Tumar Innovation Hub, Alem AI, and Virtual Actors: The Top IT and Technology News of October 2025

Kyrgyzstan launched the national stablecoin KGST in partnership with Binance

Kyrgyzstan officially introduced the national stablecoin KGST, whose exchange rate is pegged to the national currency—the Kyrgyz som—at a ratio of 1:1. The project is being implemented as part of a state program to develop the digital economy and introduce financial technologies.

Uzbekistan will build the first AI data center for $150 million

Saudi company DataVolt plans to build a 12 MW data center in Uzbekistan on the territory of IT Park in Tashkent. The $150 million project is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. The center will become the first in Central Asia to utilize artificial intelligence technologies and will receive a LEED Gold certificate, confirming compliance with international "green" standards.

Beeline Kazakhstan acquires OLX Kazakhstan for $75 million

International digital operator VEON Ltd. and OLX Group announced the conclusion of an agreement under which Beeline Kazakhstan acquires 100% of the OLX Kazakhstan business. The transaction amount will be $75 million.

Turkic world countries will create their own language model

Creating their own language model will strengthen digital sovereignty and develop AI adapted to Turkic languages and culture.

Grand opening of Tumar Innovation Hub in Dubai

On October 14, at the main stage of Expand North Star within the framework of GITEX Global 2025, the official opening of Tumar Innovation Hub took place—an international platform designed to support and scale startups from Central Asia, helping them enter global markets.

Kaspi QR now works for O!Bank users as well

O!Bank and Kaspi.kz announced the launch of a joint service that simplifies financial transactions between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Now, users of the "My O!" app can instantly transfer money and pay for purchases in Kazakhstan directly from their phones.

Clockster and Workly combine assets to develop AI solutions in HRtech

Kazakh and Uzbek HRtech startups Clockster and Workly announced the consolidation of their assets. The deal has already been completed: Clockster acquired part of Workly's assets and took under management the product and team, which will now operate under the single Clockster brand.

Kaspi introduced palm payment

The feature was developed based on Kaspi's own technologies and, according to company representatives, ensures a high level of security and convenience: users no longer need to take out their phone or card—simply bring their palm close to the terminal.

Pavel Durov will open an artificial intelligence laboratory in Kazakhstan

Founder of Telegram and the social network "VKontakte" Pavel Durov announced the opening of a new research laboratory, Alem AI, in Kazakhstan. He made the statement on October 2 during the plenary session of the international forum Digital Bridge 2025 in Astana.

AI actress Tillie Norwood debuted in Hollywood

Hollywood presented a new generation digital star—Tillie Norwood, a virtual actress created using artificial intelligence. The project is supervised by actress, screenwriter, and producer Elin van der Welden, founder of the company developing AI technologies for cinema and television.