KBTU Responds to Growing Industry Demand for Artificial Intelligence Specialists

Almaty, August 2026: In the year of its 25th anniversary, the Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) is strengthening one of its key development areas – training specialists in artificial intelligence (AI), information technology, and the digital economy.

Today, KBTU is among the leading universities in Kazakhstan in IT education and is consistently strengthening its research expertise in artificial intelligence. KBTU, as part of an inter-institutional working group on AI led by Dana Isabaeva (leader of the AI ​​in Business Working Group of the British Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan), Dinara Abileva (Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Kazakhstan), Bauyrzhan Ermagambetov (Deputy Director of the Institute of Digital Transformation and AI at Narxoz University), Madina Alimanova (Director of the Institute of Digital Transformation and AI), Akniyet Rustemkyzy (Junior Researcher), and Asel Akzhalova (Professor at the School of IT and Engineering, Director of the SDG Project Department at KBTU), prepared a report entitled "Implementation of Artificial Intelligence and the Search for Technological Solutions in Industrial Companies in Kazakhstan."

The study shows that interest in AI in Kazakhstani industry is almost universal – 100% of surveyed companies named AI and machine learning as priority technologies. However, 58.8% of AI initiatives remain at the pilot stage, and none of the surveyed companies have achieved large-scale industrial implementation. The main barrier was the shortage of specialists and internal expertise in AI, scoring 3.71 out of 5, which is higher than the estimated cost of technology implementation (3.53). The report identified the development of personnel and expertise as a critical priority for businesses.

KBTU is already responding to this market demand by expanding specialist training and developing education at the intersection of technology, business, and new digital competencies. In 2026, the university launched new educational programs in AI and the digital economy: a bachelor's degree in "Data Science and Artificial Intelligence"; a bachelor's degree in "Information Technology and Digital Law"; a master's degree in "Computational Economics and Artificial Intelligence"; and an MBA in "Business Law." KBTU is also expanding its international education opportunities. Students majoring in IT and business can pursue 3+1 and 1+1 international educational pathways with Arden University (UK) and Avila University (USA), combining studies in Kazakhstan with international academic experience.

The full report, "Implementation of Artificial Intelligence and the Search for Technological Solutions in Industrial Companies in Kazakhstan," can be found at this link.