From August 2 to 8, 2026, Astana will become a global hub for young talents in artificial intelligence. The capital of Kazakhstan will host the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI 2026), one of the most prestigious international competitions in the field of AI.

So far, representatives from 105 countries have confirmed their participation.

IOAI 2026 is expected to become the largest technology event of its kind ever held in Central Asia.

Approximately 600 participants are expected to attend, including:

• the world’s top high-school student developers;

• international AI experts;

• coaches and mentors of national teams;

• representatives of leading educational and research institutions.

For one week, Astana will serve as an international center for knowledge exchange and advanced technological practices.

Participants Will Solve Real-World AI Challenges. Unlike traditional academic olympiads, the IOAI program focuses on practical applications of artificial intelligence.

The main competition areas will include:

• machine learning;

• data analysis;

• applied digital technologies;

• AI-based solution development.

Participants will take part in both theoretical and practical rounds based on real-world challenges currently being addressed by leading research centers and IT laboratories around the world.

A Platform for Global Dialogue

In addition to the competition program, organizers will prepare a comprehensive educational agenda featuring:

• lectures and masterclasses;

• meetings with world-renowned experts;

• discussion forums;

• cultural activities for international guests.

The organizers hope the event will introduce the international community not only to Kazakhstan’s achievements in digital transformation but also to the country’s history, culture, and modern development.

Bagdat Musin, President of the Kazakhstan Federation of Sport Programming, described hosting the Olympiad as a historic event for the country.

According to Musin, artificial intelligence is shaping a new architecture of the world, and it is people who create it. Hosting IOAI 2026 in Kazakhstan will bring together the brightest young minds from 105 countries—individuals who will help determine the future direction of AI, science, and the global economy.

He also noted that the Olympiad will create new opportunities for talented programmers from all regions of Kazakhstan and further demonstrate that the country is becoming a significant player on the global technology map, capable of setting trends and investing in top-level human capital.

Why It Matters

IOAI 2026 will be one of the largest international technology events in the history of independent Kazakhstan. The Olympiad is expected to draw the attention of the global IT community to the country, strengthen Kazakhstan’s position in the field of artificial intelligence, and create additional opportunities for young developers and researchers.