HackAlem AI in Astana set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS

At AI Month in Astana, HackAlem AI set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS world record for the largest number of participants in an AI hackathon.

HackAlem AI surpassed the previous world record set on December 21, 2025, in Hyderabad, India. At that time, the hackathon organized by Google for Developers and Google Developer Groups Hyderabad brought together 2089 participants.

Glen Pollard, Official Adjudicator for GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
Before the hackathon began, I stated that this record already existed. It was set last December by Google in India with 2089 participants. My task was to monitor the event and, together with stewards and independent witnesses, ensure that all Guinness World Records requirements were met. We only counted those who actually participated in the hackathon, fulfilled the necessary conditions, and remained on-site for the established duration. After verifying all data and participants' work, I can officially announce: the result of HackAlem AI was 2415 people. You have set a new Guinness World Records world record!

Zhaslan Madiev, Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS world record is an achievement of the entire technological community of Kazakhstan and confirms the high potential of our country. HackAlem AI brought together thousands of talented developers, students, and young professionals who worked on real economic challenges using advanced technologies. It is important for us that the projects created here continue to develop — from idea and prototype to piloting and implementation. This result shows that Kazakhstan is capable not only to participate in the global technological agenda but also to shape it. HackAlem AI took place within the framework of AI Month, which is held as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State.

Participants developed projects in ten areas: energy, finance, management, telecommunications, logistics, creative industries, education, innovation, communications, and trade. They gained access to technological and educational resources from OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Arizona State University, totaling up to $1.5 million.

The world record attempt was conducted in compliance with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS requirements. Participants underwent registration and identification, their entry and exit were recorded by scanning personal badges, and stewards monitored rule compliance in each sector. Only participants who met the established requirements and directly worked on projects during the hackathon were included in the final result.

Magzhan Madiev, CEO of Astana Hub
Today, Kazakhstan has set a Guinness World Records world record, and behind this result are primarily people — our young developers, students, and AI enthusiasts. Thousands of participants gathered in Astana to turn their ideas into real AI solutions in just a few hours. For us, this record is not only a measure of the scale of HackAlem AI but also confirmation that a strong technological community and a new generation of talents have formed in Kazakhstan and the region. We strive to create opportunities for them, provide access to global technologies, knowledge, and partnerships, so that their ideas become competitive products and reach the global market. HackAlem AI became a highlight of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State.

HackAlem AI kicked off AI Month — a series of events dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cybersecurity, and the development of technological competencies. The series is held with the support of Astana Hub ahead of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 and within the framework of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.

Organizers and partners of HackAlem AI included the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Akimat of Astana, the International Innovation Cluster Astana Hub, Silkroad Innovation Hub, Blockchain & AI Technology Center, AI & Digital Bridge, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Arizona State University, Palo Alto Networks, MSSP.GLOBAL, and Romanovsky Product.

Sponsors of HackAlem AI were JSC "National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna", Freedom Holding Corp., JSC "Kaspi.kz", JSC "National Bank of Kazakhstan", JSC "Kazakhtelecom", JSC "TransTeleCom", Beeline Kazakhstan, and Firebird Inc.