On September 23, Astana will host HackAlem AI — one of the world’s largest AI hackathons, bringing together thousands of developers, students, young professionals, and IT enthusiasts from Kazakhstan and other countries. OpenAI will serve as an official partner of the hackathon.
HackAlem AI participants will receive access to OpenAI technology resources worth up to $1 million to develop and launch their own AI solutions. Winners will additionally receive $100,000 in OpenAI API tokens, while the hackathon’s total cash prize pool will amount to $100,000. This brings the total value of prizes and technology resources at HackAlem AI to $1.1 million. The winners will be recognized on stage at the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026.
Registration is now open. Applications can be submitted at hackalem.ai.
“Hosting HackAlem AI in Kazakhstan is an important step in advancing the country’s AI ecosystem. We are creating an environment where developers from Kazakhstan and other countries can gain access to cutting-edge technologies, build solutions, and scale them globally. Our goal is to make Kazakhstan a hub for talent, technology, and AI innovation,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
HackAlem AI will provide a platform where participants can move from an idea to a working AI solution within a short period of time. Teams will develop technology products designed to address real-world challenges faced by businesses, government, and various sectors of the economy.
“For Silkroad Innovation Hub, the technology partnership with OpenAI as part of HackAlem AI is an important step toward expanding access to global AI tools for talent from Kazakhstan and Central Eurasia. We believe that a strong ecosystem emerges when developers, startups, and technology teams have not only ideas, but also access to cutting-edge tools, expertise, and real-world challenges. HackAlem AI creates exactly this kind of environment: participants will be able to work with OpenAI technologies, develop practical AI solutions, and showcase to corporations the teams and products that could become the foundation for future pilot projects,” said Asset Abdualiyev, Founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub.
HackAlem AI is open to adult developers, students, young professionals, and IT enthusiasts. Participants must have experience or education in software development and technology, or demonstrate their skills through their own projects, prototypes, applications, or research. Students and young professionals are also eligible if they are currently enrolled in, or have attended full-time education within the past 12 months in, fields related to IT, programming, engineering, technology, mathematics, or digital product design.
In-person attendance at the hackathon venue in Astana on September 23, 2026, is mandatory. Participants are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and other expenses associated with their stay in Astana.
In addition to the opportunity to work with OpenAI technologies, participants will receive HackAlem AI branded merchandise and personalized certificates of participation. The hackathon will also provide opportunities for professional networking, enabling participants to connect with developers, AI enthusiasts, startup founders, and technology industry representatives from Kazakhstan and other countries.
Following the hackathon, the jury will select the best AI solutions across key tracks. The most promising projects will have the opportunity to continue their development and potentially move into pilot implementation together with partners.
HackAlem AI is organized and supported by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub International Technopark of IT Startups, Silkroad Innovation Hub, AI & Digital Bridge, Blockchain & AI Technology Center, and OpenAI.
HackAlem AI will become one of Kazakhstan’s largest AI events, bringing together developers, technology entrepreneurs, and artificial intelligence enthusiasts from different countries in Astana. The hackathon will mark another step forward in international technology cooperation and provide regional talent with opportunities to develop AI solutions for the global market.
From September 7 to 9, Kazakhstan will host the international SPACE DAYS KAZAKHSTAN 2026 forum. The large-scale international platform will bring together representatives of the space industry, international organizations, business, science, and the technology community to discuss key developments in space exploration, emerging technologies, and prospects for international cooperation.
The main events of the forum will take place on September 7 and 8 at Nazarbayev University in Astana.
The program will feature panel sessions and discussions with leading experts, practical workshops, meetings with astronauts, and presentations of new space technologies and solutions. Participants will also discuss key trends and future prospects for the space industry, opportunities for expanding international cooperation, and the development of new partnerships.
The final day of the forum, September 9, will take place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. Participants who wish to visit Baikonur will have an additional opportunity to travel from Astana and observe a rocket launch.
SPACE DAYS KAZAKHSTAN 2026 will serve as an international platform for professional dialogue, knowledge exchange, and discussions on promising initiatives and practical projects shaping the future of the global space industry.
Registration and further information: spacedays.kz
*Travel to Baikonur and the opportunity to observe the rocket launch are available as an additional paid commercial service for interested participants.
Astana Hub has opened applications for Alem AI Talent Lab. The program supports incoming undergraduate students. It is designed for those who want to build careers in artificial intelligence, research, and technology entrepreneurship. Applications close on 23 August.
The program is open to applicants in mathematics, computer science, and physics. Selection is based on motivation, academic results, and olympiad experience. Astana Hub runs the first cohort together with Qazaq AI Research University.
The program covers three years of study. Participants join a professional environment from their first year, where research and technology are already being built. Students gain access to research infrastructure and GPU computers. Participants are supported by mentors with international experience. Students will work with scientists and founders of technology companies. Their mentors include patent holders, researchers, and executives from universities abroad.
The Alem AI and Astana Hub ecosystem opens international opportunities. Top students can work with universities and research centers in the United States, Europe, China, and Japan. For them the program opens internships abroad and academic mobility. Participation in international conferences is also possible.
«Competition in artificial intelligence today is above all competition for talent. That is why it matters to support young people at the moment their professional path takes shape. Alem AI Talent Lab opens access to research, international expertise, and modern infrastructure, so that students can build world-class technology while they are still studying», said Magzhan Madiev, CEO of Astana Hub.
The program rests on a simple principle. A student receives support at the start. Once professional success follows, part of that financial potential returns to the program. That capital supports the next cohort.
Applications close on 23 August.
https://talentlab.alem.ai/
Astana Hub has announced the launch of applications for the fifth anniversary cohort of the Tech Orda program. Kazakhstanis aged 18 to 45 can receive a training voucher to study at accredited IT schools across Kazakhstan and gain one of the most in-demand digital professions.
Under the program, participants may receive a voucher worth up to KZT 500,000 for offline training and up to KZT 400,000 for online or hybrid training.
Tech Orda is an Astana Hub program implemented with the support of the Ministry of AI and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The program aims to train qualified IT specialists and strengthen the country’s private IT education infrastructure.
“Developing human capital in the technology sector is one of the key priorities of Kazakhstan’s digital transformation. The Tech Orda program enables Kazakhstanis to acquire in-demand skills while providing businesses with access to qualified talent. We are seeing strong demand for programs like this and will continue supporting initiatives that help people build careers in IT and contribute to the country’s innovation-driven economy,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Training is available in the most востребованные areas of the digital industry, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, software development, data analytics, Cloud & DevOps, GameDev, product management, UI/UX design, and other specializations.
From 2021 to 2026, more than 12,500 Kazakhstanis completed training through the program. According to monitoring results, 90% of economically active graduates are employed, while the average salary of graduates is KZT 725,000, approximately 43% higher than the national average monthly salary. More than 3,200 participants changed careers and entered the IT sector through Tech Orda.
Graduates of the program have been hired by 1,287 companies, including Kaspi.kz, Halyk Bank, Freedom Finance, Kolesa Group, Kcell, EPAM Kazakhstan, Yandex, Wolt, 2GIS, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, and Accenture. More than 30% of participating institutions are regional IT schools, helping expand access to high-quality IT education across the country.
Applications are open until September 7, 2026. Detailed participation requirements, the list of accredited schools, and registration are available on the Astana Hub platform: https://astanahub.com/ru/techorda/course/.
For additional information, applicants may contact their chosen IT school or call 1818.
Astana Hub announces the launch of Alem AI Talent Lab, a new support program for students of Qazaq AI Research University (QAIRU) aimed at developing AI talent and creating opportunities for training a new generation of artificial intelligence specialists.
The first cohort of the program will include 100 undergraduate and graduate students. Participants will gain additional opportunities for professional development, research and technology projects, and the launch of their own AI startups.
«Alem AI Talent Lab creates a pathway for talented young people from an idea and scientific research to their own product and technology business. Our goal is to give them access to the Astana Hub ecosystem, where they can find experts, partners, and support, and where promising projects can grow into global companies and future unicorns», said Magzhan Madiev, CEO of Astana Hub.
Alem AI Talent Lab will become part of the Alem.ai ecosystem, enabling students to develop practical skills, work on real industry challenges, access Astana Hub opportunities, and participate in initiatives aimed at advancing artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan.
«Today, universities must do more than educate specialists; they must create an environment where new technologies, research, and companies emerge. This is the AI-enabled university model that QAIRU is developing. The memorandum with Astana Hub expands opportunities for our students and researchers, allowing them to engage with the technology entrepreneurship ecosystem, receive support for developing their projects, and bring innovative solutions to the market more quickly», said Sapar Toksanov, Rector of Qazaq AI Research University (QAIRU).
The program is designed to prepare specialists who can not only use modern AI technologies but also create their own innovative solutions, conduct scientific research, and bring technology products to international markets.
All interested students will be able to join the program. To participate, they will need to confirm their consent through the QAIRU information system. Detailed information on the participation process will be provided by the university.
On July 24, 2026, Astana witnessed its first-ever demonstration flight of an air taxi based on an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The demonstration took place at the Kazanat Hippodrome and marked another milestone in the implementation of Kazakhstan’s Urban Air Mobility (UAM) development project.
The flight took place as a part of international tournament Games of the Future 2026 (GOTF 2026) powered by Samruk-Kazyna
The event was organized by the Kazakh private company Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. (AAAG) in partnership with AutoFlight (China), a leading manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft.
The demonstration featured the AutoFlight Prosperity eVTOL, designed to carry one pilot and up to five passengers. The aircraft is capable of speeds of up to 200 km/h and has a range of up to 200 km. Equipped with 13 electric motors, it operates significantly more quietly than conventional aircraft and produces zero CO₂ emissions.
In accordance with safety requirements, the demonstration flight of the AutoFlight Prosperity was conducted without passengers. This format is standard international practice for the first public demonstrations of new aircraft and allows for the evaluation of the aircraft’s flight performance and the reliability of its systems prior to obtaining full passenger certification in the country of operation.
“The demonstration flight in Astana are not a standalone event but part of a systematic effort to introduce Urban Air Mobility in Kazakhstan. The country is steadily building a comprehensive ecosystem: the necessary legislation has been adopted, infrastructure development is underway, and international cooperation with leading global companies continues to expand. Demonstration flights help prepare the industry for the practical deployment of these technologies. Our goal is to make innovative air transport an integral part of Kazakhstan’s transportation system,” said Sergey Khegay, Chief Executive Officer of Alatau Advance Air Group Ltd. (AAAG).
The development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in Kazakhstan, including projects within Alatau City, is coordinated by Deputy Prime Minister Kanat Bozumbayev. This work brings together the government agencies responsible for establishing the new industry. A key role is played by the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
This work received legislative backing on June 24, 2026, when President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the Law “On Amendments and Additions to Certain Legislative Acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Digitalization, Personal Data Protection, Road Traffic, and the Regulation of Advanced Technologies in Transport.” The law established, for the first time, a modern legal framework for the development of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) in Kazakhstan by defining the legal status of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, vertiports, and Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) systems, while also introducing certification requirements for market participants and digital infrastructure.
“The legislative amendments have established the necessary legal foundation for the development of Urban Air Mobility in Kazakhstan. The demonstration flights in Alatau City and Astana confirm that the country is now moving steadily toward the practical deployment of eVTOL technologies. Our task is to ensure the safe integration of these technologies into Kazakhstan’s national transport system while creating the conditions for the development of a new high-tech industry,” the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan stated.
"We are building an entirely new industry – the low-altitude economy. The development of advanced infrastructure, including smart vertiports and a digital flight management system, will fundamentally transform Kazakhstan's urban landscape and strengthen the country's position as a technological leader," the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan noted.
The development of this new industry is also envisaged under the Special Legal Regime of Alatau City. The Constitutional Law, which entered into force on July 1, 2026, designated the city as a pilot platform for the implementation of innovative transport technologies. Since Alatau City is being built from the ground up, Urban Air Mobility infrastructure is being integrated into its master plan from the earliest design stage.
Today, the UAM Center Eurasia project - the first urban air mobility center in the region - is already being implemented in Alatau City. In collaboration with Korea Airports Corporation, UrbanV, and AutoFlight, AAAG is working on developing a network of vertiports, digital infrastructure, and preparing for the commercial operation of this new mode of transport.
Kellen Xie, Senior Vice President of AutoFlight, said:
“Looking ahead, we see our large eVTOL technology transforming the region across multiple sectors: advanced air mobility through air taxis providing seamless connectivity between cities; regional air transportation capable of covering vast distances across the world's largest landlocked country; sightseeing flights over Kazakhstan’s spectacular snow-capped mountains and ski resorts; intercity logistics and express delivery; and smart city operations, including emergency medical services and energy infrastructure support. These applications represent far more than technological possibilities - they define a new paradigm of sustainable, zero-emission transportation for Central Asia. We sincerely thank the Government of Kazakhstan, the country’s aviation authorities, our strategic partner AAAG, and all members of our ecosystem for their vision, trust, and continued support. Together, we are building an intelligent low-altitude transportation network that will shape a better future for everyone.”
Following the demonstration flight, the AutoFlight Prosperity eVTOL will become one of the most distinctive exhibits at the international tournament Games of the Future 2026 (GOTF 2026) powered by Samruk-Kazyna. On 29 and 30 July, the aircraft will be displayed at an open-air exhibition in front of Barys Arena, where residents and visitors of Astana will have the opportunity to see it up close. Inside the eVTOL, a themed installation featuring the Games of the Future mascots will transform the aircraft into a symbol of next-generation technologies. The exhibition will serve as a vivid embodiment of the tournament's concept, bringing together sport, innovation, and cutting-edge technologies.
Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev, at the invitation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), joined the founding members of the AI for Good Global Commission, a new high-level global commission that brings together world leaders to develop practical approaches to the advancement of artificial intelligence.
Established under the auspices of the ITU, the Commission includes more than 40 leaders from governments, international organizations, and the world's leading technology companies. It is co-chaired by President of Rwanda Paul Kagame and Founder and CEO of Salesforce Marc Benioff, the Vice-Chair is ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.
The Commission also includes President of Estonia Alar Karis, President of Iceland Halla Tómasdóttir, CEO of Microsoft Brad Smith, Founder and CEO of NVIDIA Jensen Huang, CEO of Amazon Andy Jassy, CEO of Google Research & Society James Manyika, CEO of Qualcomm Cristiano Amon, CEO of Accenture Julie Sweet, CEO of Anthropic Jack Clark, CEO of Pfizer Albert Bourla, CEO of the WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and other world leaders.
On 8 July, the first meeting of the Commission was held in Geneva as part of the AI for Good Global Summit. During the meeting, participants discussed the key areas of international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, the development of trustworthy AI, reducing the digital divide, and expanding access to modern technologies.
Kazakhstan's participation in the Commission confirms the country's growing role in shaping the international agenda in the field of artificial intelligence. The Commission will serve as a platform for developing practical solutions for the advancement of trustworthy artificial intelligence, reducing the digital divide, and expanding countries' access to modern technologies.
Zhaslan Madiyev's inclusion in the AI for Good Global Commission is a recognition of Kazakhstan's contribution to the development of international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The Head of State has signed the Decree “On Measures to Stimulate and Develop the Digital Assets Industry in the Republic of Kazakhstan,” aimed at establishing a modern and transparent ecosystem for digital financial services in the country.
The document, developed by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and the National Bank in cooperation with relevant government agencies and the Astana International Financial Centre, lays the foundation for the systematic development of a regulated digital assets market, broader adoption of innovative financial technologies, and increased investment attractiveness of the sector.
One of the Decree’s key directions is the modernization of the payment infrastructure. In particular, it provides for the development of mechanisms enabling the use of digital assets and stablecoins for cross-border settlements, opening additional channels for Kazakhstan’s businesses to conduct export and import operations.
At the same time, the Decree introduces measures to encourage the transition of crypto-asset transactions into a regulated legal framework. Among the planned initiatives are the creation of conditions for the voluntary disclosure of digital assets previously held on foreign unregulated platforms, followed by their transfer to licensed domestic service providers. In addition, tax incentives for individuals are envisaged: income derived from transactions involving digital assets conducted through Kazakhstan’s regulated infrastructure is planned to be exempt from individual income tax.
The Decree also places special emphasis on the efficient use of energy resources. It introduces a mechanism allowing associated petroleum gas and natural gas produced at oil and gas fields to be used for autonomous electricity generation, with such electricity potentially allocated to digital mining operations where these resources are not required to meet state needs. This measure is intended to stimulate regional investment and promote more efficient energy consumption.
In addition, the Decree sets the direction for the development of tokenized financial instruments and the national trading infrastructure, which will expand the range of available investment products. The implementation of these initiatives will be formalized in a special action plan defining the timelines and responsible implementing authorities.
As noted by the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Zhaslan Madiyev, the signing of the document marks a new stage for the digital industry:
“The Head of State has set us a clear task: to create the most favorable conditions for the development of the country’s technological potential, and this Decree is the strategic foundation for Kazakhstan’s transition to a new-generation digital economy. By introducing new instruments, we are shaping the rules of the game in which technological boldness goes hand in hand with institutional reliability. Today, we are creating an environment where digital assets become as familiar and secure as traditional financial instruments. Our goal is to make Kazakhstan a point of attraction for global capital and expertise while ensuring maximum transparency and protection for every participant in this market.”
According to Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Gizzat Baitursynovthese measures create predictable conditions for all participants in the industry - from miners to financial institutions - thereby strengthening Kazakhstan’s position as a regional center for digital financial solutions. It is expected that the comprehensive implementation of the Decree will expand opportunities for businesses and investors while ensuring strict adherence to the principles of protecting citizens’ interests and maintaining the security of the financial system.
During the 38th Plenary Session of the Foreign Investors' Council under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Citi, and Freedom Holding Corp. to jointly develop a large-scale AI cluster.
Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhaslan Madiyev emphasized that Kazakhstan is transitioning to a new type of economy:
"By advancing cutting-edge technologies, we are building the foundation for Kazakhstan's digital sovereignty. Our strategic framework - from the Law on Artificial Intelligence to the Digital Qazaqstan Strategy through 2029 - defines our path toward a data-driven economy. By combining our capabilities with the expertise of global leaders such as Citi, we are introducing the most advanced approaches to financing and risk management. Together, we are creating an environment where high-performance computing and artificial intelligence become accessible resources for every Kazakhstani innovator, researcher, and business. Kazakhstan is becoming a country where the technologies of the future - from tokenized assets to world-class computing clusters - operate transparently, securely, and for the benefit of all citizens, setting new standards for quality of life."
Speaking on behalf of Citi, Global Head of Public Sector Stephanie von Friedeburg highlighted the long-term importance of the initiative:
"This Memorandum reflects our shared commitment to supporting Kazakhstan's ambitious digital transformation agenda and the development of advanced artificial intelligence infrastructure. Through this partnership, we aim to explore innovative financing approaches that can support the creation of a world-class AI cluster and computing capacity capable of serving government institutions, businesses, and researchers. We are ready to leverage our global expertise and access to international capital markets to strengthen Kazakhstan's position."
Freedom Holding Corp. Chief Executive Officer Timur Turlov also reaffirmed the company's commitment to implementing the initiative:
"Today's event represents the practical implementation of the large-scale policy pursued by the President of our country in the fields of digitalization and artificial intelligence. The course toward technological sovereignty and transforming Kazakhstan into a digital nation has been set at the highest level, and the memorandum we are signing today is a concrete step in that direction. Freedom Holding Corp. has substantial experience working with leading global technology companies, including NVIDIA and OpenAI, and we intend to apply this expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the project."
The key objective of the partnership is to establish an artificial intelligence cluster powered by advanced GPU technologies, along with the construction of a state-of-the-art data center that will serve as a computing hub for the public sector, scientific research, and businesses.
In addition, the agreement provides for the development of a digital assets ecosystem, further strengthening Kazakhstan's position in the global financial system.
The parties also expressed their commitment to expanding cooperation in digital banking and cross-border payments through the implementation of blockchain-based solutions that will make financial services more accessible, efficient, and transparent for all market participants.
The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in cooperation with the Ministry of Energy, is implementing a mechanism to attract private investment for the modernization and expansion of Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure under the «70/30» model.
The legal framework for implementing this mechanism has been established through the adoption of the Law on the Development of the Telecommunications Market and Data Centers. The Law designates data centers as strategic facilities and establishes the conditions necessary to attract private investment for the modernization and expansion of power generation capacity, with the participation of data center operators and digital miners as long-term consumers of electricity.
In the context of the Year of Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State, the growing demand for high-quality computing capacity and a reliable energy base has become a national priority. The proposed approach is aimed at accelerating the commissioning of new generating capacity without placing an additional burden on the state budget and without incorporating investment costs into electricity tariffs for the population.
The mechanism provides that, during the modernization, reconstruction, or expansion of existing power plants, up to 70% of the newly added generating capacity may be sold directly to major electricity consumers, including data centers and digital miners. The remaining 30% of the new generating capacity will be supplied to the Unified Power System of the Republic of Kazakhstan in order to strengthen the country’s energy security and meet the growing demand for electricity.
The implementation of this approach will attract private capital for the development of energy infrastructure, ensure the modernization of existing power generation facilities, enhance the reliability of electricity supply, and create additional opportunities for the development of high-tech sectors of the economy.
«The 70/30 model is an investment solution and the foundation of our digital economy’s energy independence. To fully develop artificial intelligence and build competitive data centers, we must ensure the accelerated development of power generation capacity. This mechanism will enable us to attract private capital for infrastructure modernization without placing additional pressure on electricity tariffs for citizens, while providing a strong impetus for achieving the objectives of the Digital Qazaqstan Strategy,» said Gizzat Baitursynov, Vice Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.
The mechanism has already attracted interest from international investors. At present, an interested investor is considering the implementation of a project to construct a new power plant in the city of Ekibastuz under the 70/30 model.
The project provides for the phased commissioning of new generating capacity, the development of modern energy infrastructure, and the implementation of measures aimed at improving the reliability of the city’s heat supply.
The technical assessment has confirmed the feasibility of implementing the project. At the same time, organizational, technical, and investment-related aspects of the project continue to be refined in cooperation with the relevant stakeholders.
The introduction of the 70/30 model will constitute an important step in the development of Kazakhstan’s energy infrastructure. It will facilitate additional investment in the energy sector, create new generating capacity, and ensure a balanced approach to meeting the needs of the digital economy while strengthening the country’s energy system.