II buildingSMART Kazakhstan Conference & Awards 2026 Held in Almaty

The II buildingSMART Kazakhstan Conference & Awards 2026 took place in Almaty, focusing on openBIM standards and the digital transformation of the construction industry. The event brought together representatives from government bodies, design and construction companies, expert communities, software developers, and educational institutions.

The conference was opened by Bakhytzhan Muratovich Zhunisbekov, Chairman of the Committee for Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In his speech, he discussed the priority areas of digital development in construction and the adoption of modern technologies in design and construction. Deputy Akim of Almaty, Beybut Maratkhanovich Shakhanov, also delivered a welcoming address.

Key issues discussed included the transition to mandatory application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies in Kazakhstan, the industry's readiness for new requirements, and practical aspects of implementing and using digital models at all stages of construction projects.

A specific section of the program was dedicated to openBIM standards, artificial intelligence, engineering data management, and the use of BIM models at construction sites. During a workshop, participants explored the specifics of examining informational models, preparing digital models for inspection, and typical errors made by design organizations.

Practical questions regarding the implementation of new requirements were also the theme of the panel discussion titled "BIM is Now Mandatory: What Hinders and Helps in the First Months." Experts discussed the main challenges of the transition period, market participants' readiness, and possible solutions to emerging issues.

During the buildingSMART Kazakhstan Awards 2026 ceremony, achievements of companies and specialists in construction digitization and open standards application were recognized.

Additionally, the winners of the Student SMART Cup 2026 competition, aimed at developing competencies of future digital construction specialists, were awarded. Satbayev University won first place, followed by Shakarim University in Semey.

The conference brought together the professional community to exchange experiences and discuss the prospects of digital transformation in Kazakhstan's construction industry. The adoption of BIM, development of open standards, and application of artificial intelligence create conditions for improving design quality, efficiency of construction processes, and interoperability of digital solutions.

reported by KKH24 referencing the Committee for Construction and Housing and Communal Services of the Ministry of Industry and Construction of the Republic of Kazakhstan's website.

Photo: gov.kz