In 2026, Almaty will not just host another international forum — it will become a meeting point where the digital future of an entire region takes shape.
For the first time, the world-renowned GITEX technology platform is coming to Central Asia and the Caucasus, choosing Kazakhstan’s largest city as its new regional home, DKNews.kz reports.
From 4–5 May 2026, GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan will take place in Almaty, marking one of the most significant milestones in the country’s declared Year of Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence.
This is not just about hosting a global brand. It is a strategic signal: Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a serious player in the global AI and technology economy.
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Why Almaty — and Why Now?
Almaty has quietly transformed into Kazakhstan’s innovation heartland. Today, the city is home to more than 1,500 startups, concentrates around 50% of the country’s venture capital, and is preparing to welcome the Qazaqstan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (QAIST) — a research university designed to compete on a global level.
For GITEX, choosing Almaty was a logical move. The city sits at the crossroads of commerce, manufacturing, finance, and talent, offering direct access to the ecosystems where ideas turn into scalable businesses.
As Kazakhstan accelerates its digital agenda, hosting GITEX becomes a practical instrument — not a symbolic one — for attracting investment, exporting technology, and forming international partnerships.
A Regional Tech Hub With Global Ambitions
The event is organised by inD, the global organisers of GITEX, and hosted by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, in partnership with Astana Hub and the Akimat of Almaty.
Together, they aim to bring to Almaty:
- Global policymakers shaping AI regulation
- Frontier-tech and deep-tech enterprises
- Cloud, data-infrastructure and fintech leaders
- Venture investors and high-growth startups from across the region
Kazakhstan already boasts over 90% digitised public services, Central Asia’s largest hyperscale data centre, and flagship initiatives such as alem.ai. GITEX’s arrival builds directly on this foundation.
Voices From the Leadership
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiev described the event as more than a large-scale forum:
“For us, this is a practical instrument to accelerate digital transformation and AI adoption across the economy and public administration. Our goal is measurable impact — faster deployment of solutions, higher productivity, and new opportunities for people and businesses.”
Almaty’s akim Darhan Satybaldy emphasised the city’s growing global role:
“By hosting GITEX, we are positioning Almaty as an influential hub of innovation, commerce, and enterprise for the wider Central Asian region.”
Meanwhile, Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of inD and global organiser of GITEX, highlighted Kazakhstan’s long-term vision:
“Almaty sits at the intersection of entrepreneurial energy and innovation. GITEX here allows the world not just to observe Central Asia’s technological rise — but to participate in shaping it.”
A New Anchor on the Global GITEX Map
With this move, Almaty joins a powerful global network connecting tech ecosystems across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Germany, India, Brazil, Singapore, Turkey, Vietnam, and beyond. For Central Asia and the Caucasus, this is a breakthrough moment — a chance to move from emerging markets to globally relevant innovation hubs.
GITEX Ai CENTRAL ASIA & CAUCASUS Kazakhstan is not just coming to Almaty.
It is placing the region firmly on the global AI and technology map.
And in May 2026, the world will be watching.
