Digital Qazaqstan 2026 in Shymkent: AI and Industry 5.0 forum to open a new digital phase
Алима Муслиманова Журналист El.kz
On March 27, 2026, the first national Digital Qazaqstan forum will launch in Shymkent, a new technology platform replacing Digital Almaty,El.kz reports.
According to organisers the forum will become a traveling platform and eventually cover other regions as well. This approach aims to form a single nationwide ecosystem in which the digital agenda is distributed across the country.
Industry 5.0 and practical AI
The forum’s theme will be a new industrial era titled “Industry 5.0 – The Power of Collaboration.”The focus is not on theory, but on the practical implementation of artificial intelligence in industry, business, and public administration.
This marks the next stage of digitalization, where technology works in tandem with humans. In 2026, the emphasis shifts to synergy, automation of production processes, and adapting AI to real economic challenges.
The business program will feature a plenary session with representatives of the government and the IT sector. It will also include panel discussions, a technology exhibition, hackathons, and the Digital Qazaqstan Awards ceremony.
The forum is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Shymkent city administration, and Astana Hub. The format is designed to bring together government, business, and developers within a single strategic platform.
Central Asia Programming Championship
As part of the forum, the international Central Asia Programming Championship 2026 will be held. Programmers aged 20 and above from Central Asian countries will take part in the competition.
Online qualifying rounds will take place on February ,28 with the final scheduled for March 27 in Shymkent. The prize pool totals 3,000,000 tenge. Participation is free, and finalists’ expenses will be covered by the organizers.
In 2026, Digital Qazaqstan will, for the first time, unite business, industrial, and competitive digital agendas in a single city.
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