IT Agenda of the Week, August 18-24: gamescom 2025 and a live broadcast about launching a startup in Uzbekistan

Plan your week in advance: we’ve gathered 10 of the most interesting events in the world of startups, technology, and business in Central Asia — from pitches and lectures to forums and business breakfasts.

BAKAI BUSINESS BREAKFAST
A business breakfast with four well-known entrepreneurs — Kanat Kopbaev, Larion Lyang, Maksat Kurbenov, and Aibek Dzhangaziev. The speakers will share strategies for scaling businesses beyond the local market, building a strong team and an ecosystem around the product, as well as how to influence the market while maintaining balance. The event includes breakfast and will serve as a platform for valuable networking.

When: August 19, 09:00-13:00
Where: Bishkek, 36K/1 Lev Tolstoy Street, Bellagio Banquet Hall

Talk.IT: Open Mic
Eight speakers will discuss how AI, FinTech, chatbots, and marketing are transforming education. From personal stories and career shifts in IT to perspectives on how AI is changing education. Come to hear honest stories, gain practical insights, and find like-minded people.

When: August 19 at 16:00
Where: Astana, Mangilik El Ave, S4.6, Astana Hub, Cinema Hall

Lecture “How to Integrate AI into Your Product: From Idea to MVP”
Alpamys Makazhan will explain how to determine if your product needs AI, correctly formulate the task, and choose suitable tools and models — from ready-made solutions to custom architecture. Suitable for startup founders, entrepreneurs, product managers, and students.

When: August 19 at 19:00
Where: Online, Karaganda, Terricon Valley

Live Stream “How to Launch a Startup in Uzbekistan. The Experience of Amirhan Omarov”
Founder and CEO of Parqour, Amirhan Omarov, will share his experience launching a project in the neighboring market — Uzbekistan. He will discuss market differences, local specifics, and insights that can help avoid mistakes. Useful for founders from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan planning to enter the Uzbek market.

When: August 20 at 18:00
Where: Online, Telegram channel The Tech

Made by Google Presentation
At Made by Google 2025, a series of Pixel 10 devices will be presented, featuring the new Tensor G5 processor and AI Gemini, improved cameras, battery, Qi2 support, as well as Pixel Watch 4 and new Pixel Buds with health and noise cancellation features.

When: August 20 at 22:00
Where: Online, YouTube

gamescom 2025
The world’s largest gaming event. Attendees can expect major announcements, new product demonstrations, epic tournaments, live performances, cosplay contests, festivals, unique activities with epix, and meetings with leading studios, indie developers, and investors.

When: August 20-24
Where: Cologne, Germany

Pizza Pitch by Qostanai Hub
A unique opportunity for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to present their business idea. Participants will be able to present their projects to experienced investors and experts, receive feedback, discuss ideas, and make valuable contacts for future development. Participation is free.

When: August 21 at 15:00
Where: Kostanay, 172 Nursultan Nazarbayev Street

Qostanai Investment Forum 2025
The forum on the topic “Artificial Intelligence in Regional Development” will take place on the territory of KIA Qazaqstan in Kostanay. The program includes discussions with representatives of government agencies, IT and telecom companies, entrepreneurs, and investors, a technology exhibition, presentations of AI solutions and startups from Astana Hub and Qostanai Hub. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experience, find partners, and develop new projects for regional growth.

When: August 22
Where: Kostanay, territory of the under-construction KIA Qazaqstan plant

AWS Community Day Central Asia 2025
The important cloud event of the year, where participants will immerse themselves in practical experience with AWS Heroes, Community Builders, and top engineers from around the world over two days. Real-world cases, workshops, networking, and insights beyond documentation — all for those who want to think like AWS professionals and become part of the global community.

When: August 22-23
Where: Almaty, 71 k20 Al-Farabi Ave, Farabi Hub

Java Tech Talk #1
A meeting of the Java community in Uzbekistan, where engineers from EPAM Systems will share their experience on the topics “Concurrency Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them” and “Inside the Java Virtual Kitchen: JVM Architecture.” Participants will be able to enhance their knowledge, ask questions, and network with like-minded individuals.

When: August 23 at 11:00
Where: Tashkent, 114a Makhtumkuli Street, IT Park Uzbekistan

Fifth Fuckup Talks
Fuckup Talks with Davron Parmonov, partner at AloqaVentures and IT Park Ventures, board member of Startup Garage, and Abdazal Toshkhudjaev, managing partner at UzVC, board member of TASS Vision and AICA, where speakers will share their journey, challenges overcome, and experience in investments and startups, as well as answer audience questions.

When: August 23 at 14:00
Where: Tashkent, School 21