GITEX Central Asia & Caucasus 2026

GItex Ai Kazakhstan 2026 | 4–5 May 2026 | Tech, Startups & Global Innovation

Central Asia's
Largest Startup Pitch Competition

  • 4-5 May, 2026
  • IEC Atakent, Almaty, Kazakhstan
  • Applications Open Now
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Central Asia's Largest Startup Pitch Competition

An influential platform that connects the region’s most visionary AI start-ups with global investors, venture capitalists, and technology leaders.

Hosted at GITEX AI KAZAKHSTAN, the Supernova Challenge spotlight's transformative solutions in smart cities, healthcare, fintech and advanced technologies.

Startup's have the opportunity to pitch live, gain global exposure and compete for equity-free funding.

2026 SUPERNOVA WINNERS

WINNERS PARTICIPATING IN EXPAND NORTHSTAR 2026

Previous Supernova Judging Panel

Uzbekisthan

Abbas Kazmi

Co-founder & Managing Partner

Sabah Fund

Uzbekistan

Dalerkhon Nodirov

CEO

IT Park Ventures

Kazakhstan

Marat Tolybai

Founder and CEO

ActivatVC

UK

Robin Butler

Partner

Sturgeon Capital

Kazakhstan

Alibek Sultangazin

Deputy CEO - Chief Investment Officer (VC)

BGlobal Ventures

Azerbaijan

Tughra Musayeva

Head of Innovation

PASHA Financial Holding

Uzbekistan

Shokhrukh Yulchiev

Managing Partner

Silkbridge Capital

Korea

Jaeyeong Park

Co Founder

The Garrison
How to participate in 2027

To take part in the Supernova Challenge pitch competition, you must be an exhibiting startup at GITEX AI Kazakhstan. Once registered as an exhibitor, you’ll be eligible to apply for the challenge. After submitting your application, you’ll receive updates via email regarding your selection status for the Semi- Finals, based on the official timeline

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FAQ

To apply, you must be an exhibiting startup at GITEX AI Kazakhstan 2026 and submit your application via the Exhibitor Portal (E-Zone). Upload your pitch deck, a 60-second elevator pitch video, and the application form in the portal. Applications are only valid when all required materials are submitted 

The top 3 winners receive equity-free funding from the total Supernova cash prize pool.

1st Place – USD 15,000

2nd Place – USD 10,000

3rd Place – USD 5,000

Winners are contacted within one week after the event to confirm prize arrangements and next steps. This typically includes verification, announcement coordination, and payout process guidance.

No - there are no sector categories; startups are scored and shortlisted across multiple metrics.

Pitch format is 2 minutes pitching + 2 minutes Q&A, and only one person can pitch on stage.

You can still engage with investors and the wider audience, and a waitlist is maintained for last-minute changes. If a shortlisted startup drops out, waitlisted startups may be contacted.

20 startups pitch in the semi-finals (Day 1), and 5 finalists pitch in the finals (Day 2). Final pitching order and stage schedule are shared closer to show dates.

The submission deadline is 28th April 2026 at 23:59 (Kazakhstan time). Late submissions or incomplete submissions are not considered.

Include: problem, solution, business model, market, traction, and team. Use simple language, show evidence of traction (users, pilots, revenue, LOIs), and explain why now. Keep it structured for fast investor scanning. Here is a good reference for you: How to structure your pitch deck

Submit a clear 60-second video in English showing your upper body, shared via a YouTube or Vimeo URL. Explain your purpose, the problem, and why it matters - no jargon. Videos longer than 60seconds are not considered.

Reference video: The 1 minute Pitch - Keep it Simple

Judging criteria: Market Opportunity, Business Model, and Team execution capability. Clarify scalability, pricing, target customers, and why your team can win in this market. Use clear numbers and credible proof points where possible.

No - individual feedback is not provided due to volume, but every submission is reviewed by the judging panel. Focus on clarity and completeness to maximise scoring.