Teams developing drones, robotics, or AI systems for defense applications can compete for monetary awards at a Pitch Competition in Almaty. Applications are accepted until October 25, 2026, and the final contest will take place on November 5.
The total prize capital is KZT 2 million. It is distributed across two places: the winner receives KZT 1.5 million, and the runner-up receives KZT 500,000. The maximum single-team cash prize is KZT 1.5 million.
Dual-Use Civilian Technologies Are Also Eligible
The competition is organized by Defense Tech Hub and MOST Property. As reported by Digital Business, teams with solutions originally engineered for commercial sectors can participate if they can be adapted to the requirements of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Defense.
Focus domains include unmanned aerial vehicles, tactical robotics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, anti-drone systems, electronic warfare, satellite and rocketry technologies, and small-arms innovations.
This broadens the pool of qualifying ventures: prospective utility matters more than the existing market segment. However, eligibility to submit does not guarantee selection or field deployment.
Three Distinction Tiers, Monetary Grants for Two
Why Physical Hardware Teams Need FabLab Access
For ventures developing physical hardware, monetary capital is only part of the challenge. Teams need fabrication infrastructure to mold chassis, assemble subsystems, and test working prototypes.
The Almaty FabLab website lists precision 3D printing equipment, laser cutters, metal and wood machining stations, and specialized electronics benches. The facility provides workshops, laboratories, and workspaces. The exact duration and scope of access under the prize package should be verified with organizers.
Where and When to Submit Your Application
To apply, teams must complete the official registration form. During verification, the link directed to a standard Google authentication page.
The deadline is October 25, 2026. The exact closing cutoff hour is not specified in published announcements. The pitch event will be held on November 5 at Defense Tech Hub: 24 Zenkov Street, 4th floor, Almaty.
Participant age constraints, team size thresholds, and project readiness levels are not detailed in public announcements. Founders should clarify these parameters prior to submission.
We have indexed this opportunity in the RAEM.KZ Grant and Support Program Catalog. In the directory, it is classified as a competition: monetary funding depends directly on placement ranking.
