Shymkent hosted the first Global Tech Wave Central Asia, strengthening its status as a new tech hub

In September 2025, Shymkent officially joined the ranks of promising technology hubs in Central Asia by hosting Global Tech Wave Central Asia, a licensed edition of the international Global Tech Weekend movement. This was the city's first large-scale innovation forum in history, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, creative teams, and government representatives, thereby strengthening Shymkent's position on the map of regional technology ecosystems.

Nodo Ivaniдзе, co-founder of Global Tech Weekend, emphasized that the project's goal is not only to host conferences but also to develop a decentralized technology movement, unlocking the potential of cities beyond capitals. The successful debut in Shymkent demonstrated that innovation can flourish where communities, business, and government come together.

Global Tech Weekend originated in Los Angeles in 2024, and in 2025 it took place in Tbilisi, gathering over 10,000 participants from more than 30 countries, 120 speakers, and 130 partners. Following Shymkent, the movement will continue its expansion: flagship events are scheduled in Tashkent in March 2026, Tbilisi in June 2026, and Baku in October 2026, while Global Tech Wave formats will promote innovation in dynamic secondary cities across the region.