Last week, Digital Almaty 2025 once again positioned itself as a key event in the Eurasian digital landscape, bringing together over 300 international experts for its seventh edition. This year’s forum focused on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on industry, the economy, and government governance. Experts discussed AI’s integration into finance, ESG, healthcare, education, cybersecurity, and other critical sectors, DKnews.kz reports.
Alem.AI – Kazakhstan’s New AI Initiative
One of the forum’s biggest announcements came from Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, who unveiled plans to establish Alem.AI, an International AI Center in Astana. This initiative aims to bring together startups, IT companies, and research groups to drive innovation. Moreover, Kazakhstan extended an invitation to EAEU (Eurasian Economic Union) member states to join the project, fostering greater regional cooperation in AI development.
Digital Awards – Recognizing the Best in IT and Innovation
A highlight of the event was the Digital Awards, honoring outstanding AI-driven, cloud-based, and business automation solutions. The awards showcased the most innovative IT projects and startups pushing the boundaries of digital transformation.
Digital Almaty 2025: 37 Panel Sessions and 200 Speakers
The forum hosted 37 panel discussions featuring 200 speakers, including 60 international experts. One of the standout sessions, "AI-driven: Government, Business, Society," focused on the collaboration between governments and businesses in AI adoption, emphasizing the need for infrastructure investments and workforce development to ensure successful digital transformation.
Digital Almaty 2025 Exhibition: 200 Companies from Around the World
A large-scale tech exhibition brought together 200 companies showcasing cutting-edge solutions. Participants included startups, global IT giants, international tech parks, investors, and business leaders.
One standout exhibitor was Solidcore Resources, which introduced a digital electronic work order system for Varvarinskoye JSC and Komarovskoye Mining Enterprise. The solution streamlined document management, reduced processing time, and enhanced safety protocols. The system also enables automated safety task assignments, professional skill verification, workforce training, and certification tracking, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Startup Battle: $60,000 Prize Pool
One of the most exciting parts of the forum was the Startup Battle, where emerging entrepreneurs competed for a $60,000 prize fund. The top winners included:
- epsilon3ai
- Finflow
- arlan biotech
- qala ai
Each received $15,000 in prize money. In addition to financial support, participants gained access to cloud services, marketing campaigns, international startup hubs, and a special $10,000 grant from Kazakhtelecom.
Digital Ministry Cup – Advancing Robotics in Kazakhstan
As part of the forum, Kazakhstan hosted the Digital Ministry Cup, a local stage of the FIRST Tech Challenge robotics competition. 24 top teams from across the country competed, with Sana BIL from Almaty emerging as the winner, securing a 1 million tenge prize. This tournament marked an important milestone in promoting STEM education in Kazakhstan.
Next month, Almaty will host the final round of the Almaty Tech Cup, where the best Central Asian teams will compete for a chance to represent the region at the FIRST Championship in Houston.
25 Memorandums and 150+ Business Meetings
Throughout Digital Almaty 2025, over 25 cooperation agreements were signed between government agencies and private companies, solidifying long-term partnerships in the IT sector. Additionally, more than 150 business meetings were held, setting the stage for future collaborations and developments in Kazakhstan’s digital economy.
Digital Almaty 2025 – The Leading Digital Platform in the EAEU and Central Asia
The forum reaffirmed its role as a key digital event in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Central Asia. By launching Alem.AI, integrating AI-driven industrial solutions, and supporting startups and STEM education, Kazakhstan continues its journey toward becoming a regional tech hub.
Digital Almaty 2025 once again proved that AI and digital transformation are not just trends—they are the foundation of the future economy.
