Kazakhstan trains next generation of AI startups to transform agriculture

Drone-based tech and neural networks aim to boost crop yields and reduce resource use under national AI-Sana initiative

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Kazakhstan is tapping into artificial intelligence to modernize its agricultural sector, with thousands of students now trained under a national initiative aimed at deploying drone-based solutions and neural networks on farms.

More than 9,000 participants have completed the first phase of the government-backed AI-Sana program, receiving certification in digital agricultural technologies. 

The next stage involves developing AI-powered startup projects focused on increasing crop yields, cutting water and fertilizer use, and streamlining farm operations.

Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, one of the leading institutions in the initiative, has established infrastructure including smart labs and specialized centers to support AI and drone integration in agriculture.

“These startups have the potential to scale globally,” said Zaure Orazalina, Digital Officer at the university. “AI-Sana is designed to help these projects achieve commercial viability, especially in agrotech. We’re training specialists in areas like veterinary medicine, agrobiology, and precision farming.”

The initiative reflects Kazakhstan’s broader push to develop homegrown AI expertise and digital innovation across sectors. In total, students from 26 universities—including the International Information Technology University and Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University—have received training in neural networks and digital tools relevant to agriculture and industry.

Beyond university-level efforts, the AI-Sana program has reached a wide portion of the general population. Over 650,000 Kazakh citizens have completed basic digital literacy courses offered through the initiative, according to official data.

Kazakhstan, one of Central Asia’s largest agricultural producers, sees AI and drone technologies as key to boosting productivity while improving sustainability in the face of climate stress and water scarcity. Officials hope the program will generate a pipeline of tech-driven startups capable of both domestic impact and international expansion.