Kazakhstan is actively working on creating an artificial intelligence ecosystem that integrates infrastructure, computing power, data, technologies, specialists, startups, investments, and international cooperation.
The key venue for discussing these areas will be the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, which will take place in Astana from October 1 to 3 under the slogan 'Kazakhstan – the Eurasian AI hub'. The forum will gather representatives from international technology companies, investors, entrepreneurs, developers, startups, and government officials.
Confirmed participants include NVIDIA Vice President Rev Lebardian, Network School founder Balaji Srinivasan, Sinovation Ventures and 01.AI founder Kai-Fu Lee, E-Space founder and CEO Greg Weiler, General Atlantic Chairman and CEO William 'Bill' Ford, and Higgsfield AI co-founder and CTO Yerzat Dulat.
The concept of 'Kazakhstan – the Eurasian AI hub' reflects the country's aspiration to form an integrated technological environment where the development of infrastructure, AI solutions, human capital, technological entrepreneurship, and investments complement each other.
The emerging AI economy is based on a technological chain that includes energy and telecommunications infrastructure, computing power and chips, cloud technologies, data and language models, as well as applied solutions.
Kazakhstan is building this system at various levels: from basic infrastructure and computing resources to data management, model development, and the implementation of artificial intelligence across the entire economy.
Particular importance is given to the application of AI in the real sector of the economy. These technologies open up new opportunities for industries such as industry, energy, finance, transport and logistics, agriculture, education, healthcare, public administration, and creative industries.
Consequently, the focus is shifting from the technologies themselves to the economic impact of their use, which includes increasing productivity, changing business processes, creating new products, and entering new markets.
The development of the AI ecosystem goes beyond the forum itself. Parallel to AI & Digital Bridge 2026, AI MONTH is being held, organizing a program of events and initiatives in various parts of Kazakhstan, bringing together developers, technology companies, startups, enterprises, students, and professional communities.
Significant attention is paid to training specialists and developing skills in the field of AI. Kazakhstan is expanding cooperation between educational institutions and the technology industry, and also promoting international exchange of knowledge and experience.
Technological entrepreneurship is another component of the ecosystem. Astana Hub plays a key role here, uniting startups, investors, accelerators, large corporations, and international partners. This model is designed to connect talent, technology, products, capital, and global markets.
International technological cooperation is also a focus. Kazakhstan is establishing interaction with technology companies, investors, universities, research organizations, and entrepreneurs through joint projects, research, technology development, and commercialization.
The concept of 'Kazakhstan – the Eurasian AI hub' is supplemented by the principle of 'Trusted Kazakhstan', which provides a reliable, open, and predictable environment for international companies, investors, entrepreneurs, and specialists.
As artificial intelligence develops, issues of trust relate to data security, transparency, and responsible use of technologies, as well as the presence of a modern regulatory framework.
All these aspects will be presented at AI & Digital Bridge 2026. The program will focus on artificial intelligence and data, investments, human capital, international cooperation, technological entrepreneurship, and the practical implementation of new technologies.
A special closed-format program is scheduled for October 1 with the participation of state and international delegations, as well as representatives of the technology industry. From October 2 to 3, the forum will be accessible to visitors with tickets.
The organizers of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 are the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub, and the Astana Akimat. The forum is financed by sponsorship funds. Gold partners include Freedom Bank, Kaspi.kz, and JSC Samruk-Kazyna; Silver partner is Halyk Bank; Transformation Partner is Beeline Kazakhstan; Digital Partner is BI Group; and Official Aviation Partner is Air Astana.
The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 event will take place from October 1 to 3, 2026, at the Expo International Exhibition Center in Astana.