During the first quarter of 2025, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University received several collaboration proposals from Ualikhanov University (Kokshetau University named after Sh. Ualikhanov). The proposals aimed to explore how machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can be leveraged to advance agricultural research and practice.
In response, the ISSAI team — Executive Director Yerbol Absalyamov and Data Scientist Tomiris Rakhimzhanova — visited Kokshetau on April 24, 2025 to deliver a seminar for the Agriculture Department of Ualikhanov University.
During the seminar, Data Scientist Tomiris Rakhimzhanova presented a lecture titled “AI in Agriculture – The Power of Computer Vision,” introducing the audience to fundamental computer vision tasks such as detection, classification, tracking, and segmentation. She highlighted practical applications of computer vision in agriculture, including crop health monitoring, weed and pest detection, and the use of geospatial data for agricultural insights. Real-world examples and potential use cases were discussed, sparking active engagement from the audience.
Following the presentation, participants expressed interest in internship opportunities, research visits to ISSAI, and workshops or training sessions focusing on advanced AI technologies, particularly the application of DGX systems for model training.
Additionally, the ISSAI team held a working meeting with Dr. Marden Baidalin, Head of the Science and Commercialization Department at Ualikhanov University. Discussions centered on making a joint project aimed at forecasting crop growth using AI models. Ualikhanov University has accumulated UAV-collected agricultural data over the past two years and will provide sample datasets for initial assessment. A joint team will work on developing a pilot model, with plans to pursue a co-authored scientific publication based on the project outcomes.
This collaboration marks an exciting step forward in integrating AI-driven solutions into Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector, demonstrating ISSAI’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary innovation and real-world impact.