In 2026, the well-known Digital Almaty forum will enter a new stage of development, transforming into Digital Qazaqstan — the country’s main national technology forum. The new format reflects a strategic shift toward building a unified platform that brings together Kazakhstan’s regions, digital initiatives, IT companies, industrial customers, and government institutions, DKNews.kz reports.
This is not just a change of name, but a move toward a nationwide digital agenda shaped beyond a single city.
Why the first forum will be held in Shymkent
The first Digital Qazaqstan forum will take place on March 27, 2026, in Shymkent, one of Kazakhstan’s key industrial and economic centers. The choice of location is deliberate.
Shymkent represents the real economy — manufacturing, logistics, and industrial development — where digital transformation and artificial intelligence can deliver tangible economic results. Hosting the forum in the region creates a practical space for discussing industrial digitalization, AI adoption in manufacturing, and stronger links between regional economies and the national technology ecosystem.
A national forum that travels across the country
Starting in 2026, Digital Qazaqstan will be held annually in different cities across Kazakhstan. This rotating format is designed to ensure that digital development is inclusive and regionally balanced, rather than concentrated in a single metropolitan hub.
The forum aims to build a unified national ecosystem for technological and digital development, highlighting regional best practices and scaling them to the national level.
Industry 5.0: putting humans and technology together
The central theme of Digital Qazaqstan 2026 will be Industry 5.0: the power of collaboration. Unlike earlier industrial models, Industry 5.0 focuses on a harmonious partnership between humans and technology.
Within this concept:
- artificial intelligence enhances human decision-making
- data drives efficiency and productivity
- robotics supports flexible and safer industrial processes
- sustainability becomes a core priority
The forum will focus on practical approaches to implementing digital and AI solutions across key sectors of the economy, including industry, energy, logistics, urban infrastructure, and public services.
Who will take part
Digital Qazaqstan will bring together:
- government representatives
- national and regional businesses
- international corporations
- investors
- technology companies and startups
- expert and academic communities
The emphasis will be on turning technology into a real economic driver rather than abstract discussion.
What the program includes
The forum’s business program will feature:
- a plenary session
- industry-focused panel discussions
- roundtable meetings
- an exhibition of IT companies and startups
- technology competitions and challenges
- hackathons
- the Digital Qazaqstan Awards, recognizing the best national and regional practices in digital and technological transformation
This structure is designed to move from ideas to implementation.
Media accreditation
Media accreditation is open until March 9, 2026, at 18:30. For journalists, this is an opportunity to gain early access to key discussions, industry leaders’ insights, and exclusive content on the future of Kazakhstan’s digital economy.
A shift in scale and ambition
The transition from Digital Almaty to Digital Qazaqstan signals a change in scale and ambition. Kazakhstan is placing a strong emphasis on regional inclusion, industrial digitalization, and human-centered technology development.
Digital Qazaqstan is no longer about one city. It is about building a shared digital future for the entire country — starting from the regions and moving forward together.
