Almaty has become the epicenter of the global technology agenda for several days: the GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 forum has opened — the largest event in artificial intelligence and digital technologies in Central Asia. The Atakent International Exhibition Center brings together government representatives, international IT companies, startups, and the investment community, creating a space to discuss the future of the digital economy and launch new partnerships in practice.
GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 reflects the country’s systematic course toward developing artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and integration into the global technology ecosystem. The forum is becoming an instrument for implementing state policy aimed at creating a favorable environment for innovation, attracting investment, and strengthening international cooperation.
The event takes place in the context of the Year of Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan, underlining the state-level priority of AI development. The consistent development of infrastructure, regulatory framework, and human capital forms a long-term foundation for deploying technology across key sectors of the economy.
Against this backdrop, Kazakhstan is showing impressive momentum: over the past seven years, the country’s technology ecosystem has grown 18-fold — to $26 billion, according to Dealroom.co. The Almaty forum continues this trend, bringing together more than 300 companies and startups, 150 speakers, and over 100 investors from around the world.
Special attention in the agenda is given to the region’s infrastructure potential. Mobile internet penetration in Central Asian countries has reached 93%, and Kazakhstan maintains its leadership in digital infrastructure development: by 2030, data center capacity could increase more than fivefold — to 20,000 racks. The growth of AI computing capacity is turning the country into a key destination for cross-border investment.
This interest is already materializing in the participant list. Global technology leaders are represented in Almaty — Cisco, Google Cloud, Huawei, Dell, Lenovo, Salesforce, and others — bringing not concepts but applied solutions, from sovereign AI infrastructure to secure government digital systems.
Alongside international players, Kazakhstani companies that form the backbone of the national digital economy are also widely represented: Kazakhtelecom, Kcell, Beeline Kazakhstan, and Akashi Data Center.
GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 also strengthens the investment dimension. More than 100 investors from 28 countries with combined assets exceeding $200 billion are viewing the region as a new growth point. Among them are international funds from the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, including Sturgeon Capital. The focus is on more than 100 regional startups, including projects from the Astana Hub and IT Park Uzbekistan ecosystems.
The business program covers key technology development areas — from AI and fintech to cybersecurity, Industry 4.0, and smart energy. Over two days, more than 150 speakers from over 60 countries discuss the future of the digital economy, investment, and human capital development.
The forum’s business program includes key panel sessions: Trusted Kazakhstan, dedicated to trusted digital environments and sovereign technologies; From Region to Global: The Rise of Startups; and The Digital Reserve: Building Regional AI & Startup Powerhouses.
The launch of GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 cements Kazakhstan’s status as a regional center for technology and artificial intelligence, turning the country into a gateway to Central Asian markets and an active participant in the global technology agenda.
Source: ORTCOM