NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang has proposed turning Kazakhstan into a global hub for physical artificial intelligence, highlighting the country’s potential in the field. On October 23, Huang met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in Astana to discuss the expansion of their cooperation in AI and digital innovation. During the meeting, Tokayev emphasized the significance of the partnership with NVIDIA and reiterated Kazakhstan’s goal to become a leading AI-driven nation.
The Kazakh president identified artificial intelligence and digitalization as national priorities, declaring 2026 as the Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence in the country. He also expressed support for NVIDIA’s collaboration with local technology firm Higgsfield. Huang lauded Kazakhstan’s ambitions and suggested the nation could become a center for physical AI, which integrates artificial intelligence with real-world systems such as robots, autonomous machines, and industrial equipment.
Huang pointed out that Kazakhstan possesses the necessary energy resources and a pool of skilled professionals in science, mathematics, and technology, which are crucial for AI development. He also noted the ongoing progress in NVIDIA’s collaboration with local tech businesses, describing it as the start of a long-term partnership.
As a gesture of appreciation for his contributions to the advancement of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan, President Tokayev awarded Jensen Huang the Order of Dostyk following their meeting.