Applications are open until February 22, 2026, via the link.
The alem.ai battle brings together school students, university students, startups, and researchers from across the country, creating conditions for the systematic development of AI projects — from early-stage prototypes to mature, scalable technological solutions.
The competition is conducted across four main categories:
AI Young Talents — school students aged 12 to 18 with AI projects at the level of a functional MVP;
AI Driving Power — students of colleges and higher education institutions with AI projects at the level of a functional MVP;
AI Future Builders — teams with an AI product and a prototype/MVP demonstrating validated traction, including paid pilot projects and sales;
AI Innovators — teams developing AI-powered projects based on scientific research and applied R&D.
The total prize fund of the competition amounts to KZT 25 million. Following the selection process, 20 top teams will advance to the final stage. At the final event, an expert jury will select four winners, one in each competition category.
The alem.ai battle continues Kazakhstan’s systemic efforts to foster AI talent and support high-potential projects. In 2025, within the framework of the international Digital Bridge forum, the national competition AI SANA: Generative Nation was held, demonstrating the high level of participant preparedness and the growing maturity of domestic AI projects.
“In line with the instructions of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, we are consistently developing and training digital professionals. We see that a critical mass of AI talent has already formed in the country. This is no longer just potential — it is a real driving force. We are witnessing a transition from school ideas to working prototypes, from student initiatives to the digital transformation of industries, and from scientific research to high-tech projects. The alem.ai battle is a logical continuation of this work and an integral part of our mission to build a complete talent development pathway — from the first steps in AI to strong startups and a community of future leaders in artificial intelligence,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The competition is organized by Astana Hub with the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is implemented as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. It also forms part of the long-term human capital development strategy of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence alem.ai.
Based at the International Center for Artificial Intelligence alem.ai, it is planned to annually attract around 10,000 talents from various industries, train 5,000 school students, prepare at least 1,000 AI specialists, launch approximately 100 AI startups, and carry out around 10 scientific research projects in the field of artificial intelligence.
More information about the competition and the application process is available on the astanahub.com platform.
Application link: https://astanahub.com/account/service/alem_ai_battle/request/510/create/
Applications are open until February 22, 2026, via the link.
The alem.ai battle brings together school students, university students, startups, and researchers from across the country, creating conditions for the systematic development of AI projects — from early-stage prototypes to mature, scalable technological solutions.
The competition is conducted across four main categories:
AI Young Talents — school students aged 12 to 18 with AI projects at the level of a functional MVP;
AI Driving Power — students of colleges and higher education institutions with AI projects at the level of a functional MVP;
AI Future Builders — teams with an AI product and a prototype/MVP demonstrating validated traction, including paid pilot projects and sales;
AI Innovators — teams developing AI-powered projects based on scientific research and applied R&D.
The total prize fund of the competition amounts to KZT 25 million. Following the selection process, 20 top teams will advance to the final stage. At the final event, an expert jury will select four winners, one in each competition category.
The alem.ai battle continues Kazakhstan’s systemic efforts to foster AI talent and support high-potential projects. In 2025, within the framework of the international Digital Bridge forum, the national competition AI SANA: Generative Nation was held, demonstrating the high level of participant preparedness and the growing maturity of domestic AI projects.
“In line with the instructions of the Head of State, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, we are consistently developing and training digital professionals. We see that a critical mass of AI talent has already formed in the country. This is no longer just potential — it is a real driving force. We are witnessing a transition from school ideas to working prototypes, from student initiatives to the digital transformation of industries, and from scientific research to high-tech projects. The alem.ai battle is a logical continuation of this work and an integral part of our mission to build a complete talent development pathway — from the first steps in AI to strong startups and a community of future leaders in artificial intelligence,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The competition is organized by Astana Hub with the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is implemented as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. It also forms part of the long-term human capital development strategy of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence alem.ai.
Based at the International Center for Artificial Intelligence alem.ai, it is planned to annually attract around 10,000 talents from various industries, train 5,000 school students, prepare at least 1,000 AI specialists, launch approximately 100 AI startups, and carry out around 10 scientific research projects in the field of artificial intelligence.
More information about the competition and the application process is available on the astanahub.com platform.
Application link: https://astanahub.com/account/service/alem_ai_battle/request/510/create/
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