Astana will host HackAlem AI.
On September 23, the Kazakh capital will stage a major international AI hackathon with OpenAI as an official partner, while the total value of prizes and technology resources will reach $1.1 million, DKNews.kz reports.
The event was announced by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. HackAlem AI will bring together thousands of developers, students, young professionals and IT enthusiasts from Kazakhstan and other countries.
Participants will receive up to $1 million in OpenAI resources
HackAlem AI participants will gain access to up to $1 million worth of OpenAI technology resources to build and launch their own AI solutions.
Winners will additionally receive $100,000 in OpenAI API tokens, while the hackathon’s cash prize pool will amount to another $100,000.
The combined value of prizes and technology resources will therefore reach $1.1 million.
For developers, this means an opportunity to test ideas and build prototypes using advanced AI tools without having to cover the full cost of those resources themselves.
Teams will move from idea to working AI solution
During the hackathon, participants will have a limited amount of time to turn an idea into a functional technology product.
Teams will develop AI solutions designed to address real-world challenges facing businesses, government institutions and different sectors of the economy.
The most promising projects may continue their development after the hackathon and potentially move into pilot projects with partners.
“Hosting HackAlem AI in Kazakhstan is an important step in developing the country’s AI ecosystem. We are creating conditions in which developers from Kazakhstan and other countries can access advanced technologies, build solutions and scale them globally. Our goal is to make Kazakhstan a hub for talent, technology and AI innovation,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
In-person attendance in Astana is mandatory
HackAlem AI is open to adult developers, students, young professionals and IT enthusiasts.
Applicants must have experience or education in software development and technology, or demonstrate their skills through their own projects, prototypes, applications or research.
Students and young professionals may also apply if they are currently enrolled, or have studied full-time during the past 12 months, in fields related to IT, programming, engineering, technology, mathematics or digital product design.
One of the main requirements is mandatory in-person attendance in Astana on September 23, 2026.
Participants must cover their own travel, accommodation and other expenses during their stay in the capital.
Winners will be awarded at AI & Digital Bridge 2026
Following the hackathon, the jury will select the strongest AI solutions across the main competition tracks.
The winners will be awarded on the stage of the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026.
HackAlem AI will also serve as a professional networking platform, giving participants an opportunity to connect with developers, startup founders, AI enthusiasts and technology industry representatives from Kazakhstan and other countries.
Participants will also receive HackAlem AI merchandise and personalized certificates.
“For Silkroad Innovation Hub, the technology partnership with OpenAI as part of HackAlem AI is an important step toward expanding access to global AI tools for talent from Kazakhstan and Central Eurasia. We believe a strong ecosystem is created when developers, startups and technology teams have not only ideas, but also access to advanced tools, expertise and real-world challenges. HackAlem AI creates exactly this kind of environment: participants will be able to work with OpenAI technologies, build practical AI solutions and present corporations with teams and products that could form the basis of future pilot projects,” said Asset Abdualiyev, founder and CEO of Silkroad Innovation Hub.
International partners join Kazakhstan’s AI ecosystem
The organizers and partners of HackAlem AI include Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, the Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster, Silkroad Innovation Hub, AI & Digital Bridge, Blockchain & AI Technology Center and OpenAI.
HackAlem AI is expected to become one of Kazakhstan’s largest AI events, bringing developers, technology entrepreneurs and artificial intelligence enthusiasts from different countries to Astana.
We have previously covered AI projects, technology initiatives and the adoption of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan.
Registration for HackAlem AI is already open. Applicants can submit their registration through the hackathon’s official platform.
