What drives a technology company to expand into a new market? Why do founders establish teams, and why do world-class professionals relocate to build long-term careers in a new region?
While low taxes and physical infrastructure matter, modern tech ventures require operational clarity. Founders need predictable environments with clear frameworks for company registration, talent sourcing, legal status, and market scaling.
This systematic predictability forms the core of Trusted Kazakhstan—a nationwide movement transforming the country into the definitive Eurasian AI and technology hub. As Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub, notes:
Global Market Expansion from Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is no longer just a destination market; it serves as a global launchpad. Local IT solutions reach customers in more than 110 countries, supported by rapid growth metrics:
$1.142 Billion in IT Exports: Technology service exports surged from $33.5 million in 2020 to over $1.14 billion, establishing Kazakhstan as a net exporter of technology.
24th Globally in E-Government: Ranked 24th out of 193 nations in the UN E-Government Development Index 2024, offering seamless digital public services to citizens and businesses.
4,500 km Digital Highway: The West–East digital superhighway running from Aktau to Khorgos, paired with the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Line, creates a high-speed data bridge connecting Europe, Central Asia, and China for data transit and cloud services.
To streamline onboarding for foreign builders, Kazakhstan provides clear, accessible pathways:
Digital Nomad Visa & Residency: Specialized pathways for international remote workers and tech specialists.
Astana Hub Special Regime: Tax preferences, simplified work permit processes, and comprehensive soft-landing support.
Astana International Financial Centre (AIFC): An independent legal jurisdiction governed by English common law principles, providing strong contract certainty for international investors.
Sourcing Tech Talent in the AI Era
Sustained technology growth relies on human capital. Kazakhstan is addressing the global AI talent demand through both domestic education initiatives and international talent recruitment:
Local Talent Pipelines: Programs like AI Qyzmet, AI Sana, Tomorrow School, and QazCoders are expanding technical capabilities nationwide alongside university AI programs.
Global Ecosystem Integration: Overseas talent attraction mechanisms enable international specialists to transfer knowledge, build teams, and connect local developers to global professional networks.
What Drives Long-Term Retention?
While market entry can happen quickly, long-term retention requires ongoing institutional trust. Trusted Kazakhstan addresses essential business questions directly:
Legal Predictability: Clear business setup procedures, common law protections via AIFC, and transparent IP laws.
Capital Access: Direct access to regional venture funds, private equity networks, and international accelerators.
Digital Infrastructure: Rapid company setup via eGov portals and low latency across international data corridors.
Scalability: Institutional connections to regional and international markets across Eurasia, Europe, and Asia.
Experience the Ecosystem at AI MONTH & AI & Digital Bridge 2026
The practical impact of this environment is on display during AI MONTH, a nationwide showcase running from September 23 to October 23.
The centerpiece international gathering is AI & Digital Bridge 2026, held from October 1 to 3 at the EXPO International Exhibition Centre in Astana.
Event Schedule: October 1 features a special high-level program by invitation only for heads of government agencies, international delegations, and industry leaders. The open program for ticket holders takes place on October 2–3.
Global Tech Leaders: Keynote headliners include Balaji Srinivasan (Founder, The Network School), Yerzat Dulat (Co-Founder & CTO, Higgsfield AI), and Jamie Beaton (Co-Founder & CEO, Crimson Education).
Comprehensive Tracks: Forum topics cover Artificial Intelligence impact on the economy, venture investment, digital infrastructure, technology entrepreneurship, Creative Industries, and GameDev.
Direct Interaction Formats: Startup Alley, pitch sessions, and the Astana Hub Battle bring founders, product teams, and angel investors together.
Organizers and Support Ecosystem
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub, and the Akimat of Astana. All forum expenses are fully covered by sponsorship funds.
Gold Partners: Freedom Bank Kazakhstan JSC, Kaspi.kz, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, and Kazakhtelecom JSC.
Silver Partner: Halyk Bank.
Business Partner: Beeline Kazakhstan.
Bronze Partner: Yandex Qazaqstan.
Official Airline Partner: Air Astana.
By connecting infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, human capital, and international events, Kazakhstan is translating regional potential into long-term technology partnerships as the Eurasian AI Hub.
