From March 27 to April 5 the country will host the largest multi-location IT hackathon gathering thousands of developers, students, and startup teams. It is set to welcome over 3,000 developers working on technological solutions in the fields of AI and blockchain development, El.kz reports.

The event is organized by Astana Hub and the Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC) with the support of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan. The hackathon is dedicated to the first national technology forum Digital Qazaqstan, which will take place in Shymkent and will serve as the official opening platform for the event.

In addition, its main goal is to unlock the potential of regional developers, unite the country’s IT community, and create conditions for the emergence of new technological products.

To learn more about how the hackathon works and what opportunities it offers to participants, we spoke with Sanzhar Madiuly, Project Manager at the Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC).

“We want to show that strong engineers exist across the entire country”

- Sanzhar, what is Decentrathon 5.0 and what is its main mission this year?

Decentrathon 5.0 is the largest multi-location hackathon in Kazakhstan, taking place in 20 cities across the country.

Its main mission is to give talented developers from different regions the opportunity to create real technological solutions and become part of the national IT community.

We want to show that strong engineers are not only found in major cities. Every region has talented students and developers who simply need a platform and access to a professional community. Decentrathon aims to become exactly that platform.

“Every third winner is a team from the regions”

- Why was the decision made to hold the hackathon in 20 cities at once?

We made Decentrathon a multi-location event and are holding it in 20 cities across Kazakhstan. Very often, major technological events take place only in the capital or in Almaty. In reality, talented developers can be found all across the country, and the results from previous years prove this.

For example, every third winner of Decentrathon has been a team from the regions. Among the cities whose teams have already become winners are Kostanay, Pavlodar, Semey, Karaganda, Oskemen, Taraz, Petropavl, Kokshetau, and Kyzylorda.

That is why it was important for us to make the hackathon accessible to participants throughout the country, so that students and developers can participate and grow without leaving their region.

“Focus on real IT products”

- How does the 5th season differ from previous ones?

The main difference is the focus on creating real IT products.

Previously, teams often proposed concepts or ideas for solutions. This year, however, we emphasize the development of fully functional products. Participants are expected not only to present an idea but also to demonstrate a working prototype that can be further developed and implemented.

In this way, the hackathon becomes not just a competition of ideas but a platform where real technological products can emerge.

Artificial intelligence and blockchain as key areas

- What technological tracks are presented this year?

This year we have two key tracks:

• Artificial Intelligence

• Blockchain Development

Participants will create AI-based solutions as well as products built on blockchain infrastructure. These are among the fastest-growing technological fields in the world, and it is important for us that Kazakhstani developers gain practical experience working with these technologies.

“Opportunities for students and beginner developers”

- Who can participate in the hackathon?

Students, beginner developers, startup teams, and anyone interested in technology can participate. School students can also take part, but their team must include an adult captain. This is necessary to properly handle documentation in case the team wins.

- What real opportunities do participants receive?

For participants, it is much more than just a competition. During the hackathon they gain:

• mentorship from industry experts

• experience working on real technological challenges

• an opportunity to strengthen their portfolio

• networking with other developers

• a chance to receive a job offer or enter the startup ecosystem

Such events often become the first serious step in an IT career.

The role of partners and government institutions

- What role do partners and government structures play?

They play a very important role. Partners help formulate real challenges for the hackathon, participate in mentoring, and take part in evaluating the projects.

Thanks to their support, we can organize the hackathon simultaneously in multiple cities -partners help provide locations and infrastructure. As a result, Decentrathon becomes a joint initiative of the technology industry and the government aimed at developing the IT community.

-How does Decentrathon influence regional development?

When a hackathon takes place in a city, an active environment begins to form around it. Students meet each other, new teams are created, people start discussing ideas and launching projects.

For many participants from the regions, this is their first opportunity to enter a large technological environment and connect with the industry. Events like this gradually help build strong local IT communities across the country.

- What long-term impact can Decentrathon have?

In the long term, it helps develop Kazakhstan’s IT ecosystem. First, we support talented developers across the country.

Second, practical expertise is formed in fields such as artificial intelligence and blockchain. Most importantly, a new generation of engineers and technology entrepreneurs emerges - people who create their own products and help develop Kazakhstan’s digital economy.

Decentrathon is already going beyond the framework of a typical hackathon. Its scale and format allow developers from different regions to unite and bring into the technological environment those who previously rarely had access to the center of the industry.

For students, it is a chance to try themselves in real development. For young professionals, it is an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. And for regions, it is a chance to develop their own IT communities.

That is why Decentrathon is gradually becoming a platform where a new generation of Kazakhstani developers is being formed.