As part of the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 International Forum held in Astana, Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the official opening of Qazaq AI Research University (QAIRU). According to Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the establishment of the university was the result of implementing the President’s instruction given at the first meeting of the Council for the Development of Artificial Intelligence. Having commenced its first academic year on September 1, 2026, Qazaq AI Research University has already been granted the status of an experimental platform for training specialists under the AI+X model. In addition, the university has received institutional accreditation from the Central Asian Association for Education and Accreditation.

                                                             

Within the framework of the international forum, the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University and Qazaq AI Research University signed a memorandum of cooperation on the joint development of the AI+X educational programme. The memorandum was signed by Beibitkul Sarsembekovna Karimova, Chair of the Board and Rector of the Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University, and Sapar Nurakhmetovich Toksanov, Rector of Qazaq AI Research University.

                                                              

The primary goal of the partnership is to effectively integrate the capabilities of artificial intelligence into the educational process and to train a new generation of specialists equipped with modern technological skills and prepared to meet the evolving demands of the labour market. Under the memorandum, the parties will work together to integrate artificial intelligence technologies into academic courses and disciplines, enhance the AI-related professional development of faculty members, support students’ research and practical projects, and organize hackathons, seminars, master classes, and joint scientific and educational events.

                                                             

This partnership represents an important step towards advancing innovative approaches in education, systematically integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process, and preparing highly skilled specialists for the future.