On June 10, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) welcomed His Excellency Mr. Giorgio Pompilio, Ambassador of Switzerland to Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, and Mr. Pavel Ivanov, Economic and Trade Officer of the Swiss Embassy in Astana.
The Swiss delegation was received by ISSAI representatives, including Dr. Huseyin Atakan Varol, Founding Director; Dr. Ainur Zhaikhan, Postdoctoral Researcher; and Ulzhan Alibek, External Affairs Manager.
The meeting began with a presentation of ISSAI’s key research directions, AI-powered products, educational initiatives, and the institute’s contribution to the development of Kazakhstan’s artificial intelligence ecosystem. The discussion then focused on the current state and future prospects of AI development in Kazakhstan, as well as global trends shaping the field.
During the meeting, Ambassador Pompilio noted that he was impressed by the rapid advancement of AI technologies and the growing infrastructure supporting AI innovation in Kazakhstan. He emphasized that Switzerland should recognize Kazakhstan as one of the countries demonstrating significant progress in artificial intelligence and emerging as an important player in the field.
Representatives of the Swiss Embassy also shared information about scholarship opportunities in Switzerland for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, highlighting avenues for academic exchange, research collaboration, and talent development.
The meeting took place ahead of the Global AI Summit scheduled to be held in Geneva in 2027, providing an opportunity to exchange perspectives on the evolving international AI landscape and the role of emerging AI ecosystems.
The visit reaffirmed the importance of international dialogue in advancing artificial intelligence research and innovation. It also highlighted the growing potential for collaboration between Kazakhstan and Switzerland in research, education, and the development of AI talent, contributing to stronger connections between the two countries’ innovation ecosystems.