Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, has officially announced the launch of a cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) laboratory in Astana, Kazakhstan. The announcement came during the Digital Bridge 2025 international forum, signaling a strategic partnership between Telegram and Kazakhstan’s supercomputer cluster, supported by the nation’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence. This move positions Kazakhstan as a central hub in Telegram’s mission to deliver advanced AI-driven features to its global community of over 1 billion users.
According to Durov, the laboratory will serve as a platform for exploring innovative solutions at the intersection of blockchain and AI technologies. He emphasized that Kazakhstan’s supercomputing resources will power the infrastructure, ensuring that Telegram users worldwide can access intelligent features that are transparent, efficient, and privacy-focused. The project’s long-term vision is not just to enhance Telegram’s ecosystem but also to redefine how large-scale messaging platforms integrate AI responsibly.
Telegram has been actively expanding its infrastructure in Kazakhstan, which has already improved connectivity for over 12 million local users. Durov noted that these improvements were part of a broader preparation phase leading to the AI initiative. The newly established laboratory will be based at Alem.ai in Astana, where developers and researchers will collaborate closely with local partners to push forward innovation.
The project also builds upon Telegram’s growing footprint in the region. In 2023, the company established its first regional office in Kazakhstan and partnered with Astana Hub, the country’s leading tech ecosystem. By reinforcing these ties, Telegram is aligning itself with Kazakhstan’s digital development agenda while ensuring access to top-tier talent and resources.
Kazakhstan’s government has welcomed the launch, underscoring its strategic importance for the country’s digital transformation. Officials stressed that hosting Telegram’s AI hub places Kazakhstan at the forefront of global efforts in AI innovation and strengthens its role as a leader in advanced digital infrastructure.
For Telegram, this development represents a turning point. By leveraging AI-powered tools, the platform aims to introduce smarter user experiences without compromising on privacy—a principle central to its philosophy. With AI-driven features on the horizon, Telegram is setting a new benchmark for how messaging platforms can integrate next-generation technologies responsibly and at scale.
In conclusion, Telegram’s AI laboratory in Kazakhstan highlights the fusion of technology, governance, and user needs. With strong local partnerships, massive infrastructure, and a bold global vision, the initiative promises to shape the future of secure, intelligent, and user-centric communication for billions worldwide.
