The exhibition highlights Kazakhstan’s major national AI initiatives, including the creation of the international AI center alem.ai, the development of the KazLLM national language model, the launch of the National AI Platform—already serving over 8,000 registered users—and the region’s first AI-focused peer-to-peer school, Tomorrow School. Also featured is the work of the Central Asian Innovation Hubs, an alliance of the region’s leading tech parks established by Astana Hub and IT Park Uzbekistan to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem.

“Artificial intelligence is already transforming the way we approach the economy, public administration, education, and healthcare. According to McKinsey, AI could contribute up to $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Kazakhstan must not simply adopt foreign technologies—we must develop our own solutions. This year, we launched the National AI Platform, created the region’s first national language model, KazLLM, and are working on legislation to govern AI. In line with the President’s directive, we are also establishing an international AI center, alem.ai, which will serve as a key platform for transforming Kazakhstan into an AI-driven nation,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, during the opening of AlmatyFair.ai.

The event explores how AI is shaping industries such as manufacturing, finance, public services, education, urban development, and healthcare. The forum features panel discussions on national AI strategies, government adoption of AI, smart cities, business integration, venture investment, the prospects of digital nomadism, and the global expansion of AI solutions.

A dedicated Startup Alley gives companies the opportunity to showcase their innovations, engage with peers, and connect with potential investors. One of the event’s main highlights is the AI Startup Showdown—a high-stakes pitch competition taking place on the third day of the fair, March 30. Promising AI startups will compete for a $10,000 prize fund and the chance to join the Hero Training Program accelerator in Silicon Valley (USA).

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan will also sign a number of strategic agreements aimed at boosting the country’s tech export potential and fostering cross-border technology partnerships. This includes a memorandum with Growth Vision Pro to promote Kazakh tech solutions in China and an agreement with GK Hyperscale Ltd to develop and operate two hyperscale data centers. Furthermore, Astana Hub, IT Park Uzbekistan, and Growth Vision Pro will sign a trilateral cooperation agreement to support the growth of startup ecosystems and facilitate joint entry of Kazakh and Uzbek startups into the Chinese market. Astana Hub will also formalize a partnership with the Y. Altynsarin National Academy of Education to promote digital transformation in Kazakhstan’s education sector and advance STEM education.

AlmatyFair.ai is organized by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Akimat of Almaty. The exhibition’s general sponsor is Kaspi.kz, with Freedom Bank and Halyk Bank as official partners.

The event is being held at Atakent Business Cooperation Center—one of the largest venues in Almaty. Full program details and registration are available at AlmatyFair.ai.