One standout example is CodiPlay — an ecosystem that teaches schoolchildren digital skills through hands-on and game-based formats. Since 2021, students have been creating their own IoT devices — from smart homes to drones — while learning programming in C++, Scratch, and Python. The platform is actively used in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, South Korea, the UK, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. CodiPlay has been recognized as a Digital Public Good by the UN-backed Digital Public Goods Alliance. Its ecosystem also includes CodiKit robotics kits and CodiTeach — an online tool for teachers to design and manage curricula.

At the intersection of AI and personalized learning is BeyimTech. Its digital solutions, Beyim.ai and Beyim Synaq, implemented in Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, offer adaptive educational pathways tailored to each student’s and teacher’s needs. In 2024, BeyimTech became the first team from Kazakhstan to win first place in the Hero Training accelerator program at Draper University (USA), earning the title “Best Team of Draper University 2024” among 70 participants from 26 countries. What began as a research initiative has now grown into a full-scale digital ecosystem attracting strong user interest.

The EdTech platform Qalan helps students independently master mathematics online. It features over 40,000 explanations, 1,000 video lectures, AI support, and fast mentor feedback. Available in Kazakh, Russian, and Uzbek, the platform is currently active in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia. Its adaptive tasks build memory and strengthen logical thinking skills.

Another example of integrating technology into education is Big Dream Lab, which has been developing augmented and virtual reality tools since 2015 to make learning more visual, engaging, and safe. One of its core products is the Digital Lab platform, which offers virtual labs in physics, chemistry, and biology in Kazakh, Russian, and English. Designed for use with VR headsets, interactive panels, and PCs, it addresses the shortage of physical lab equipment and nurtures early interest in science. The startup also creates virtual safety training modules — from fire evacuation drills to first aid and working at height — and develops VR content for colleges and vocational schools.

Among Kazakhstan’s largest EdTech initiatives is BILIMLAND, which since 2011 has been building a nationwide digital learning ecosystem for learners of all ages — from preschoolers to K-12 and continuing education students. At its core is a vast library of interactive lessons, including videos, summaries, simulations, skill trainers, and exercises at various difficulty levels. BILIMLAND combines pedagogy and technology: content is created by a team of teachers, curriculum experts, animators, designers, and developers, ensuring the materials are both high-quality and engaging.

In the language learning space, the Memo Magic app by Cognitio combines gamified mechanics with visual learning methods to boost vocabulary acquisition. Its topic-based dictionary includes over 14,000 words, and the interface supports 11 languages — including Kazakh, English, Turkish, and Spanish.

Smartestprep is a startup providing international education services by connecting students, schools, and universities on a single platform. Its AI-backed SaaS solution automates the admissions process to international universities for students and career counselors. Since its launch, the service has helped over 6,500 students from the CIS region gain admission to universities in 24 countries and secure more than $140 million in scholarships and grants. The all-in-one platform includes AI mentors for applications and essays, an LMS training system, proctored practice tests, and scholarship databases. For universities, it offers a gateway to recruiting global talent. Smartestprep became the third Kazakh company to join the prestigious Stanford StartX accelerator and was recognized in the ASU+GSV Elite 200 ranking as one of the most promising early-stage EdTech startups globally.

Helping schools streamline modern administration, Zero Education provides a cloud-based platform that covers core operational needs — from CRM and LMS to digital contracts, virtual phone systems, financial and HR tools, and dedicated portals for students, parents, and teachers. This all-in-one system allows schools to simplify internal processes, cut costs, and focus on their core mission: delivering quality education.

The startups based at Astana Hub are building a resilient EdTech ecosystem where innovation goes beyond traditional learning, integrates into daily school life, enables global access, and scales internationally. Thanks to the synergy between technology and entrepreneurship, Kazakhstan is strengthening its place on the global map of digital knowledge transformation.

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