17/06/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18tkURHuzn/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Armenian-Founded Firebird & Kazakhstan Sign $10 Billion AI Deal, Backed by NVIDIA 🇦🇲
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On June 15, Firebird Inc. signed a package of strategic cooperation agreements with the Government of Kazakhstan worth up to $10 billion, aimed at developing national next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure, advanced computing capacity, and a globally competitive digital AI ecosystem. The figure was confirmed by the official information source of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The discussions and signing were held in Astana with the participation of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, NVIDIA Vice President of Omniverse and Simulation Technology Rev Lebaredian, and Firebird Co-Founders Razmig Hovaghimian and Alexander Yesayan. Also present were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhtelecom Management Board Chairman Bagdat Mussin, and U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Julie Stuff.
The centerpiece of the package is Data Center Valley, a large-scale computing project planned for Ekibastuz in Kazakhstan's northeastern Pavlodar region. The government has allocated roughly 1,400 hectares for the development, with planned power capacity that could eventually reach one gigawatt. The first phase is set at about $5 billion, including $1 billion from state-owned operator Kazakhtelecom, and aims to bring a 125-megawatt site online commercially in 2027. A second phase could add another $5 billion on a timeline to be decided later.
The planned cluster is designed around as many as 100,000 next-generation NVIDIA GPUs, including GB300 and Vera Rubin chips, positioning it as one of the largest AI computing facilities in the region. Under the partnership, Firebird's Kazakh subsidiary will secure and finance the AI computing infrastructure, while Kazakhtelecom provides the power, cooling, and telecommunications connectivity. The agreements also establish Firebird Labs Kazakhstan, built on the foundation of the country's Alem.ai initiative.
The cooperation establishes a foundation for collaboration in AI infrastructure, advanced computing systems, cloud technologies, research initiatives, and digital economy development. It supports Kazakhstan's ambition to strengthen its position as a leading technology and innovation hub in Central Eurasia.
The agreements follow a high-level meeting earlier this year between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, NVIDIA Vice President of Global AI Infrastructure Growth Nico Caprez, and Firebird Co-Founders, where the parties discussed opportunities for collaboration in the design, construction, and operation of large-scale next-generation computing platforms.
"Countries that invest today in advanced AI computing capacity, talent development, and innovation ecosystems will shape the economic opportunities of tomorrow. Firebird combines proven deployment experience with cutting edge U.S. technology stack, deep partnerships across the global AI ecosystem, and the ability to execute large-scale AI infrastructure projects securely, with exceptional speed. We are proud to support Kazakhstan's vision and look forward to helping build long-term national AI capacity," said Razmig Hovaghimian.
"Artificial intelligence is becoming the new foundational infrastructure of the global economy. To develop our own AI solutions, individual digital products are not enough: a holistic ecosystem is needed, encompassing energy, modern data centers, computing power, data, and access to advanced technologies. Kazakhstan is consistently building such a foundation. Our goal is to transform the country's infrastructural advantages into a long-term driver of economic growth and strengthen Kazakhstan's position as one of the key digital hubs in Eurasia," noted Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Madiyev added that the project is expected to generate at least $3 billion in annual export revenue, create new jobs, and accelerate the country's transformation into a major digital hub in Eurasia.
Firebird is currently completing the first phase of its flagship AI Factory in Armenia, scheduled to become operational in July 2026. Developed from initial construction to deployment readiness in just over six months, the project represents one of the fastest AI infrastructure rollouts of its kind globally. Armenia remains Firebird's flagship and largest platform, designed to scale beyond 100,000 NVIDIA Blackwell and Vera Rubin GPUs across the company's approved three-phase expansion strategy by the end of 2027.
Firebird's ambitions extend well beyond any single market. The company's vision has always been "from Armenia to the world," Co-Founder Razmig Hovaghimian told Zartonk, with a goal of reaching one gigawatt of computing capacity globally by the end of 2027 and two gigawatts by 2028 across seven markets. Kazakhstan represents one of the most significant steps yet toward that target.
Firebird's experience demonstrates that large-scale AI infrastructure projects can be successfully delivered through collaboration between governments, technology companies, financial institutions, and research communities. The company's growing footprint across Armenia and now Kazakhstan places two Armenian co-founders at the center of national AI capacity-building in two countries at once.
Firebird's goal is to create national AI capacity that allows countries to participate in the AI economy at global scale.
About Firebird
Firebird is a U.S.-based AI cloud and infrastructure company designed to provide secure, scalable, and globally accessible GPU infrastructure. Its mission is to democratize access to advanced AI computing, enabling innovation across research and enterprise in both the private and public sectors.
