On August 21–22, Kostanay hosted the Qostanai Investment Forum 2025, which became the largest regional platform dedicated to digitalization, the implementation of artificial intelligence, and attracting investment in high-tech projects. The forum brought together representatives of government agencies, international organizations, the business community, and the IT industry.

On the eve of the forum, on August 21, the region hosted important events that set the tone for the entire program. On this day, the second stage of the project to expand mobile coverage was launched. The first stage was launched in December last year and provided stable communications in 15 villages of the region. Continuing the implementation of the initiative, the Akim of the Kostanay region Kumar Aksakalov and the management of Beeline Kazakhstan Rauan Kabdrakhimov signed a memorandum of cooperation, securing plans for the further development of telecommunications infrastructure. As the head of the region noted, the project is the result of a partnership between the state and business and is aimed at ensuring that every resident of the region feels part of a single digital space.

Also on August 21, Qostanai Hub hosted events for the startup community. The traditional Pizza Pitch became a platform where young entrepreneurs presented their projects to an expert jury and investors. On the same day, a meeting was held with the heroes of the Forbes "30 under 30" rating, including the founder of the EasyTap platform Mazgum Tolesh, the Secretary General of the Federation of Sports Programming Adina Magavina and the co-founder of IGPS Tech Miras Bayzhigit. These initiatives emphasized the importance of the regional technology park as a center for supporting innovation and the IT community.

The main part of the forum took place on August 22 at the KIA Qazaqstan plant. A technology exhibition was held there, where developments of regional enterprises in the field of digital solutions and artificial intelligence were presented.

The plenary session of the forum was opened by Kazakhstani expert Rakhim Oshakpayev. During the discussions, key issues of the development of artificial intelligence and digitalization were considered. Akim of the region Kumar Aksakalov emphasized that the region is already actively using artificial intelligence in a number of areas. The work is carried out in accordance with the tasks set by the Head of State at a recent extended meeting of the Government - on the active implementation of AI in the regions of the country. He also outlined priority areas for the implementation of AI in the agro-industrial complex, where the concept of "smart farms" is already being implemented, and in the housing and communal services sector, where it is planned to use in-pipe diagnostics systems. He emphasized that the Kostanay region attracts the attention of investors and IT companies and has the potential to become one of the leaders in the field of innovation.

International and national experts also made presentations. EU Ambassador to Kazakhstan Aleshko Simkich presented an overview of the new EU Law on Artificial Intelligence, which entered into force on August 1, 2025, establishing regulatory rules for facial recognition systems, predictive analytics and generative technologies. Vice Minister of Digital Development Dmitry Mun spoke about the importance of the Astana Hub technology park and its Kostanay branch Qostanai Hub, which took third place in the country in terms of the number of applications under the Startup Garage program. Renat Bekturov, Manager of the Astana International Financial Center, emphasized the role of the AIFC in attracting foreign investment in digital, green and technology projects. Bagdat Musin, Chairman of the Board of Kazakhtelecom JSC, spoke about the prospects of telecommunications, presenting initiatives to create a national video monitoring system, launch the AI-Mektep educational platform, and use drones and AI technologies for early detection of forest fires. Kim Dae Ki, CEO of KIA Qazaqstan, announced the introduction of about 70 industrial robots that will ensure a high level of automation and stable product quality. Sergiu Smocinschi, Head of METOS, noted the importance of digital data for modern agriculture and its role in predicting plant diseases and using autonomous equipment. Irina Sulimenko, President of the Association of IT Companies of Kazakhstan, shared her experience of using AI in livestock farming, citing an example of a "digital veterinarian" system that helps prevent diseases in animals. Mazgum Tolesh also presented his development, presenting the EasyTap startup - an online service for finding hourly employees in the retail and HoReCa sectors.

Qostanai Investment Forum 2025 became a significant stage in the implementation of the region's digital transformation program. The event showed that Kostanay region is not only actively implementing digital solutions, but also forming a full-fledged ecosystem for startups and investors, striving to take leading positions in the field of innovation and technology in accordance with national development priorities.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/kostanay/press/news/details/1055661?lang=kk