The exhibition is organized by inD, the global organizer of GITEX, and is hosted the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, in partnership with Astana Hub international innovation cluster and the Akimat of Almaty.
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 an instrument for implementing state policy aimed at creating a favorable environment for innovation, attracting investment and strengthening international cooperation.
The event is taking place as part of the Year of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, underscoring the priority of AI development at the national level. The consistent development of infrastructure, the regulatory framework and human capital is creating a long-term foundation for the adoption of technologies across key sectors of the economy.
Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan is demonstrating rapid momentum. 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 continues to lead in the development of digital infrastructure. By 2030, the country’s data center capacity may increase more than fivefold, reaching 20,000 racks. The growth of computing capacity for artificial intelligence is turning Kazakhstan into a key destination for cross-border investment.
This interest is already reflected in the composition of participants. Global technology leaders including Cisco, Google Cloud, Huawei, Dell, Lenovo, Salesforce and others are represented in Almaty. They are presenting not concepts, but applied solutions, ranging from infrastructure for sovereign AI to secure government digital systems.
Kazakhstani companies that form the backbone of the national digital economy are also widely represented, including Kazakhtelecom, Kcell, Beeline Kazakhstan and Akashi Data Center.
As part of GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026, Astana Hub is presenting its own stand, showcasing the ecosystem of the international innovation cluster as well as the capabilities of the Astana Hub platform and mobile application. In addition, following a competitive selection, Kazakhstani startups including Rekreate AI, Postureletics, Cyber Temple, Rette, Mirai Tech and Axellero received the opportunity to present their solutions at the Astana Hub stand.
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. They include 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 enhancing 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 60 countries will discuss the future of the digital economy, investment and human capital development. Among them are Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, as well as international experts including Kai-Fu Lee.
Dedicated tracks are focused on startup development 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.
A number of key panel sessions are planned as part of the forum’s business program, 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 the international accelerator will be launched and mechanisms for helping startups enter global markets will be discussed; and The Digital Reserve: Building Regional AI & Startup Powerhouses, with the participation of Tanat Uskembayev, where experts will examine the formation of regional centers of expertise in artificial intelligence. In addition, a series of memorandums of cooperation will be signed on the sidelines of the forum to support the development of partnerships, investment cooperation and technology exchange.
Thus, the launch of GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 reinforces Kazakhstan’s status as a regional center for technology and artificial intelligence. The forum creates a sustainable platform for international dialogue, investment attraction and the development of an innovation-driven economy, positioning the country as an entry point to the markets of Central Asia and an active participant in the global technology agenda.
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