Residents of Yassawi University’s YASAWI STARTUP programme took first place in the Communication category at the HackAlem AI 2026 International Hackathon. Initiated by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the hackathon set a Guinness World Record for the number of participants. The international competition began in September, and the results of its final stage were announced today.
The President declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, prioritizing the development of artificial intelligence technologies, the widespread adoption of digital solutions, and support for innovative projects in Kazakhstan. One of the major initiatives in this area was the HackAlem AI 2026 International Hackathon held in Astana.
The event aimed to transform technological ideas into practical projects, unlock the potential of young professionals, and develop Kazakhstan’s artificial intelligence ecosystem.
The main hackathon events took place at the end of September, while the final results were announced today. The YASAWI STARTUP team was named the winner in the Communication category.
The hackathon was organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the Akimat of Astana, the Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster, Silkroad Innovation Hub, the Blockchain & AI Technology Center, and other partners. OpenAI was also among the event’s partners.
A total of 1,066 projects participated in the HackAlem AI 2026 International Hackathon, of which 60 advanced to the final stage. Winners and prize recipients were selected across 12 categories. The hackathon’s total prize fund amounted to USD 220,000.
The hackathon set a world record for the number of participants and was officially recognized by Guinness World Records. According to the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, 2,415 participants were included in the official record count.
As part of HackAlem AI 2026, participants developed artificial intelligence solutions in energy, finance, governance, telecommunications, logistics, creative industries, education, innovation, communication, and commerce. The initiative helps young people develop technological competencies, advance start-up projects, and transform innovative ideas into viable products.
With the organizational support of the University’s Commercialization Office, the YASAWI STARTUP team achieved the best result in the Communication category.
The winning team comprised:
Islam Abdulkhanov — graduate of the Faculty of Engineering;
Rukhshona Saidullayeva — student of the Faculty of Economics;
Dilara Auezkhanova — student of the Faculty of Philology.
The team was mentored and provided with methodological support by Abylaikhan Tastanbekov.
This achievement reflects the results of the University’s systematic efforts to support start-up projects, develop the entrepreneurial potential of students and young graduates, and commercialize innovative ideas. It also helps unlock young people’s potential in artificial intelligence and contributes to the development of Kazakhstan’s innovation ecosystem.
On behalf of the University community, we congratulate the winning team and wish its members outstanding success and many new achievements in their future projects!
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