Kazakhstani AI teams will have the opportunity to work directly with internationally renowned AI expert and founder of 01.AI, Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, and his team. A mentorship programme for 20–25 participants will be among the first initiatives launched under the new partnership between Astana Hub, Q.AI, and 01.AI.
At the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international forum, the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology team development, and AI talent training. The signing coincided with the opening of the Q.AI Research Lab at the alem.ai International Centre for Artificial Intelligence.
The memorandum was signed by Magzhan Madiyev, Chief Executive Officer of Astana Hub; Dmitry Moon, Chief Executive Officer of Q.AI; and Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, founder of 01.AI.
The first cohort includes artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists, as well as founders of AI startups. Working in small groups, they will collaborate with Dr. Kai-Fu Lee and 01.AI experts to refine their technological solutions, develop their products, and prepare for expansion into international markets. This format will enable participants to explore the specific challenges facing each project in depth and receive recommendations tailored to its stage of development.
“The opening of the Q.AI Research Lab at the alem.ai International Centre for Artificial Intelligence creates new opportunities to advance AI expertise and develop technology teams in Kazakhstan. Through the first mentorship programme, Kazakhstani AI specialists and founders will be able to work directly with Dr. Kai-Fu Lee and 01.AI experts, refine their solutions, and receive practical guidance. This will facilitate the transfer of international expertise to Kazakhstani specialists and teams while creating the conditions for the development of home-grown AI solutions,” said Magzhan Madiyev, Chief Executive Officer of Astana Hub.
“A strong AI product begins with a clear understanding of the specific problem it is designed to solve. In our work with the participants, we will focus on how to validate the value of their solutions for users, identify the most promising use cases, and build sustainable business models. It is essential that teams are able to make informed decisions and concentrate their efforts on the factors that truly determine a product’s success,” said Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, founder of 01.AI.
The Q.AI Research Lab will serve as a permanent platform for developing AI solutions, exchanging international expertise, and supporting the growth of Kazakhstani technology teams.
“Our goal is not simply to bring international AI expertise to Kazakhstan, but to ensure that this knowledge is transferred to our specialists and translated into new products. Through the Q.AI Research Lab, Kazakhstani developers and entrepreneurs will be able to work directly with world-class experts, test their ideas, and prepare their solutions for the global market,” said Dmitry Moon, Chief Executive Officer of Q.AI.
Going forward, Astana Hub, Q.AI, and 01.AI plan to develop joint research and educational initiatives aimed at training AI specialists and creating globally competitive technology products in Kazakhstan.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 was held as part of Kazakhstan’s Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence and became the flagship international event of AI MONTH—a month-long series of events bringing together initiatives in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, entrepreneurship, and human capital development.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 was organised by the Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster in partnership with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Astana City Akimat.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 was funded through sponsorship contributions with the support of the forum’s partners.
Gold Partners: Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, and Kazakhtelecom JSC.
Silver Partner: Halyk Bank.
Business Partner: Beeline Kazakhstan.
Bronze Partner: Yandex Qazaqstan.
Telecommunications Partner: Freedom Telecom Operations.
Technology Partner: Transtelecom JSC.
Official Airline Partner: Air Astana.
Kazakhstani AI teams will have the opportunity to work directly with internationally renowned AI expert and founder of 01.AI, Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, and his team. A mentorship programme for 20–25 participants will be among the first initiatives launched under the new partnership between Astana Hub, Q.AI, and 01.AI.
At the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international forum, the parties signed a memorandum of cooperation in artificial intelligence, technology team development, and AI talent training. The signing coincided with the opening of the Q.AI Research Lab at the alem.ai International Centre for Artificial Intelligence.
The memorandum was signed by Magzhan Madiyev, Chief Executive Officer of Astana Hub; Dmitry Moon, Chief Executive Officer of Q.AI; and Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, founder of 01.AI.
The first cohort includes artificial intelligence and machine learning specialists, as well as founders of AI startups. Working in small groups, they will collaborate with Dr. Kai-Fu Lee and 01.AI experts to refine their technological solutions, develop their products, and prepare for expansion into international markets. This format will enable participants to explore the specific challenges facing each project in depth and receive recommendations tailored to its stage of development.
“The opening of the Q.AI Research Lab at the alem.ai International Centre for Artificial Intelligence creates new opportunities to advance AI expertise and develop technology teams in Kazakhstan. Through the first mentorship programme, Kazakhstani AI specialists and founders will be able to work directly with Dr. Kai-Fu Lee and 01.AI experts, refine their solutions, and receive practical guidance. This will facilitate the transfer of international expertise to Kazakhstani specialists and teams while creating the conditions for the development of home-grown AI solutions,” said Magzhan Madiyev, Chief Executive Officer of Astana Hub.
“A strong AI product begins with a clear understanding of the specific problem it is designed to solve. In our work with the participants, we will focus on how to validate the value of their solutions for users, identify the most promising use cases, and build sustainable business models. It is essential that teams are able to make informed decisions and concentrate their efforts on the factors that truly determine a product’s success,” said Dr. Kai-Fu Lee, founder of 01.AI.
The Q.AI Research Lab will serve as a permanent platform for developing AI solutions, exchanging international expertise, and supporting the growth of Kazakhstani technology teams.
“Our goal is not simply to bring international AI expertise to Kazakhstan, but to ensure that this knowledge is transferred to our specialists and translated into new products. Through the Q.AI Research Lab, Kazakhstani developers and entrepreneurs will be able to work directly with world-class experts, test their ideas, and prepare their solutions for the global market,” said Dmitry Moon, Chief Executive Officer of Q.AI.
Going forward, Astana Hub, Q.AI, and 01.AI plan to develop joint research and educational initiatives aimed at training AI specialists and creating globally competitive technology products in Kazakhstan.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 was held as part of Kazakhstan’s Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence and became the flagship international event of AI MONTH—a month-long series of events bringing together initiatives in artificial intelligence, digital technologies, entrepreneurship, and human capital development.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 was organised by the Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster in partnership with the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Astana City Akimat.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 was funded through sponsorship contributions with the support of the forum’s partners.
Gold Partners: Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, and Kazakhtelecom JSC.
Silver Partner: Halyk Bank.
Business Partner: Beeline Kazakhstan.
Bronze Partner: Yandex Qazaqstan.
Telecommunications Partner: Freedom Telecom Operations.
Technology Partner: Transtelecom JSC.
Official Airline Partner: Air Astana.
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