Astana IT University Becomes Eurasia’s Member of MIT IDSS in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science

Astana IT University has joined the MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS) to support world-class education in artificial intelligence and data science accessible to professionals in Kazakhstan, Central Asia, and across the broader Eurasian space. This is also the first MIT IDSS collaboration in the Eurasian region.

The first discussions between the two institutions began in autumn 2025. Those negotiations resulted in Astana IT University joining the IDSS Strategic Partnership in Education program. This program will help to expand Astana IT University’s presence within the global academic network and enable the university to introduce advanced practices and innovative approaches into its academic activities.

The project launches in a year declared by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Under his leadership, Kazakhstan has set an ambitious course toward becoming a regional technology leader — and the collaboration between AITU and MIT IDSS directly embodies that ambition, connecting the country’s talent with the institution that defines the global frontier of AI and data science.

Two complementary tracks form the core of the IDSS Strategic Partnership in Education. The 12-week program “AI and Data Science: Leveraging Responsible AI, Data and Statistics for Practical Impact” is designed for professionals and managers who need an applied foundation in AI, data science, machine learning, generative AI, and responsible data practices. The 3-day executive intensive “Fundamentals of AI for Leaders in Public and Private Sectors” is designed for senior executives in the public and private sectors who make decisions at the intersection of AI strategy, ethics, and regulation; it will be personally delivered by Professor Munther Dahleh — founder and first director of MIT IDSS — on the Astana IT University campus on June 17–19 as part of AI Week.

Both tracks are based on the MIT IDSS curriculum and are supported by MIT faculty, providing participants with exposure to world-class expertise without leaving the region. This positions AITU as a gateway connecting local talent with the knowledge shaping the global future of AI and data.

The next milestone is AI Week at Astana IT University on June 17–19. As part of AI Week, the 3-day intensive “Fundamentals of AI for Leaders in Public and Private Sectors” will be personally delivered by Professor Munther Dahleh — William A. Coolidge Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) at MIT, and founder and first director of MIT Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS). His visit to Astana marks the first direct visit by senior MIT IDSS leadership, offering leaders from Kazakhstan and across Eurasia a unique opportunity to work directly with one of the world’s leading researchers in AI, data, and network systems.

“This collaboration reflects our commitment to expanding access to rigorous, practice-driven AI and data science education globally, particularly at a time when AI is increasingly shaping economies and societies,” said Professor Munther Dahleh, William A. Coolidge Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT, and instructor for ‘Ethical and Responsible AI’. “We are pleased to support the development of talent equipped to use these technologies responsibly across diverse regions and sectors”.

“Becoming a member of MIT IDSS opens a new chapter for Astana IT University and for the entire region in building talent that will define the technological agenda for decades to come. When the world’s top university recognizes you as a member, that is a quality benchmark” — Altair Akhmetov, Rector of Astana IT University.

About Astana IT University

Astana IT University is a specialized technology university located in Astana, Kazakhstan. Founded in 2019 by The NNEF Public Foundation, AITU offers undergraduate and continuing education programs in IT, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and digital public administration, serving as Kazakhstan’s and the Eurasian region’s national platform for advanced technological education. The university works in close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan, industry partners, and leading international academic partners.