Astana Advances Smart City Initiative with AI and Digital Twin Technology
Astana is set to enhance urban management and public safety through its ambitious Smart City initiative, integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology by 2030. This project, supported through a public-private partnership, aims to modernize the city’s infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.
Currently, Astana operates 700 hardware and software systems, including 6,000 cameras monitoring linear sections and intersections, 4,000 general surveillance cameras, and 3,000 third-party cameras. These systems are centrally managed by the city’s Central Control Center.
On Feb. 14, Astana’s Digitalization and Public Services Department announced a six-year, $190 million agreement with Presight AI, a public company under the UAE-based G42 international holding. This partnership will enhance and expand the city’s existing surveillance infrastructure.
Under the agreement, the initiative will deploy 14,000 general video surveillance cameras, integrate 8,000 third-party cameras, and establish 1,202 systems for traffic violation monitoring. The project’s AI-driven video analytics will provide real-time insights, improving traffic optimization, emergency response times, and situational awareness.
A cornerstone of the initiative is the creation of Astana’s digital twin, a virtual model of the city powered by over 100,000 connected video surveillance cameras and advanced analytics. This system will enable real-time identification of potential threats and streamline urban management processes.
Presight AI CEO Thomas Pramotedham praised Astana’s leadership in adopting AI for smart city applications, noting that the project’s ecosystem will enhance public safety and urban efficiency.
Additionally, 60% of the project’s work will be carried out by Kazakhstani companies, ensuring local expertise and participation in the city’s technological advancement.
Photo credit: Astana Department of Digitalization and Public Services.
