Day one of the inaugural GITEX AI Kazakhstan has officially wrapped up in Almaty, establishing what organizers are calling the most ambitious technology gathering across Central Asia and the Caucasus. Operating as the region’s largest AI-first technology, startup, and digital investment event, the conference is hosted by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Kazakhstan, in close partnership with Astana Hub and the Akimat of Almaty.
Held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the summit marks a significant milestone for the rapidly growing Central Asian innovation ecosystem. The opening day was characterized by packed halls and high-stakes discussions, underscoring genuine momentum as the nation seeks to firmly cement its position as a primary regional technology hub.
A powerful convergence of global tech
The event has drawn an unprecedented international turnout, reflecting growing global interest in Central Asia’s digital potential. The exhibition floors and networking spaces feature 336 diverse tech enterprises and startups, operating alongside more than a hundred active investors searching for emerging opportunities.
Furthermore, more than 200 speakers representing over 50 different countries have descended on Almaty to share critical insights and foster cross-border partnerships. The sheer volume of senior technology executives and business attendees marks the gathering as the largest and most international technology event of its kind ever held in the region. Thousands of participants are leveraging the platform to forge new alliances, highlight breakthrough technologies, and fundamentally reshape business growth strategies for the digital era.
Strategic backing and AI development
Highlighting the profound strategic importance of the event at a national level, GITEX AI Kazakhstan also served as the venue for the second-ever meeting of the Kazakhstan Council for AI Development. This critical assembly took place as an exclusive, closed-door executive session on the event’s opening day.
The high-level council meeting was chaired directly by President Tokayev, reflecting the state’s deep commitment to technological advancement. Joining the President in leading the strategic discussions was Zhaslan Madiyev, the Deputy Prime Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, who serves as the Secretary of the Council. As the event moves into its second day of programming, the strong governmental backing and massive international participation signal that Kazakhstan’s ambitious push into the global AI economy is only just beginning.
