From September 12 to 14, 2025, a unique global digital conference Global Tech Wave Central Asia (GTW CA) was held in Shymkent - the first event of this scale and format in the region.

The conference brought together leading international experts, startups, investors and representatives of large corporations. Among the organizers and partners were such global companies as YouTube, SIRI, Atari, Ubisoft and Griffin Gaming. The largest venture funds also confirmed their participation - Y Combinator, 500 Startups, Andreessen Horowitz and the European Business Angels Network. This opened up new opportunities for the development of Kazakhstani startups - from investments to professional mentoring.

GTW CA became part of an international chain of events that started at LA Tech Week and took place in Georgia (Tbilisi). Shymkent became the central platform for Central Asia, after which the conference will continue in India and Uruguay.

Over three days, more than 30 events were held on the most relevant topics: Web3, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital transformation of culture and society. For the first time, the program included cinema, gaming and eSports.

On the second day of the conference, more than 120 panel sessions were held with the participation of world experts. Participants actively held meetings in the B2B and B2G formats, presented their companies and projects at exhibitions. In addition, two international startup competitions were held, where promising projects had the opportunity to declare themselves at the global level.

The event was attended by representatives from more than 20 countries, which underlines the international status of GTW CA.

“Global Tech Wave Central Asia has become not only a platform for technological development, but also an opportunity to demonstrate to the world the unique cultural identity of Kazakhstan and its role as a new innovation center in the region,” said Kymbat Nurtayeva, head of the GTW CA project.