From AI-sports to esports: The Kazakh National University of Sports has concluded agreements on the digital future of sports at AI & Digital Bridge 2026

The Kazakh National University of Sports is expanding its partnerships at the intersection of sports, science, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies. On the sidelines of the annual largest forum on artificial intelligence and digital technologies in Central Asia, AI & Digital Bridge 2026, the university signed two memoranda of cooperation simultaneously.

Today, the sports industry is changing rapidly: technologies allow not only for measuring results but also for analyzing athlete technique, modeling training processes, automating officiating, and creating new competition formats. It is precisely these promising areas that the new stage of KNUS partnerships is aimed at.

KNUS signed its first memorandum with the National Federation of Digital and AI Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The parties will combine the university's scientific, educational, and sports potential with the Federation's technological expertise. The collaboration focuses on digital sports, sports science, and the practical application of artificial intelligence. Within the framework of the agreement, there are plans to conduct joint research, sports events, and online competitions, as well as to create opportunities for student internships and the testing of digital solutions.

The Kazakh National University of Sports signed the second memorandum with the organization Shygys Gaming League, which specializes in the digital support of esports tournaments. The cooperation will focus on the development of IT technologies and esports, the training of specialists, and the creation of a scientific and practical foundation in this field.

One of the key areas will be the joint implementation of educational programs in "Esports" and "Sports Analytics," as well as professional development and retraining programs for coaching, teaching, scientific, and administrative staff. The parties also intend to create joint research groups and laboratories, introduce modern digital solutions into the educational process, and develop new management models in the sports industry with a focus on IT and esports.

The two agreements cover different yet complementary areas: artificial intelligence and the digitalization of sports processes.

For KNUS, this means expanding opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers, and creating an environment where modern technologies become an integral part of education, science, and the practical training of specialists.

It is symbolic that the new agreements were concluded at the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, which brings together technology companies, investors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and government representatives. In 2026, the forum is taking place from October 1–3 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana and is positioned by the organizers as the largest technology forum in the region.

For KNUS, participation in AI & Digital Bridge 2026 has become not only an opportunity to be part of the region's main technology platform but also a concrete step toward forming a new sports ecosystem.