Nvidia’s Huang sees Kazakhstan as a computing hub for Europe

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Kazakhstan could become a major AI computing hub for Europe during his first visit to the country. Speaking with Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev at Alem.ai in Astana, Huang highlighted its abundant energy resources and growing computing capacity as competitive advantages, suggesting Kazakhstan could export intelligence rather than simply energy.

Madiyev said Kazakhstan plans to nearly double its installed power capacity to more than 40 gigawatts by 2035. A flagship project, Data Center Valley in Ekibastuz, has a first 50-megawatt phase expected to begin operations in 2027. Its energy infrastructure could eventually scale up to one gigawatt.

Huang also backed the development of a domestic foundation model, describing control over national data and AI infrastructure as a security concern. Kazakhstan is already developing Kazakh-language large language models using open-source foundations. He endorsed its potential in physical AI, pointing to applications across mining, agriculture, transport and logistics, including geological analysis and materials processing.

The discussions also covered Nvidia’s investment in Kazakh-founded generative video startup Higgsfield AI. Huang praised its founders and said its presence in Kazakhstan and the United States could connect the countries’ ecosystems. He later met President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who called AI and digitalisation national priorities and welcomed closer cooperation with Nvidia.