Almaty is becoming the epicenter of the global technology agenda for several days: the city has launched GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026, the largest event in the field of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in Central Asia. The Atakent IEC venue brings together representatives of government, international IT companies, startups, and the investment community, creating a platform for discussing the future of the digital economy and launching new partnerships in practice.

The event is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the international innovation cluster Astana Hub, and the Almaty Akimat. The global operator is inD, which is bringing one of the world’s largest technology platforms to the heart of Eurasia.

The holding of GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 reflects the country’s systematic course toward the development of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and integration into the global technology ecosystem. The forum serves as a tool for implementing state policy aimed at creating a favorable environment for innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening international cooperation.

The event is taking place in the context of the Year of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, emphasizing the priority of AI development at the state level. The consistent development of infrastructure, the regulatory framework, and human capital is forming a long-term foundation for the introduction of technologies into key sectors of the economy.

Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan is demonstrating rapid growth: over the past seven years, the country’s technology ecosystem has grown 18-fold to USD 26 billion, according to Dealroom.co. The forum in Almaty continues this trend, bringing together more than 300 companies and startups, 150 speakers, and over 100 investors from around the world.

Special attention on the agenda is given to the region’s infrastructure potential. Mobile internet penetration in Central Asian countries has reached 93%, while Kazakhstan maintains its leadership in the development of digital infrastructure: by 2030, data center capacity may increase more than fivefold to 20,000 racks. The growth of computing capacity for artificial intelligence is turning the country into a key destination for cross-border investment.

This interest is already materializing in the composition of participants. Global technology leaders such as Cisco, Google Cloud, Huawei, Dell, Lenovo, Salesforce, and others are represented in Almaty. They have brought not concepts, but practical solutions — from infrastructure for sovereign AI to secure government digital systems.

Alongside international players, Kazakhstani companies that form the foundation of the national digital economy are also widely represented: Kazakhtelecom, Kcell, Beeline Kazakhstan, and Akashi Data Center.

GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 also strengthens the investment dimension. More than 100 investors from 28 countries, with combined assets exceeding USD 200 billion, are considering the region as a new growth point. Among them are international funds from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including Sturgeon Capital. The focus is on more than 100 startups from the region, including projects from the Astana Hub ecosystem and IT Park Uzbekistan.

The forum is becoming a platform for scaling technology companies from Central Asia. Startups are presenting solutions aimed at export and global markets, reinforcing the transition toward an innovation-driven economy and increasing the region’s competitiveness.

The business program covers key areas of technological development — from AI and fintech to cybersecurity, Industry 4.0, and smart energy. Over two days, more than 150 speakers from over 60 countries are discussing the future of the digital economy, investment, and human capital development. Among them are Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan and Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, as well as international experts including Kai-Fu Lee.

Separate tracks are dedicated to the development of startups and the venture market. At the NXT Stage, founders, investors, and government representatives are discussing project scaling, while Supernova Pitch finalists are presenting their solutions directly to global funds.

As part of the forum’s business program, a number of key panel sessions are planned, reflecting the strategic agenda for technology and innovation development. These include Trusted Kazakhstan, dedicated to issues of a trusted digital environment and sovereign technologies; From Region to Global: The Rise of Startups, where an international accelerator will be launched and mechanisms for startups to enter global markets will be discussed; and The Digital Reserve: Building Regional AI & Startup Powerhouses, with the participation of Tanat, where experts will examine the formation of regional centers of expertise in artificial intelligence. In addition, a number of memorandums of cooperation are expected to be signed at the forum, aimed at developing partnerships, investment cooperation, and technology exchange.

Thus, the launch of GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 reinforces Kazakhstan’s status as a regional hub for technology and artificial intelligence. The forum creates a sustainable platform for international dialogue, investment attraction, and the development of an innovation-driven economy, turning the country into an entry point to Central Asian markets and an active participant in the global technology agenda.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-abudhabi/press/news/details/1221809?lang=kk