Astana, 4 November, . President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received Network School founder Balaji Srinivasan, welcomed the launch of Network School Kazakhstan in Astana and awarded him the Order of Dostyk, 2nd degree, for his contribution to the development of artificial intelligence and innovation in Kazakhstan, the Akorda said.
Tokayev praised Network School’s contribution to building the country’s technology ecosystem and the company’s interest in partnering with Kazakh universities, start-ups and technology companies. The President thanked Srinivasan for his investment support for the Astana AI Film Festival and told him about People’s Construction, under which schools, universities and medical facilities are to be built on a large scale.
According to the Akorda, Srinivasan noted Kazakhstan’s combination of advanced technology and traditional industries and presented the priorities of Network School Kazakhstan: digital solutions, human capital development and an environment for introducing innovation.
What it means: Astana is becoming one of the venues of the international Network School project, and the President has marked this with a state award for its founder.
Who benefits: Kazakh start-ups and universities that have been promised partnerships, and Network School itself; the Akorda does not name the amount of investment or project timelines in Kazakhstan.
Background: The President awards the Order of Dostyk to foreigners for their contribution to relations with Kazakhstan; in October, as VRK News reported, the chief executive of Atlético Madrid received it.
