Kazakhstan is steadily strengthening its position on the global educational technology map. At BETT Show 2026 in London, the country’s National Pavilion presented concrete achievements of Kazakh universities in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and inclusive education, demonstrating that Kazakhstan is no longer just learning from global trends but actively shaping them, DKNews.kz reports.
The British Education Training and Technology Show (BETT) took place from January 21 to 23, 2026, at the ExCeL London exhibition center. Recognized as the world’s largest EdTech platform, BETT annually brings together more than 30,000 education leaders, teachers, innovators, and investors from 130 countries.
This year’s exhibition was attended by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, along with rectors and senior representatives of the country’s leading universities.
From observers to solution providers
Kazakhstan is participating in BETT Show for the second consecutive year. While last year’s focus was primarily on studying international experience and establishing partnerships, 2026 marked a shift toward showcasing tangible results of digital modernization within Kazakhstan’s higher education system.
The national pavilion was organized with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan and reflects the country’s strategic direction outlined by the President, who declared 2026 the “Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.”
Nazarbayev University: AI-driven education and global EdTech startups
Nazarbayev University presented three EdTech startups aimed at transforming digital and inclusive education.
Alpha Education is an integrated IT education ecosystem combining an LMS platform, university programs, and AI infrastructure to train in-demand specialists and scale educational products in line with industry needs.
Artisan Education is a personalized STEAM platform designed to develop engineering thinking. The project has already been implemented in 68 schools across Kazakhstan and is expanding internationally through pilot programs abroad.
WeGlobal.AI is an AI-based platform for early identification of students at risk and for supporting student well-being. It is currently used in more than 1,000 schools across Central Asia and is being adapted, together with Nazarbayev University, for universities and post-school institutions.
ENU: Inclusive technologies and the smart campus concept
At BETT 2026, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University showcased breakthrough solutions in artificial intelligence, inclusivity, and smart campus technologies.
Among the highlights were inclusive educational tools such as MOOCs with professional sign language interpretation, an inclusive digital guide, a Kazakh-language avatar sign-language interpreter, and an emotional AI lecturer capable of delivering lectures naturally.
The university also presented Smart.ENU, a smart campus ecosystem that integrates AI, IoT, and big data analytics to personalize learning and improve university management.
Special attention was drawn to the international “Luban Workshop” project, implemented jointly with China’s Tianjin Vocational Institute. The initiative focuses on training specialists in Deep Learning, Machine Learning, Data Mining, and industrial cybersecurity, while strengthening international technological cooperation.
Satbayev University: biotechnology and smart materials
Satbayev University attracted significant interest with its research in biotechnology, medicine, agribusiness, and water treatment.
Key projects included the creation of a biotechnology R&D center for agricultural innovation, a multifunctional long-acting wound-healing polymer material for medical use, edible “smart” nanocomposite packaging made from agricultural waste, and highly antiseptic polymer-clay composites for water purification.
Atyrau University: AI hubs and cybersecurity
The Atyrau University of Oil and Gas named after S. Utebayev presented projects developed within its AI HUB, highlighting achievements in AI-driven digital transformation.
Among them were Edu Data Insight, a predictive analytics platform with an AI mentor for managing student academic trajectories, Edu AVATAR, an immersive AI-avatar-based learning platform with automated content generation and assessment, intelligent AI assistants for staff and faculty, the Fixit cybersecurity threat analysis platform, and HRtech, a system for workforce analytics and risk management.
Student-led IT solutions and Smart City concepts
Kozybayev University showcased digital solutions developed by students of dual-degree programs within the Smart City and university digital transformation framework.
Projects included KU Timetable, an automated scheduling system, KU Track, a corporate project management platform, District, a mobile solution for condominium management, and Scroll, a 24/7 intelligent chatbot for university admissions.
Engineering, digital archaeology, and cultural heritage
At the exhibition, D. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University highlighted its engineering and interdisciplinary research priorities.
Its flagship project, the Luban Workshop, demonstrates Kazakhstan–China cooperation in training next-generation engineers using AI, AR/VR, simulation systems, and autonomous driving technologies. The university also presented digital archaeology research, featuring VR reconstructions of 4,000-year-old rock art, enabling immersive study of cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, KazGASA (International Educational Corporation) introduced a digital platform for preserving and updating architectural heritage using digital twins, 3D, and AR technologies.
A British university campus in Kazakhstan
Cardiff University Kazakhstan, the first overseas branch of Cardiff University and the first Russell Group campus in Central Asia, announced new bachelor’s and master’s programs to be launched in the coming years. The university also presented plans for a 20-hectare campus designed for 10,000 students, featuring academic buildings, research centers, residences, and sports and leisure infrastructure.
Kazakhstan’s growing role in global education
Kazakhstan’s participation in BETT Show 2026 demonstrates the successful implementation of national strategies in digitalization and artificial intelligence. The country is increasingly positioning itself not only as a consumer of global educational technologies but as a competitive exporter of innovative solutions, strengthening its international reputation and showcasing the intellectual and technological potential of its universities on the world stage.
