In Astana, the AI Olymp — the first Republican Olympiad on AI

The final of the first Republican Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence among school students in grades 9–12 — AI Olymp — took place at Astana IT University. The participants were the 40 best students from all regions of the country who passed a rigorous selection process in the preliminary stage.

The Olympiad was organized by the Federation of Sports Programming of Kazakhstan in collaboration with the community of data analysis and machine learning specialists DSML.KZ, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry. The general partner was the largest technology park in Central Asia — Astana Hub, which actively promotes artificial intelligence and develops projects that contribute to the development of technologies and innovations in Kazakhstan and beyond.

AI Olymp became the first large-scale event in the country aimed at fostering interest in artificial intelligence technologies among school students. The holding of the Olympiad was the result of strategic partnership between government structures and the expert community.

AI Olymp lasted two days and included two five-hour competitive rounds. In addition to the competitions, participants attended lectures from AI experts who shared their plans for the development of this field in Kazakhstan.

To encourage and motivate school students, 50% of the participants were awarded medals and valuable prizes. This practice aims to support young people's interest in AI and programming.

As a result of the final, the 12 strongest participants will be invited to training camps, after which the national team of Kazakhstan will be formed to participate in the International Olympiad on AI, IOAI, which will take place in August 2025 in Beijing.

Zhaslan Madiev, Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry
AI Olymp is a significant step toward forming a new generation of Kazakhstani talents in the field of artificial intelligence. Today, we see active interest among school students in artificial intelligence. Our task is to support this interest, provide opportunities, and create an environment where such young people can realize their potential and become leaders in the country's technological transformation in the future.

Bagdat Musin, President of the Federation of Sports Programming
AI Olymp is not a one-time event but the start of systematic work with young talents. They are the future architects of Kazakhstan's digital economy. They do not ask what AI is. They are already thinking about how to improve it.

Source: gov.kz