Organizers have announced that the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026, dedicated to artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and technological entrepreneurship, will be held in Astana from October 1 to 3 at the International Exhibition Center Expo.
The event takes place against the backdrop of active development of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan. In June 2026, the country's government concluded a package of agreements worth 10 billion US dollars in the field of digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence with the companies Firebird and NVIDIA.
The forum aligns with Kazakhstan's national digital agenda, as 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Organizers view this event as a platform for discussing the practical application of AI, the development of the digital economy, and technological enterprises.
Over the years of holding AI & Digital Bridge, more than 127,000 participants from over 100 countries have gathered, including 1,500 speakers, 600 startups, and 500 investors. The 2026 event is expected to host over 20,000 people and more than 100 technology companies, with potential guests including entrepreneurs, investors, developers, company executives, and representatives of the global technology industry.
Key Themes and Participants of the Forum
The list of invited speakers includes figures such as Rev Lebaredian, Vice President of NVIDIA; Alex Mashrabov, Co-founder of Higgsfield; Greg Wyler, Founder and CEO of E-Space; William Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic; Balaji Srinivasan, Founder of Network School, as well as other representatives of global investment and technology industries.
The central theme of the forum will be the development of Kazakhstan as a Eurasian AI hub. Participants will discuss issues of AI infrastructure, smart city concepts, digital platforms, and the creation of regional IT centers.
Another part of the program will focus on the global architecture of artificial intelligence. Industry representatives will examine the development of technology centers in the United States, China, MENA countries, and Europe, as well as issues related to the formation of standards and rules for technology access.
A key direction will be the application of AI in the real economy, covering finance, banking, healthcare, and other sectors, including the use of AI agents and the practical implementation of artificial intelligence.
Participants will also discuss the path from startup to international company in the field of AI, focusing on international accelerators, venture funding, finding first clients, attracting investments, entering foreign markets, and scaling businesses.
A separate section will be dedicated to future professions and the creative economy, including the formation of new digital specialties, GameDev, cinema, music, and generative content.
A significant part of the startup support program will be linked to Astana Hub—Kazakhstan's international technology park for IT startups. The Astana Hub ecosystem unites technology companies, startups, investors, and specialists, and it develops incubation, acceleration, financing, and international cooperation programs.
Within AI & Digital Bridge 2026, Astana Hub curates the Startup Alley, pitching sessions, and the Astana Hub Battle, which will allow tech teams to present their solutions to investors, potential partners, and an international audience.
A special high-level program is scheduled for October 1st with the participation of high-ranking government officials, international delegations, and technology company leaders; participation in these events is by special invitation only.
The open program of the forum will take place on October 2nd and 3rd, when representatives of global technology corporations, international speakers, startups, and investors will gather in the same location. The open program will include topics on AI, creative industries, talent, and GameDev, as well as a technology exhibition, Startup Alley, and Astana Hub Battle. Ticket holders will gain access to the entire open program on October 2nd and 3rd.
The organizers of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 are the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub, and the Astana Akimat. The event is financed by sponsorship funds. Gold Partners are Freedom Bank and Kaspi.kz, Digital Partner is BI Group, and Official Aviation Partner is Air Astana.