering and physics
During his lecture, Sayasat Nurbek, the Kazakh Minister of Science and Higher Education, outlined the country’s ambitious vision:
“Kazakhstan is strategically positioned to become the Eurasian center of gravity. We are building bridges between East and West, connecting ideas, people, and technologies.”
He emphasized that Kazakhstan aims to be “not only a transit and energy hub, but a regional leader in education, science, and innovation.”
The Minister further underlined the importance of integrating research and industry:
“Only science that is organically connected with production can truly drive a nation forward.”
A Platform for Strategic Dialogue and Reform
The Forum of Strategic Partners, held in Astana during the “CONNECTED-2024” conference, brought together over 300 international and national participants. Discussions focused on:
• Enhancing educational quality
• Aligning academic standards with global frameworks
• Integrating AI, big data, and EdTech
• Promoting social entrepreneurship and sustainability
• Supporting academic mobility and digital transformation
The newly established International Council under the Ministry is tasked with providing recommendations to ensure global competitiveness, guiding reforms, and leading initiatives across priority areas.
In his visionary lecture, the Minister outlined a sweeping plan to transform the nation into a leading center of Artificial Intelligence (AI), deeptech innovation, and scientific research.
The flagship initiative, AI-SANA: The Springboard of Technology, aims to engage 100,000 students in entrepreneurship and the development of deep tech startups. Targeting students across bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels, the program will cover critical modules including AI programming, international best practices, entrepreneurship, and the application of AI across industries such as sustainable energy, education, and agro-industry.
The ambitious plan is backed by global tech giants such as Google, NVIDIA, Huawei, and Coursera, alongside elite academic partners like Stanford University and the Royal Academy of Engineering. A special highlight is the collaboration with Paul Kim from Stanford, ensuring international expertise drives local talent development.
Kazakhstan’s commitment to AI is further reinforced through the establishment of a new AI Academic Cluster, powered by supercomputers at Al-Farabi KazNU, L.N. Gumilyov ENU, and Satbayev University, offering a combined computational power of 2 PFLOPS. A notable partnership was also announced with Huawei, focusing on smart campus development, R&D initiatives, and the introduction of the Huawei Atlas 900 AI Cluster.
Recognizing that innovation requires capital, the Ministry announced a memorandum with Saudi Arabia’s National Technology Development Program (NDTP) to launch a $100 million Deep Tech Fund. This fund will support startups in Kazakhstan and the wider Central Asia-MENA region, aiming to replicate Saudi Arabia’s venture success, which saw $1.38 billion in capital investment in 2023.
The plan focuses heavily on human capital. By the end of 2025, 650,000 students are expected to acquire basic AI skills through a network of 43 ICT academies and over 20 specialized educational programs. Partnerships with leading universities and organizations such as Heriot-Watt University and SEOLTECH reinforce Kazakhstan’s aspiration to become an AI education leader.
The lecture also referenced successful international models such as Finland’s “Elements of AI” program, which educated over 1% of its population in AI fundamentals. Kazakhstan aims to adapt and scale such models, focusing on the ethical use of AI and accessible education for all.
Beyond AI, the Minister presented outcomes from recent Scientific and Innovation Sessions held in Kyzylorda and Astana, where over 100 scientists and industry experts worked on practical industrial challenges, from improving geotechnology and refining processes to advancing ecological and occupational safety measures. Plans for further sessions targeting mineral processing and renewable energy research were also unveiled.
In conclusion, the lecture painted a bold vision for Kazakhstan’s future: a nation where AI and science drive economic growth, innovation flourishes with strong international partnerships, and students are empowered to create the technologies of tomorrow.
As the Minister concluded, “Kazakhstan is not just adapting to the AI revolution — we are shaping it.”
Kazakh Minister
