The Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University participated in the Data Center & AI Infrastructure Central Asia 2026, held on April 16–17 in Astana.
A key highlight of ISSAI’s participation was the contribution of Amina Baikenova, Deputy Director for Products and External Affairs, who served as Chairperson of the session titled “Policies & Market Trends: Data Centers & AI in Central Asia.” In this role, she moderated discussions on the region’s evolving digital infrastructure landscape, guiding conversations among policymakers and industry leaders.
The session opened with remarks from representatives of the Ministry of AI and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, followed by keynote presentations addressing regulatory frameworks, investment incentives, and the growing importance of AI-driven data ecosystems. Discussions focused on how Central Asia can position itself as a competitive hub for data centers and advanced computing infrastructure.
The conference brought together leading global and regional organizations, including Amazon Web Services, Lenovo, Dell Technologies, and NetApp, alongside government representatives and telecom operators. Key themes included AI-ready infrastructure, cloud transformation, sustainable data center development, and cross-border collaboration.
By contributing to high-level discussions and moderating a strategic session, ISSAI reinforced its role as a thought leader in artificial intelligence and digital transformation in Central Asia. Participation in such forums aligns with the Institute’s mission to foster innovation, support national AI development, and strengthen partnerships across academia, industry, and government.