Astana, Kazakhstan – October 18, 2024 – StrategEast, in collaboration with Google and with support from Astana Hub and USAID’s Future Growth Initiative, has successfully concluded the Build with AI for Sustainable Growth project. This initiative aimed to leverage the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to address sustainability challenges across Central Asia and the Caucasus. Launched at the CAMCA Regional Forum in Bishkek on June 12, the initiative brought together developers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia over several months.
The project focused on developing AI-driven solutions in critical areas such as improving air and water quality, enhancing environmental and health standards, combating land degradation and desertification, preserving biodiversity, managing water resources sustainably, and ensuring food security.Participants have engaged in a series of over 50 workshops facilitated by experts from Google and StrategEast, utilizing Google’s cutting-edge AI tools, including Gemini, Google’ most powerful large language model yet.
At the final event in Astana, 21 innovative startups from across the Caucasus and Central Asia presented their AI-powered solutions to a distinguished jury comprising government officials, representatives from IT hubs, and startup enablers. The event kicked off with inspiring opening remarks from Elizabeth Santucci, USAID Kazakhstan Country Coordinator, setting the tone for a future driven by innovation and collaboration. The pitches demonstrated AI’s potential to foster sustainable development and bolster resilience in the region.
Winners Announced
The following startups were recognized for their outstanding contributions and awarded for their innovative AI solutions:
First place – JolQal.ai
Second place – Airth
Third place – FarmForward.
Olga Skorokhodova, Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy for the Caucasus and Central Asia at Google, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “‘Build with AI for Sustainable Growth program aims to empower Central Asia and the Caucasus to become ‘AI Sprinters’ – thriving digital economies fueled by AI innovation. By fostering digital skills and AI literacy, we’re investing in the region’s economic and social development.”
The conclusion of the project included a tour of the Astana Hub and a workshop for senior officials, designed to further explore the integration of AI in addressing regional challenges.
The Build with AI for Sustainable Growth project showcases the shared vision of StrategEast, Google, Astana Hub and USAID’s Future Growth Initiative to promote technological innovation and create sustainable solutions for Central Asia and the Caucasus.
