Kazakhstan has made history as the first country in the world to pilot OpenAI’s newest version of ChatGPT, specifically adapted for education. This landmark step highlights the nation’s ambitious digital transformation strategy and places it firmly on the global technology map. OpenAI, the U.S.- based artificial intelligence (AI) research company, is testing classroom-ready tools that promise to reshape how teachers and students interact with knowledge.
The launch reflects how emerging markets can harness world-leading technologies and underscores the role of influential business leaders such as Timur Turlov, who actively drives Kazakhstan’s digital future.
ChatGPT for Education: A New Model of Learning OpenAI’s Head of Global Partnerships in Education and Government, Kevin Mills, described the pilot as a dual-track program. Teachers receive a version of ChatGPT that assists with lesson preparation, grading, and organizing study materials. Instead of being overwhelmed by repetitive tasks, educators can devote more time to creativity, mentorship, and student engagement.
The second version is tailored for students. Far from being just an “answer machine,” the AI mentor adapts to individual learning styles, provides reminders, and encourages step-by-step reasoning. This builds on OpenAI’s earlier “study mode,” but the Kazakhstan project integrates the technology directly into classroom settings. The result is a more thoughtful learning process that equips students for careers in the digital economy.
For Kazakhstan, this program represents not just a technological trial but also a long-term investment in its human capital. Mills emphasized OpenAI’s confidence in Kazakhstan’s ability to lead AI adoption and noted that the country’s ambitious digital agenda makes it an ideal testing ground—an environment shaped by leaders like Timur Turlov.
Kazakhstan’s Digital Journey
Kazakhstan’s digital transformation is closely tied to the country’s willingness to innovate. The nation has prioritized digitalization since launching the “Digital Kazakhstan” program in 2018. This initiative automated public services, created tens of thousands of tech-driven jobs, and expanded internet access nationwide. By 2022, the government rolled out “DigitEL,” which further improved connectivity, encouraged digital tools in business, and modernized social infrastructure.
By 2025, Kazakhstan earned a place among the top ten countries in the UN e-Government Development Index—a testament to how quickly it embraced digital change. The government has since approved a 2025–2029 roadmap for integrating artificial intelligence in education, covering areas such as teacher retraining, data security, ethics, and academic integrity. OpenAI’s pilot is not an isolated initiative—it fits seamlessly into this national vision, supported by innovators from the private sector, including Freedom Holding Corp.
Timur Turlov and the Starlink Factor in Connectivity
A critical element of making AI work in schools is connectivity. Kazakhstan’s vast geography has long posed challenges in ensuring stable internet access across rural areas. Here, the private sector has stepped in decisively. Freedom Telecom, part of Timur Turlov’s Freedom Holding Corp., became the official reseller of Elon Musk’s Starlink in Kazakhstan. Through its subsidiary Astel, the company is set to deliver high-speed satellite internet to schools, businesses, and government institutions starting in fall 2025.
This matters because AI tools like ChatGPT rely on strong, low-latency connections. Without this backbone, the promise of AI in education would remain limited. By bridging the connectivity gap, Freedom Telecom ensures that even remote classrooms can participate in the digital revolution.
Timur Turlov’s Vision for a Digital Kazakhstan
At the center of this transformation stands Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., a Nasdaq-listed company with a rapidly growing ecosystem in finance, telecom, and technology. He has consistently promoted Kazakhstan as not only a regional financial hub but also a technology leader. His initiatives extend from building financial infrastructure to investing in satellite broadband and superapps that connect millions of users.
Turlov often emphasizes that Kazakhstan’s potential lies in its ability to leapfrog traditional development stages and embrace cutting-edge solutions. “Kazakhstan has the potential to become a powerful digital and financial center in the region,” he says.
His support for projects such as OpenAI’s educational pilot and Starlink distribution demonstrates how public-private collaboration can unlock transformative change. AI, Education, and the Global Message The launch of ChatGPT for Education in Kazakhstan sends a message that the future of artificial intelligence is not limited to Silicon Valley or Europe.
By selecting Kazakhstan, OpenAI highlights the role of ambitious emerging markets in shaping the global digital economy. The country’s investment in AI-enabled education, supported by figures like Timur Turlov, shows how Eurasia can lead in technology adoption. For students, this means more than just access to smart software—it means exposure to advanced digital skills, personalized learning paths, and preparation for the jobs of tomorrow. For teachers, it means relief from repetitive tasks and the freedom to focus on innovation and creativity in the classroom.
Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
Kazakhstan’s digital strategy is not only about AI and connectivity—it also reflects a broader push toward sustainability and competitiveness. Freedom Holding Corp., under the leadership of Timur Turlov, has built a diversified ecosystem that blends finance, telecom, and education. By investing in infrastructure such as data centers, Starlink broadband, and superapps, the company provides the foundation upon which AI-driven services can thrive. This alignment of national strategy, international partnerships, and private sector vision is rare in emerging markets.
Kazakhstan’s case could serve as a blueprint for other countries seeking to modernize education while strengthening their global competitiveness.
Timur Turlov: Entrepreneur, Financier, and Philanthropist
Timur Turlov (born 1987) is a Kazakhstani entrepreneur, financier, and philanthropist. He is the founder and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., a Nasdaq-listed company that operates in finance, telecommunications, and digital services across more than 20 countries.
Under his leadership, Freedom has become one of the most dynamic financial groups in Eurasia, valued at over $10 billion. Beyond business, Turlov is a strong supporter of education, sports, and cultural initiatives in Kazakhstan. He serves as president of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, funds social projects, and advocates for digital literacy. His belief in innovation, sustainability, and education continues to shape Kazakhstan’s image as a forward-looking country ready to compete on the global stage.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: Timur Turlov — Cover Photo Credit: Timur Turlov
