Kazakhstan to host HackAlem AI

On September 23, Astana will host HackAlem AI, one of the world's premier AI hackathons, bringing together thousands of developers, students, and IT specialists from Kazakhstan and abroad. OpenAI has been named the official technological partner of the event.

Organizers have announced that participants will be granted access to OpenAI technological resources valued at up to $1 million to develop and launch proprietary AI solutions. Winners will receive an additional $100,000 in OpenAI API credits, while the hackathon’s cash prize pool stands at $100,000. Consequently, the total value of prizes and technological resources reaches $1.1 million.

Statements from Organizers

Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, described the hackathon as a critical milestone in the evolution of the nation’s AI ecosystem. He emphasized that the event aims to position Kazakhstan as a global hub for talent, technology, and AI innovation, providing developers from Kazakhstan and beyond with access to cutting-edge technological tools.

Asset Abdualiev, Founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub, highlighted that the partnership with OpenAI provides talent from Kazakhstan and Central Eurasia with access to a global AI toolkit. He noted that participants will have the opportunity to work with OpenAI technologies, create practical solutions, and showcase teams and products to corporations that could serve as the foundation for future pilot projects.

Eligibility and Participation

The hackathon is open to adult developers, students, early-career professionals, and IT enthusiasts with relevant technical expertise, education, or existing projects and prototypes demonstrating their skills. Students and young specialists are eligible if they have been enrolled in programs related to IT, programming, engineering, mathematics, or digital product design within the last 12 months.

A mandatory requirement for participation is physical attendance at the venue in Astana on September 23. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. In addition to accessing OpenAI technologies, participants will receive branded merchandise and personalized certificates. The event will also serve as a premier platform for professional networking with developers and technology industry leaders from across the globe.

Outcome for Top Projects

Following the hackathon, a jury will identify the best AI solutions across key thematic tracks. The awards ceremony will take place on the main stage of the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 International Technological Forum. The most promising teams will have the opportunity to further develop their projects and potentially proceed to pilot implementation in collaboration with event partners.

HackAlem AI is organized and supported by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, the Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster, Silkroad Innovation Hub, AI & Digital Bridge, the Blockchain & AI Technology Center, and OpenAI. This event is set to be one of the most significant AI milestones in Kazakhstan’s history, marking a further step in the advancement of international technological cooperation within the region.