At AI Month in Astana, HackAlem AI set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the number of participants in an AI hackathon.
HackAlem AI surpassed the previous world record set on December 21, 2025, in Hyderabad, India. The hackathon, organized by Google for Developers and Google Developer Groups Hyderabad, brought together 2,089 participants.
“Before the hackathon began, I mentioned that this record already existed. It was set by Google in India in December last year, with 2,089 participants. My role was to observe the event and, together with the stewards and independent witnesses, ensure that all Guinness World Records requirements were met. We counted only those who genuinely participated in the hackathon, fulfilled the necessary requirements, and remained at the venue for the required period of time. After reviewing all the data and the participants’ work, I can officially announce that HackAlem AI achieved a total of 2,415 participants. You have set a new Guinness World Records title!” announced Glenn Pollard, official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ adjudicator.
“Setting a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title is an achievement for Kazakhstan’s entire technology community and a testament to our country’s strong potential. HackAlem AI brought together thousands of talented developers, students, and young professionals who worked on real-world economic challenges using cutting-edge technologies. It is important to us that the projects created here continue to develop — from ideas and prototypes to piloting and implementation. This result demonstrates that Kazakhstan is capable not only of participating in the global technology agenda, but also of shaping it. HackAlem AI took place as part of AI Month, which is being held within the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State,” said Zhaslan Madiyev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Participants developed projects across ten areas: energy, finance, governance, telecommunications, logistics, creative industries, education, innovation, communications, and trade. They received access to technology and educational resources from OpenAI, NVIDIA, and Arizona State University with a total value of up to $1.5 million.
The world record was set in accordance with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ requirements. Participants underwent registration and identification, their entries and exits were recorded by scanning personalized badges, and stewards monitored compliance with the rules in each sector. Only participants who met the established requirements and directly worked on projects during the hackathon were included in the final count.
“Today, Kazakhstan has set a Guinness World Records title, and behind this achievement are, first and foremost, people — our young developers, students, and AI enthusiasts. Thousands of participants gathered in Astana to turn their ideas into real AI solutions in just a few hours. For us, this record is not only a reflection of the scale of HackAlem AI, but also confirmation that Kazakhstan and the region have developed a strong technology community and a new generation of talent. We strive to create opportunities for them and provide access to global technologies, knowledge, and partnerships so that their ideas can become competitive products and enter global markets. HackAlem AI has become a landmark event of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence declared by the Head of State,” said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub.
HackAlem AI opened AI Month, a series of events dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital technologies, cybersecurity, and the development of technological competencies. The program is taking place ahead of the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026 as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.
The organizers and partners of HackAlem AI were the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Akimat of the City of Astana, Astana Hub International Innovation Cluster, Silkroad Innovation Hub, Blockchain & AI Technology Center (BAITC), AI & Digital Bridge, OpenAI, NVIDIA, Arizona State University, Palo Alto Networks, MSSP.GLOBAL, and Romanovsky Product.
The sponsors of HackAlem AI were Samruk-Kazyna Sovereign Wealth Fund JSC, Freedom Holding Corp., Kaspi.kz JSC, Halyk Bank of Kazakhstan JSC (Halyk Bank), Kazakhtelecom JSC, Transtelecom JSC, Beeline Kazakhstan, and Firebird Inc.
