In Shymkent, the first IT city in Kazakhstan will be built.

On March 27, 2026, in Shymkent, within the framework of the Digital Kazakhstan forum, a Memorandum of Intent and Strategic Partnership for the SHYMKENT IT CITY project was signed. The document solidified the alliance of key participants: IT City Development, MOST Holding, and the local business community.

The SHYMKENT IT CITY project is positioned as the first full-fledged innovative residential and business cluster in Kazakhstan. It will combine housing for IT specialists, AI laboratories, coworking spaces, educational centers, startup studios, and accelerators. The initiative is aimed at retaining technological talents, attracting international investments, and developing the country's AI economy. According to the authors' vision, the cluster will become the "Silicon Valley" of southern Kazakhstan.

Construction is planned on a one-hectare plot in the Karatau district of Shymkent, with the possibility of expansion to 6-10 hectares. The completion of the first phase is scheduled for early 2028.

The main author of the idea was Bakht Niyazov — a venture investor, shareholder of MOST Holding, founder of Justart VC Studio, and representative of IT City Development. On behalf of the holding company, the document was signed by Pavel Koktyshchev. Within the framework of the partnership, MOST Holding will be responsible for intellectual and operational support of the innovative part of the project, including the development of IT hub concepts, AI expertise, educational clusters, and the formation of the IT community.

The local strategic partner is Elibay Tokbergenov — a public figure and entrepreneur from southern Kazakhstan. He will provide resource support for the project, facilitate integration into regional infrastructure, and interact with government bodies.

Bakht Niyazov, representative of IT City Development

In 2026, the parties plan to develop the project and commence construction work. Concurrently, a study of the needs of IT specialists in the region will be conducted, and a pool of potential residents will be formed. The full completion of the first phase, including the commissioning of the residential complex and the AI center, is scheduled for early 2028.