Insights from D-TECH YOUTH 2025: Exploring AI and Technology's Future in Mongolia

On October 11, 2025, we had the opportunity to participate in D-TECH YOUTH 2025, an event that brought together Mongolia's technology sector to explore a fundamental question: "Where are we going in the era of Artificial Intelligence and Technology?" (Хиймэл оюун ухаан, технологийн эринд бид хаана явна вэ?)

A Meaningful Conversation

The event featured a panel discussion that included industry leaders, young startup founders, and AI researchers. Our CEO, Kh. Boldbat, was invited to moderate the conversation, helping facilitate dialogue between:

• O. Ulamsaikhan – Noorog Media
• V. Lut-Ochir – E-Mongol Academy
• G. Jadamba – Mobicom
• S. Batstsengel – Ember AI
• Ts. Barsbold – Novelsoft
• E. Bilegtnomin – FARO Foundation
• Tsogbadrakh – AI Academy Asia

Our senior developers also attended as speakers, sharing perspectives on practical AI implementation and development challenges.

This diverse group represented different facets of Mongolia's technology landscape—from telecommunications infrastructure to AI innovation, from educational initiatives to foundations supporting digital transformation.

Key Themes from the Discussion

The panel explored several important topics that are shaping how we think about technology's role in Mongolia:

Understanding Current AI Trends

The conversation covered how artificial intelligence is evolving globally and what these developments mean for Mongolia. Panelists discussed emerging technologies, from generative AI to machine learning applications, and how they're being applied across different sectors.

Youth Participation and Opportunity

A significant portion of the discussion focused on how young Mongolians can engage with and contribute to the technology sector. Questions addressed included:

• What skills are most valuable in today's technology landscape?
• How can education better prepare students for technology careers?
• What pathways exist for young people interested in AI and technology?
• How can we create more opportunities for hands-on learning and experience?

Challenges and Opportunities

Panelists candidly discussed both the opportunities available in Mongolia's technology sector and the challenges that need addressing:

• Talent development and retention
• Infrastructure and resource constraints
• The importance of building a supportive ecosystem
• Balancing global trends with local needs and contexts

AI's Potential in Mongolia

The discussion explored how artificial intelligence might address some of Mongolia's unique challenges and opportunities, from improving service delivery in remote areas to creating new economic opportunities that leverage our strengths.


Reflections on Participation

Participating in D-TECH YOUTH 2025 provided valuable perspectives:

Learning from Diverse Viewpoints

Hearing from panelists with different backgrounds and experiences reinforced how multifaceted the technology sector is. Each speaker brought unique insights based on their work, whether in telecommunications, education, AI development, or foundation work.

The Importance of Dialogue

Events like this create space for conversations that don't always happen in day-to-day work. Bringing together established companies, startups, educators, and students helps bridge gaps and build understanding across different parts of the ecosystem.

Youth Engagement Matters

The questions and participation from young attendees demonstrated both the interest in technology careers and the thoughtfulness with which young people are approaching these opportunities. Their perspectives challenged some assumptions and highlighted areas where the industry needs to do better.

Part of a Broader Initiative

D-TECH YOUTH 2025 was organized by YOUTHinc.mn as part of the "Digital Citizen Engagement (DICE) project," funded by the European Union. This initiative recognizes that youth engagement and technology literacy are crucial for Mongolia's development.

The event brought together not just industry professionals but also students, young entrepreneurs, and aspiring technology workers, creating opportunities for intergenerational exchange and learning.

What We Take Away

Several insights from the event continue to inform our thinking:

1. Technology is a Tool, Not a Solution While AI and advanced technologies offer powerful capabilities, they're most effective when applied to solve real problems. Understanding the problem deeply matters more than having the latest technology.

2. Skills and Continuous Learning The technology landscape changes rapidly. Success requires commitment to continuous learning and adaptation, not just initial training or education.

3. Collaboration Over Competition Mongolia's technology sector benefits when companies, educators, and government work together. The challenges we face are often too complex for any single organization to solve alone.

4. Practical Experience is Essential Theory and practice both matter, but hands-on experience with real projects accelerates learning in ways that classroom education alone cannot.

Looking Ahead

The conversations at D-TECH YOUTH 2025 highlighted both the potential and the work ahead for Mongolia's technology sector. Some key areas that emerged:

Education and Training

Continued evolution of how we prepare people for technology careers, with more emphasis on practical skills, problem-solving, and adaptability.

Infrastructure and Resources

Ongoing investment in the tools, platforms, and resources that enable technology work and innovation.

Ecosystem Development

Building stronger connections between education, industry, government, and civil society to create a more supportive environment for technology development.

Inclusive Participation

Ensuring that opportunities in technology are accessible to people from diverse backgrounds and regions, not concentrated in a few areas or groups.

Our Commitment

Participating in events like D-TECH YOUTH 2025 reminds us why we do this work. Technology has the potential to solve real problems and create opportunities, but realizing that potential requires ongoing effort, collaboration, and learning.

We're committed to:

• Sharing what we learn from our work
• Supporting the development of technology skills and capabilities
• Contributing to conversations about technology's role in Mongolia
• Building solutions that address real needs

The question posed at D-TECH YOUTH—"Where are we going in the era of AI and Technology?"—doesn't have a simple answer. The direction we take will be shaped by the choices we make, the investments we prioritize, and how well we work together.

We're grateful to YOUTHinc.mn and the European Union for organizing this event, to our fellow panelists for their insights, and to all the attendees who participated in the discussion. These conversations matter, and we look forward to continuing them.

If you're interested in discussing AI, technology, or how these tools might help address challenges you're facing, we're always happy to connect.