Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed launching an AI Challenge to address practical economic needs during the AI & Digital Bridge-2026 forum in Astana on October 1. According to Akorda, the presidential office, the initiative would bring together Kazakh and international teams, with the best projects moving into industrial use, DKNews.kz reports.
Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s IT services exports exceeded $1 billion in 2025, while its digital solutions are used in more than 100 countries. He called for tangible support for innovative startups and the implementation of advanced projects to sustain that progress.
The proposed AI Challenge would be built around a list of industrial problems reflecting the economy’s actual needs. Developers would have an opportunity to offer solutions to businesses, while companies could gain access to technologies with demonstrated practical value.
The initiative remains a presidential proposal. The announcement did not specify a launch date or participation requirements.
Tokayev also called for responsibility and integrity in the development of artificial intelligence. He highlighted the Superintelligence Accord, which he said leading US technology companies had signed at the initiative of US President Donald Trump.
In Tokayev’s view, the approach could serve as a model for global adoption following thorough international discussion. He presented it as a potential direction for cooperation.
For Kazakhstan, the intended outcome is concrete: the strongest AI projects would be deployed in production once they have demonstrated their effectiveness.
For background on the sector’s international expansion, DKNews.kz has examined Kazakhstan’s growing IT exports and the overseas reach of its digital products.
