Derrick Coetzee from Berkeley, CA, USA · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · Source · License
On October 23, 2026, NVIDIA and the Government of Kazakhstan officially announced a collaborative framework in Astana, focused on building massive accelerated computing infrastructure and expanding the nation’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. This initiative includes the deployment of 45,000 next-generation NVIDIA GPUs, the development of open AI models centered on the Kazakh language, and integrated investments in robotaxis and AI startups, marking a significant step in securing Central Asia’s AI sovereignty.
Meeting with President Tokayev and Agreement for 45,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs
On October 23, 2026, Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, visited the Akorda Presidential Palace in Astana to meet with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kazakhstan. Following the meeting, AI infrastructure investment firm Firebird signed a large-scale investment agreement with the Kazakh government at an official ceremony.
Firebird announced that through this agreement, it has successfully secured U.S. government export approval for 45,000 NVIDIA Grace Blackwell GPUs. The first phase of the data center is being constructed in the ‘Data Center Valley’ in cooperation with the state-owned telecom operator, Kazakhtelecom, with commercial services targeted for the third quarter of 2027. Once the second phase of expansion is complete, the total AI infrastructure power capacity established by Firebird in Kazakhstan is expected to reach approximately 500 megawatts (MW).
Beyond infrastructure, Firebird plans to establish ‘Firebird Labs Kazakhstan’ to foster local AI startups, provide R&D funding, share computing resources, and run local talent development programs.
Kazakhtelecom’s Next-Gen Accelerator Deployment and Ekibastuz Data Center Expansion
Kazakhtelecom, the country’s largest state-owned telecommunications company, disclosed details regarding the real-time operational status and future deployment roadmap of its AI compute infrastructure. Kazakhtelecom has already completed and begun operating 400 NVIDIA H200 GPUs and 480 B300 GPUs in Astana and Almaty, the nation’s largest economic hub.
Furthermore, the company plans to install more than 1,000 additional GPUs in the Data Center Valley zone by 2027 and deploy over 1,000 next-generation NVIDIA Vera Rubin GPUs in the Ekibastuz region, which offers stable power supply. This infrastructure will be provided as large-scale computing power to local enterprises, research institutions, and software developers.
’From Energy to Intelligence’… Alem.AI Keynote and Kazakh-Language AI Model Development
Following the presidential palace events, CEO Jensen Huang participated in a formal dialogue with Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Development and Aerospace Industry, at the ‘Alem.AI’ program. Minister Madiyev emphasized that Kazakhstan is actively developing its own national AI model that reflects the country’s unique language and cultural context.
CEO Jensen Huang presented a national vision for transforming Kazakhstan’s abundant energy resources into AI-driven intelligence, advocating for a new industrial paradigm that moves away from a commodity-based energy export structure toward exporting computing intelligence. He also noted that a nation’s unique data is its most important natural resource and suggested that NVIDIA’s OpenShell security technology could be applied for responsible AI deployment.
Startup Ecosystem and Robotaxi Pilot Programs, Including Higgsfield AI Investment
The event also marked the official announcement of a new equity investment by NVIDIA in Higgsfield AI, a generative media startup originating from Kazakhstan. Higgsfield AI will receive computing resources based on the NVIDIA Vera Rubin architecture via cloud service providers to enhance its own generative video model and customer-specific application capabilities.
In the mobility and logistics sector, ride-sharing platform inDrive and autonomous driving firm Pony.ai will begin a feasibility study for a robotaxi pilot service in Astana. The demonstration will utilize 7th-generation autonomous vehicles equipped with NVIDIA Hyperion sensor and computing platforms and Halos safety systems.
President Tokayev awarded CEO Jensen Huang the Order of Dostyk (Friendship) 1st Class for his contributions to AI development and friendly cooperation between the two nations, while Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, presented him with an honorary black belt in judo.
Technical Verification Limits and Official Source Notice
The core project timelines and tasks announced are summarized as follows:
- Firebird Phase 1 Data Center: Commercial launch planned for Q3 2027 based on 45,000 Grace Blackwell GPUs
- Kazakhtelecom Ekibastuz Base: New deployment of over 1,000 next-gen Vera Rubin GPUs scheduled
- Higgsfield AI and inDrive-Pony.ai: Cloud computing integration and Astana robotaxi feasibility study
The content of this report is based on a single source from the official NVIDIA blog (published October 22, 2026). Despite the U.S. government’s approval of the export license for 45,000 GPUs, the actual completion of infrastructure, procurement of 500MW power capacity, and real-world service uptime will require continuous technical verification and monitoring beyond the Q3 2027 commercialization phase.
Official Source: NVIDIA Blog – Kazakhstan Expands Compute for Its AI Future (Published October 22, 2026)