On September 30, 2026, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) at Nazarbayev University hosted a guest lecture by K. S. Venkatraman, an international expert in microprocessor architecture, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence with more than 30 years of experience in the technology industry.
Mr. Venkatraman spent more than 18 years at NVIDIA, where he served as Senior Director for AI Computing and previously as a Principal Architect. During his time at NVIDIA, he led and contributed to the development of computing platforms supporting a wide range of AI applications, including perceptive, generative, reasoning, agentic, and physical AI. His work has also included GPU and CPU architecture, parallel computing, distributed memory, and high-performance computing.
The event began with Prof. Matteo Rubagotti, Vice Dean of Academic Affairs at the NU School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), introducing Mr. Venkatraman and the topic of the lecture.
The lecture, titled “Beyond Compute: The Research Agenda for National AI Capability,” focused on the broader foundations of national AI development. Mr. Venkatraman discussed emerging directions in AI, highlighting the growing importance of physical AI, robotics, and Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models, as well as the potential of Kazakhstan’s energy resources to support these developments. He identified AI in space as a future area of growth, alongside continued advances in energy-efficient computing. He also emphasized the role of universities in preparing the next generation of AI innovators through hands-on learning, student collaboration, entrepreneurship, and courses focused on solving real-world problems. The lecture was followed by an official meeting with representatives of ISSAI and SCAI.
The guest lecture brought together members of the Nazarbayev University community, including faculty members, researchers, data scientists, students, and representatives of ISSAI and the NU School of Computing and Artificial Intelligence (SCAI).
The lecture provided an opportunity for the NU community to engage with an experienced technology leader and explore the research and infrastructure priorities shaping the development of national AI capabilities.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy in Kazakhstan and National Information Technologies JSC (NITEC) for making this guest lecture possible.