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.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/maidd/press/news/details/1286819?lang=ru