Kazakhstan signs MOU with U.S. eVTOL developer Joby Aviation as part of AI-driven urban mobility plan
Kazakhstan is preparing to bring air taxi services into operation for the first time, as part of the development of Alatau, a new AI-powered smart city planned near Almaty.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with U.S.-based Joby Aviation to purchase electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, according to reports from Kazakh news outlets on November 11.
Read more: Alatau smart city to introduce Kazakhstan’s first air taxi service
Kazakhstan is courting South Korean investment for its next phase of industrial and digital transformation, including an AI-centered smart city project and new transport initiatives, Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Kuantyrov said Thursday.
Speaking at a briefing held at The Hilton Hotel ahead of the Kazakhstan Global Investment Round (KGIR) in Astana, Kuantyrov said the two countries share common goals in digitalization and artificial intelligence, and that a new project — the city of Alatau — will anchor future cooperation.
Read more: Kazakhstan eyes Korean investment for AI-driven smart city, industrial growth
The modernization of housing-utilities and water infrastructure sectors is a key factor of the country’s sustainable development. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said it presenting his annual State-of-the-Nation Address at a joint session of the Parliament chambers, Kazinform News Agency reports.
He criticized the Government and local executive authorities for their inactivity over the course of decades, which resulted in critical condition of the country’s housing and utilities sector.
Read more: KZ: President highlights need to scale up Smart City Concept in all regions
The Central Asian nation is positioning itself as a leader in government cryptocurrency adoption.
Kazakhstan is making bold moves in the digital currency world. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev recently announced plans to create a government-backed cryptocurrency fund and build the world’s first fully digital city where people can pay for everything with crypto.
This puts Kazakhstan ahead of larger countries that are still debating whether their governments should invest in digital assets.
Read more: Kazakhstan President Announces State Crypto Fund and Smart City Digital Payments
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has announced plans to develop Alatau as a major hub for business and innovation, positioning it as a model for Kazakhstan’s technological future, Trend reports.
“In many rapidly developing countries, so-called cities of accelerated development have become poles of attraction for investment and technology. Our new center of business activity and innovation is to be the city of Alatau,” Tokayev said as he addressed the nation today.
Read more: Alatau city project announced as Kazakhstan's first fully digital city