ATU Launches AI & VR Lab for Green Future

Almaty Technological University (ATU) has officially opened an innovative laboratory of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) as part of the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon project – marking a significant step in aligning education with global sustainability and digitalisation priorities.

The opening ceremony was led by Bahodir Aliyev, Vice Rector for Science and Innovation, and brought together representatives from leading universities in Kazakhstan and industry partners.

The launch of the laboratory is closely linked to the modernisation of ATU’s academic programmes, built around a “triangle of competencies” designed to prepare graduates for the future economy:

· Green skills – fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable technologies

· Digital skills – developing competencies in AI, VR, and data-driven solutions

· Entrepreneurial skills – enabling innovation, commercialisation, and project management

This integrated approach ensures that students gain not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to apply it in real-world contexts.

As part of the launch, students presented innovative projects demonstrating practical applications of new technologies, including:

· Smart City solutions for urban infrastructure automation

· VR-based educational simulations and immersive learning environments

These projects reflect ATU’s commitment to hands-on, practice-oriented education.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies funded through the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon initiative, including:

· A high-performance computing system for AI applications

· Next-generation VR headsets and digital devices

· 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping

· Thermal imaging and specialised sensors

This infrastructure will support both educational and research activities, particularly for students in Information Systems, Automation, and Robotics.

By integrating AI and VR into its academic ecosystem, ATU is strengthening its contribution to the global green transition and preparing a new generation of specialists capable of addressing sustainability challenges through technology. Almaty Technological University (ATU) has officially opened an innovative laboratory of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) as part of the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon project – marking a significant step in aligning education with global sustainability and digitalisation priorities.

The opening ceremony was led by Bahodir Aliyev, Vice Rector for Science and Innovation, and brought together representatives from leading universities in Kazakhstan and industry partners.

The launch of the laboratory is closely linked to the modernisation of ATU’s academic programmes, built around a “triangle of competencies” designed to prepare graduates for the future economy:

· Green skills – fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable technologies

· Digital skills – developing competencies in AI, VR, and data-driven solutions

· Entrepreneurial skills – enabling innovation, commercialisation, and project management

This integrated approach ensures that students gain not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to apply it in real-world contexts.

As part of the launch, students presented innovative projects demonstrating practical applications of new technologies, including:

· Smart City solutions for urban infrastructure automation

· VR-based educational simulations and immersive learning environments

These projects reflect ATU’s commitment to hands-on, practice-oriented education.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies funded through the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon initiative, including:

· A high-performance computing system for AI applications

· Next-generation VR headsets and digital devices

· 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping

· Thermal imaging and specialised sensors

This infrastructure will support both educational and research activities, particularly for students in Information Systems, Automation, and Robotics.

By integrating AI and VR into its academic ecosystem, ATU is strengthening its contribution to the global green transition and preparing a new generation of specialists capable of addressing sustainability challenges through technology.