Telegram founder Pavel Durov opened his speech at the Digital Bridge forum in Astana with a playful remark about finding a wife in Kazakhstan, before turning to a major announcement on artificial intelligence.
«Many successful people told me they came to Kazakhstan to find a wife,» he said. «Well, regrettably, I haven’t come here today to find myself a wife. At least, it’s not the primary purpose of it. I came here to talk about AI.»
After the joke, Durov described artificial intelligence as a disruptive force that will reshape every sector. He praised Kazakhstan for approaching the technology with hope and excitement, saying this was the right way to face new challenges.
AI Lab in Partnership With Telegram
He then announced the creation of Alem AI, a new research laboratory based in Astana. The first project will see Telegram partner with Kazakhstan’s supercomputer cluster under the Ministry of AI.
According to Durov, Telegram has been working quietly on a new technology that combines AI and blockchain. This network will allow over a billion people to use AI functions in a decentralised, private and efficient manner. Kazakhstan’s supercomputer cluster will be the first major supplier of computing power for the system.
The project will be guided by three principles: transparency through the TON blockchain, efficiency via smart contracts and market dynamics, and privacy enabled by advances in chip technology that protect user data.
Durov added that Telegram had already improved services for Kazakhstan’s 12 mln users by boosting connectivity between data centres and local telecoms.
«This was the first step,» he said. «And now we are going to bring much more. Together, we are going to allow a billion people to use AI in a way that is transparent, efficient and private.»
He closed by thanking the audience, emphasising Telegram’s role in driving forward future technologies with Kazakhstan as a key partner.
Kursiv also reports that Pavel Durov met students at IQanat school in Astana before his appearance at the Digital Bridge forum.
