The «AI-Sana Startup Challenge 2026» Student Startup Project Competition will take place

Dear Colleagues!

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University invites students to participate in the student startup project competition “AI-Sana Startup Challenge 2026”, to be held on 10 November 2026 as part of “Digital Qazaqstan Day -2026” and the AI-Sana programme.

Competition objective — to support students’ innovative ideas in artificial intelligence, promote startup culture, and showcase promising technology projects.

Competition aims — to identify promising AI startups, develop entrepreneurship and pitching skills, and connect students with IT industry experts and potential investors.

Projects are invited in the following areas:

- AI in education, science, and healthcare;

- AI in industry, energy, agriculture, finance, and business;

- smart cities, public services, security, and the environment;

- AI for the Kazakh language and culture, and other applied AI solutions.

Participation requirements. Teams of 1–5 students may apply, including interfaculty and interuniversity teams. Participation is free of charge. Each project must be the team’s original work, with AI forming the core of its product or service.

Competition format. In-person pitch session: up to 5 minutes for the presentation and up to 2 minutes for jury questions. The pitch deck must contain no more than 10 slides in PDF or PPTX format.

Key deadlines. Applications and pitch decks will be accepted from 2 to 8 November 2026, until 18:00 on 8 November. Final versions of presentations must be submitted by 12:00 on 9 November 2026. 

Registration: https://forms.gle/2rEYwXQVUGi7cHWz8 

Competition Regulations: view

Awards. Teams placing first, second, and third will receive diplomas and cash prizes; all participating teams will receive certificates. The award ceremony will take place during “FARABI AI & INNOVATION FORUM 2026: Идеядан инновацияға”.

Venue and time. 10 November 2026, 10:00–12:30, KazLAE Center, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, 71/23 Al-Farabi Avenue, Almaty.

Working languages: Kazakh and Russian; presentation materials may also be submitted in English.

Sincerely,

Organizing Committee of “AI-Sana Startup Challenge 2026”