Presight Opens R&D Lab in Kazakhstan to Strengthen Regional AI

Presight has officially opened its first Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory in Central Asia, located in Kazakhstan, marking a notable advance in the country’s digital transformation efforts. The facility will concentrate on building artificial intelligence, data analytics and digital governance tools tailored to regional needs.

The launch was announced by Magzhan Kenesbai, Presight’s Chief Growth Officer, who underlined the company’s pledge to back Kazakhstan’s tech expansion. The lab is set to produce locally adapted AI applications that support the nation’s priorities for innovation-led development and technological independence.

At the opening, Kenesbai also provided an update on the Astana Smart City initiative, a public–private collaboration between Presight and the Akimat of Astana. The initiative embeds AI across city operations, from traffic management and public safety to environmental monitoring and citizen services.

“Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a regional centre for AI and advanced analytics,” Kenesbai said, noting that the R&D lab and projects such as Astana Smart City will help cultivate domestic talent and deploy AI where it can deliver measurable benefits.

Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev, responsible for the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, described the lab’s opening as a strategic milestone for the country’s AI ecosystem. He said the new facility will strengthen local capabilities, accelerate adoption across sectors and support Smart City developments that improve urban living.

Presight has already contributed to the creation of Kazakhstan’s first Command Center for Government Analytics and Decision-Making, enabling real-time oversight and management of municipal and national processes—a significant step toward data-driven governance.

Outside Kazakhstan, Presight is expanding AI collaborations in the region, including partnerships in Azerbaijan with the Ministry of Science and Education and the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport to advise on national AI strategies. These efforts reflect the company’s wider goal of fostering sustainable digital transformation across Central Asia.

With its new R&D facility, Presight aims to reinforce its role as a regional AI partner, combining international expertise with local innovation to deliver solutions for governments and communities.