Kazakhstan’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Sayasat Nurbek, visited leading research centers and universities in Belgium, where he discussed prospects for cooperation in deep tech, semiconductor technologies, critical materials, artificial intelligence, engineering education, and scientific and technological development.
The minister visited the Imec research center in Leuven, Belgium—one of the world’s leading centers for micro- and nano-electronics, semiconductor technologies, and digital solutions. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for cooperation in microelectronics, artificial intelligence, digital engineering, training highly qualified personnel, research internships, and Kazakhstan’s participation in international technology projects.
The minister also visited the Institute for Sustainable Metals and Minerals at KU Leuven, which specializes in research in sustainable metal mining and processing, critical and rare earth materials, the circular economy, and greening industrial chains. For Kazakhstan, which possesses significant mineral resource and scientific production potential, cooperation with this research center is of strategic importance. This applies not only to raw material extraction but also to the development of processing technologies, applied research, engineering competencies, and Kazakhstan’s integration into global high-value chains.
The minister emphasized that Kazakhstan is interested in moving toward a deeper scientific and technological partnership with Europe—from academic contacts to sustainable cooperation programs, joint laboratories, personnel training, and applied projects.
“It is important for Kazakhstan to develop cooperation with leading research centers and universities in Europe. Semiconductors, critical materials, artificial intelligence, deep-tech, engineering sciences, and sustainable technologies are areas that determine the future competitiveness of countries. Through platforms like Horizon Europe and Alem AI, we can integrate Kazakhstani universities, research organizations, startups, and young researchers into international consortia and technology chains,” noted Sayasat Nurbek.
Following the meetings, the parties confirmed their intention to develop long-term cooperation in the areas of artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, critical materials, and deep-tech.
Photo: gov.kz
