A Branch of KAIST, a Leading Technology University to Open in Alatau City
Why KAIST?
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is the Republic of Korea’s leading research university and is widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost centers for engineering and technological education.
Often described as the country`s “engineering heart,” KAIST has played a pivotal role in South Korea`s technological leap forward. As a key academic partner to global leaders such as Samsung and Hyundai, the university serves as a vital bridge between fundamental research and real-world industrial applications.
Today, KAIST trains specialists in the world`s most in-demand fields - from artificial intelligence and robotics to advanced materials and clean energy. Adapting this proven model in Alatau City will help build a comprehensive innovation ecosystem, enabling the training of the next generation of talent in Kazakhstan.
KAIST Kazakhstan Project Implementation Update
Key issues related to the establishment of a KAIST branch in Kazakhstan were discussed at a working meeting chaired by Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The meeting was attended by Elena Te, Advisor to the Office of the Chief Executive Officer of the Alatau City Authority State Department Fund, as well as Dana Moldakulova and Daniyar Anuaruly, heads of the KAIST Kazakhstan project.
The discussion focused primarily on the feasibility study, which is now approaching its final stage. The document outlines a comprehensive model for the future university - from its academic structure and research focus areas to detailed requirements for laboratory and research infrastructure. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan is providing systematic oversight of this process, integrating the project into the country`s national research and higher education ecosystem.
It is worth recalling that the foundation for the current phase of work was laid on 22 December 2025 in the Republic of Korea as part of the Alatau Rise initiative. Following an official meeting with the President and the leadership of KAIST, a protocol was signed, formalizing the key parameters for establishing the university branch.
During that visit, the Korean side was presented with the Alatau City master plan and the concept of the K-Park technology park. International partners highly commended the project’s systematic approach and confirmed that the university campus would become one of the core elements of the emerging academic cluster in Alatau City.
The Future of the Project
The opening of the KAIST Kazakhstan branch will mark an important milestone in the development of Alatau City as a new hub for knowledge, research, and high-tech talent. The project lays the foundation for building a sustainable academic environment in the city - one that is fully integrated into international scientific and technological networks and focused on training the next generation of specialists.
Source: www.gov.kz
