Kazakhstan launches HackAlem AI hackathon with OpenAI and NVIDIA support

September 23, 2026 at 02:39 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan launched HackAlem AI, one of the world's largest AI hackathons, in Astana on September 23 with 6,586 applications. The event, part of AI Month, features global tech partners OpenAI and NVIDIA and is an official attempt to set a Guinness World Record. More than 2,000 participants gathered on-site to develop solutions for real business and government challenges within five hours.

Key Facts

HackAlem AI received 6,586 applications, making it one of the largest AI hackathons in the world.
The hackathon is an official attempt to set a Guinness World Record.
OpenAI and NVIDIA are global technology partners of the event.
More than 2,000 participants gathered on-site in Astana on September 23.
Participants have five hours to develop working prototypes for real business and government challenges.

Event Scale and Participation

HackAlem AI, held in Astana as part of AI Month, attracted 6,586 applications from developers, students, and IT enthusiasts. More than 2,000 participants were present at the opening venue, with organizers noting that not all applicants could be accommodated on-site. The hackathon is an official attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest AI hackathon. Teams have five hours to move from idea to working prototype, addressing real tasks from leading companies and government agencies.

Government and Industry Support

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of AI and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev opened the event, emphasizing the hackathon's role in connecting talent, technology, and economic needs. Madiyev highlighted that Kazakhstan has over 2,000 registered startups and cited Higgsfield AI as the country's first AI unicorn and a source of national pride. He noted that Astana Hub, the country's tech ecosystem, now has a presence in Silicon Valley, Shanghai, Dubai, the UK, Singapore, and Malaysia. The minister also mentioned that the Qazaq AI Research University began classes on September 1 as part of the national AI ecosystem.

Participant Perspectives

A third-year student from Astana IT University named Aibek described the hackathon's scale as unprecedented in Astana or Almaty. Aibek, who has participated in two previous hackathons, said the direct involvement of OpenAI and NVIDIA is a strong indicator of the event's quality. Participants selected their working tracks at the start of the event, focusing on industry-specific challenges.