Development of the IT Industry in Kazakhstan in 2024: Key Events

Key Achievements and Trends

KazLLM — Development of a Large Language Model for the Kazakh Language
This unique project aims to increase the use of the Kazakh language in the digital space, supporting business, science, and society. It can perform various tasks, from document translation and processing to automating communication.

Tomorrow School — An Artificial Intelligence Skills School
Tomorrow School is Kazakhstan's first peer-to-peer artificial intelligence school, operating on the basis of the 01 Edu platform by Astana Hub.

Export of IT Services from Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is among the 30 most digitized countries in the world and ranks 8th in online services. In the first half of 2024, IT service exports grew to $306 million.

Opening of Innovation Hubs in Singapore and Riyadh
In 2024, significant innovation hubs for Central Asian startups were opened in Singapore and Riyadh. The Nomadiq Innovation Hub in Singapore offers startups tools and personalized support that were previously only accessible to large companies. The Al-Farabi Innovation Hub in Riyadh provides Kazakhstani startups with investment, incubation, acceleration, and development opportunities in Saudi Arabia.

Global Ranking in Digital Governance
Kazakhstan rose to 24th place in the UN E-Government Survey 2024 global ranking, improving its position by 4 spots.

News from the Country and IT Companies

Meeting with the Head of EPAM Systems
The Prime Minister of Kazakhstan discussed with the head of EPAM Systems issues related to developing joint business solutions and research initiatives in the context of global development trends in the technology market and the opening of an artificial intelligence laboratory.

Biometric Verification Project of the Alaqan Startup
This technology enables the protection of children's rights and safety, registration of employee entry and exit, and reduction of budget expenditures.

Kazakhstani IT Solutions Exported to Tajikistan
Kazakhstan exported its Smart Bridge e-government platform, a unified platform for government agency websites, and the Smart Data Ukimet information and analytical system to Tajikistan.

Telegram's Office in Kazakhstan
The opening of Telegram's office in Kazakhstan allows for prompt responses to government requests and provides users with quality service.

Freedom Holding Corp. Concludes Trading on NASDAQ
Freedom Holding Corp. concluded trading on the highly technological NASDAQ exchange, confirming its status as a significant player in the market.

Kaspi Enters the Turkish Market
Kaspi announced the acquisition of Hepsiburada, a leading marketplace in Turkey, thereby strengthening its presence in the Turkish e-commerce market.

TSARKA — The Cyber Shield of Central Asia
Under the leadership of Olzhas Satiev, TSARKA Group announced the production of smartphones with high-level protection, strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of cybersecurity, and opening a new office in Kyrgyzstan.

byb Capital Venture Fund
This fund is aimed at investing in early-stage startups as well as global prospective projects covering China, India, Southeast Asia, and the USA.

Central Asia Innovation Hubs Brand
The major tech parks of Central Asia — IT Park Uzbekistan and Astana Hub — have been united under the Central Asia Innovation Hubs brand to promote the regional startup ecosystem and develop innovative potential.

Successful IT Startups of the Year

CodiPlay
The CodiPlay startup, which teaches students programming through gamification, won the Digital Innovation of the Year award in the United Kingdom and was recognized as the best educational project. Additionally, the Prime Minister ordered the introduction of CodiPlay into Kazakh schools. This will help develop students' digital skills and create a modern educational environment.

CerebraAI
The CerebraAI startup was named the winner of the Innov8 international competition held at the Global Health Exhibition medical conference in the Middle East. The project presented by founder Doszhan Zhusupov was recognized as the best innovative solution of the year.

Hero’s Journey
In the summer of 2024, the Hero’s Journey startup raised $6 million in investment, completing one of the largest funding rounds among Kazakhstani startups.

EasyTap
The EasyTap startup is expanding its service area in Central Asia. Last year, the company entered the Kyrgyz market, and this year it started operations in Uzbekistan, signing a contract with MCosmetic, a large chain of cosmetic stores. EasyTap won the Fintech Stars 2024 competition, taking home the grand prize of $50,000.

Call2action.ai
This startup is actively expanding its operations in the US market. Over 40 American car companies showed interest in the innovative product; two became commercial clients, and three formed partnerships within the framework of pilot projects.

1Fit
The Kazakhstani 1Fit startup earned over $4 million in revenue for the first time. In 2024, as a result of launches in Malaysia, Mexico, and the UAE, 12.5% of the startup's revenue came from sales outside Central Asia.

Kazakhstani Startups on the International Stage
The Silkroad Innovation Hub presented 24 startups from Central Eurasia at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 event. Among the Kazakhstani projects were Yaya, Arlan Biotech, FOREST HERO, Call2action, pwron.ai, Bult, Parqour, and TrustExam.

Major IT Events Held in the Country in 2024

In 2024, Kazakhstan became a center for major IT events attracting professional specialists, entrepreneurs, and experts from around the world. These included Digital Almaty 2024, Astana Finance Days 2024, Kolesa Conf 24, Connected 2024, and interesting hackathons held within the framework of BeWoman. KazHackStan 2024 gathered the world's best student programmers at the ICPC World Finals 2024. Additionally, beetech conf 2024, CIO & CISO Forum Eurasia 2024, and the Central Eurasian Venture Forum discussed the latest technological and startup trends for specialists and entrepreneurs.

Digital Almaty 2024 Record
Over 30,000 unique visitors attended the international digital forum over three days. The main theme of the event was "Industry X: The Digital Evolution of the Future."

These events were an important step in strengthening Kazakhstan's position as a leading player on the international IT stage.

Summary of Communities and Programs

RS Bootcamp
The new platform created by Anuar Lenzat and Asset Dosymkhan allows startups to be launched from scratch.

Women in Tech Kazakhstan Community
On September 4, 2024, the Women in Tech Kazakhstan branch was officially opened in Almaty. It is part of a global movement aimed at advancing women in the technology sector.

TechnoWomen Community Joins the KazLLM Project Team
The goal of the TechnoWomen community in the project is to reduce bias by considering the gender component in artificial intelligence and to ensure gender inclusivity in data and algorithms.

Al-Farabi ScaleUp Program
The Al-Farabi Innovation Hub, in partnership with the international Plug and Play Saudi platform, launched the first phase of the Al-Farabi ScaleUp program aimed at supporting startups. The program will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Astana Smart City Program
The goal of the program is to improve the urban environment by implementing innovative startup projects, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and solving urban issues through the use of modern technologies.

Go Abroad Program
A program for Central Asian startups, it includes a six-week online accelerator and a two-week offline course in Silicon Valley to help startups enter the US market.

Personalities

Murat Abdrahmanov
He opened his own venture structure, MA7 Venture.

Mikhail Lomtadze
Mikhail Lomtadze was named the best CEO according to the Kazakhstan Growth Forum. Harvard Business School published a case study on Kaspi.kz.

Asset Abdualiev
Founder of the Silkroad Innovation Hub. Together with Asror Arabzhanov, he organized the Central Eurasia Silicon Valley 2024 technology event, which has become an important platform for Central Asian startups.

Bagdat Musin
Under the leadership of Bagdat Musin, "Kazakhtelecom" actively developed the Sapa+ project to improve telecommunications services. The company replaced outdated routers for over 100,000 clients across Kazakhstan.

Zhylan Madiev
In 2024, he was appointed Minister of Digital Development and continues to develop Kazakhstan's IT sector through numerous initiatives in digitalization, innovation, and strengthening international relations.

Aslan Sultanov
Investor, founder and CEO of the Al-Farabi Innovation Hub, and co-founder of the Al-Farabi ScaleUp international accelerator — a program helping Central Asian startups expand into global markets.

Olzhas Zhiyenkul
Kazakhstani entrepreneur and investor, founder of the Nomadiq Innovation Hub. He continues his work aimed at developing innovative projects and creating opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs.

Magzhan Madiev
Kazakhstani entrepreneur and CEO of the Astana Hub tech park, known for his initiatives in the field of startups and innovation. He is working to develop the startup ecosystem in Kazakhstan, support IT companies, and attract international investments.

Arsen Tomskiy
Arsen Tomskiy proposed opening the inVision U university, which trains specialists in IT, science, and art in Kazakhstan. Additionally, Indrive celebrated its 10th anniversary in the Kazakhstani market.

Batyr Sardarbekov
Kazakhstani Batyr Sardarbekov won a gold medal at the ICPC World Programming Championship. This is the first such achievement for Kazakhstani participants in this competition in 20 years.