Timur Turlov reveals details of Kazakhstan’s new massive AI cluster project
A large-scale, world-class artificial intelligence cluster is set to be built in Kazakhstan. The project will be developed by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the international corporation Citi and Freedom Holding Corp. The parties signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of a Foreign Investors’ Council meeting chaired by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
New infrastructure: Transition to GPU computing
The key objective of the partnership will be the construction of a data center equipped with advanced technologies and serving as a «computing hub» for the public sector, business and science. The project is called Freedom AI Super Cluster.
According to Freedom Holding Corp. CEO Timur Turlov, the country’ computing infrastructure needs an upgrade, adding that the government has been systematically advancing the country’s digitalization efforts.
«The course toward technological sovereignty and Kazakhstan’s transformation into a digital power has been set at the highest level, and the memorandum we are signing is a concrete step in this direction. Essentially, a new technological era is emerging: while computing infrastructure was previously built around traditional CPU-based systems, a fundamentally different class of infrastructure is now required — GPU clusters tailored for AI tasks, with completely different requirements for data centers, cooling and power supply,» the holding’s director stated.
Implementation stages and security considerations
The launch of the first phase of the supercluster is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The second and third phases will be completed in 2027 and 2028. As Turlov explained, it is not an easy task to acquire this level of computing capacity due to U.S. licensing restrictions and high costs, but demand for it continues to grow.
«Our task is to provide this infrastructure: it’s essential for AI workloads. Without it, both businesses and our government simply cannot move forward,» the CEO emphasized.
He also highlighted that the cluster will operate in full compliance with Kazakhstan’s personal data protection regulations, ensuring secure access for banks and government institutions. The holding is also building a Data Embassy to attract foreign clients.
What is the stance of the government and international partners
Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev believes that the project will facilitate the transition to a new type of economy. He emphasized that the country doesn’t want to be just a consumer of technology; it’s critically important to create the conditions for developing its own AI solutions domestically.
In turn, Global Head of Citi’s Public Sector Group Stephanie von Friedeburg confirmed Citi’s willingness to evaluate innovative approaches to financing. The corporation intends to use its global experience and access to international capital to strengthen Kazakhstan’s technological position.
In addition to the creation of the AI cluster, the agreement provides for the formation of a digital asset ecosystem. The parties intend to develop cooperation in digital banking and cross-border payments based on blockchain solutions.
Freedom Holding Corp. has practical experience collaborating with leading global technology giants, including OpenAI and NVIDIA.
In November 2025, the holding company announced plans to establish a dedicated AI center in collaboration with NVIDIA. At the time, the total cost of this project was estimated at $2 billion.
