Senior developer at Google, Aman Utemuratov, noted that the development of IT is not only about technology, but also about mission — creating solutions that simplify people’s lives and help solve complex problems. He also emphasized that Shymkent has demonstrated significant progress in technological development.
“From an IT perspective, Shymkent has made noticeable progress in recent years: new initiatives are emerging, infrastructure is developing, including through the launch of the regional Shymkent Hub. The number of specialists is growing, more people are joining the technology sector, and this forms the foundation for further growth of the city’s IT ecosystem,” said Aman Utemuratov.
Co-founder of Global Coffee, Ayat Azimov, shared how traditional business is being transformed by technology. According to him, the company is not only expanding its coffee shop network but also investing in IT by implementing its own automation system with elements of artificial intelligence. These solutions allow the business to analyze performance metrics in real time and make faster managerial decisions.
Chairman of the Board of UMAY Labs, Sultan Ilyasov, noted that artificial intelligence will become a key driver of market transformation. In his view, in the future many processes — from product search to product development — will be automated, while user interaction with services will shift toward unified digital platforms and AI assistants.
Following the session, participants emphasized that Shymkent has strong potential for the development of a technological ecosystem, and that strengthening regional infrastructure and increasing the number of skilled professionals will contribute to the further growth of the IT sector in the country. The session was moderated by Zaure Rozmat, CEO of STEPPE.
It should be noted that the Digital Qazaqstan 2026 Forum took place in Shymkent on March 27 under the theme “Industry 5.0: The Power of Collaboration.” The forum is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Shymkent, and the Astana Hub international innovation cluster.
This year’s forum is made possible thanks to the support of partners and sponsors. All expenses are covered through sponsorship funding.
General Partner: Freedom Bank – a Kazakh digital bank for retail and corporate clients, part of Freedom Holding Corp. The bank was the first in Kazakhstan to fully digitize mortgage, auto, and business loans, and launched the country’s first investor card, INVEST CARD.
Platinum Partner: Alageum Electric – a major electrical engineering group in Kazakhstan uniting more than 30 enterprises in the energy, engineering, and infrastructure construction sectors.
Gold Partner: Kazakhtelecom.
Innovation Partners: WSE, Damumed.
Partner: Visa.
Senior developer at Google, Aman Utemuratov, noted that the development of IT is not only about technology, but also about mission — creating solutions that simplify people’s lives and help solve complex problems. He also emphasized that Shymkent has demonstrated significant progress in technological development.
“From an IT perspective, Shymkent has made noticeable progress in recent years: new initiatives are emerging, infrastructure is developing, including through the launch of the regional Shymkent Hub. The number of specialists is growing, more people are joining the technology sector, and this forms the foundation for further growth of the city’s IT ecosystem,” said Aman Utemuratov.
Co-founder of Global Coffee, Ayat Azimov, shared how traditional business is being transformed by technology. According to him, the company is not only expanding its coffee shop network but also investing in IT by implementing its own automation system with elements of artificial intelligence. These solutions allow the business to analyze performance metrics in real time and make faster managerial decisions.
Chairman of the Board of UMAY Labs, Sultan Ilyasov, noted that artificial intelligence will become a key driver of market transformation. In his view, in the future many processes — from product search to product development — will be automated, while user interaction with services will shift toward unified digital platforms and AI assistants.
Following the session, participants emphasized that Shymkent has strong potential for the development of a technological ecosystem, and that strengthening regional infrastructure and increasing the number of skilled professionals will contribute to the further growth of the IT sector in the country. The session was moderated by Zaure Rozmat, CEO of STEPPE.
It should be noted that the Digital Qazaqstan 2026 Forum took place in Shymkent on March 27 under the theme “Industry 5.0: The Power of Collaboration.” The forum is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Shymkent, and the Astana Hub international innovation cluster.
This year’s forum is made possible thanks to the support of partners and sponsors. All expenses are covered through sponsorship funding.
General Partner: Freedom Bank – a Kazakh digital bank for retail and corporate clients, part of Freedom Holding Corp. The bank was the first in Kazakhstan to fully digitize mortgage, auto, and business loans, and launched the country’s first investor card, INVEST CARD.
Platinum Partner: Alageum Electric – a major electrical engineering group in Kazakhstan uniting more than 30 enterprises in the energy, engineering, and infrastructure construction sectors.
Gold Partner: Kazakhtelecom.
Innovation Partners: WSE, Damumed.
Partner: Visa.
Share
