AI & Digital Bridge 2026 to Take Place in Astana

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — AI & Digital Bridge 2026, an international technology forum focused on artificial intelligence, the digital economy and technology entrepreneurship, will be held in Astana from 1 to 3 October at the EXPO International Exhibition Center, the forum’s organizers said.

The forum will take place against the backdrop of the active development of artificial intelligence in Kazakhstan. In June 2026, the country’s government, Firebird and NVIDIA signed a package of agreements worth US$10 billion in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

The event also comes as Kazakhstan pursues its national digital agenda, with 2026 declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Organizers see the forum as a platform for discussing the practical application of AI, the development of the digital economy and technology businesses.

Over the years, AI & Digital Bridge has brought together more than 127,000 participants from more than 100 countries. The events have featured 1,500 speakers, 600 startups and 500 investors.

For 2026, organizers expect more than 20,000 participants and more than 100 technology companies. Potential participants include entrepreneurs, investors, developers, company executives and representatives of the international technology industry.

Announced speakers include Rev Lebaredian, vice president of NVIDIA; Alex Mashrabov, co-founder of Higgsfield; Greg Wyler, founder and chief executive officer of E-Space; William Ford, chairman and chief executive officer of General Atlantic; Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School; and other representatives of the global technology and investment industries.

One of the forum’s central themes will be Kazakhstan’s development as a Eurasian AI hub. Participants will discuss AI infrastructure, the Smart City concept, digital platforms and the development of regional IT hubs.

Another part of the programme will focus on the global architecture of artificial intelligence. Industry representatives will examine the development of technology centres in the United States, China, MENA countries and Europe, as well as issues related to the formation of rules and standards and access to technologies.

The application of AI in the real economy will be another key topic. The programme includes 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 AI company, focusing on international accelerators, venture financing, finding first customers, attracting investment, entering foreign markets and scaling businesses.

A separate section will address future professions and the creative economy, including the development of new digital professions, GameDev, film, music and generative content.

A significant part of the startup and entrepreneurship programme will be linked to Astana Hub, Kazakhstan’s international technology park for IT startups.

The Astana Hub ecosystem brings together technology companies, startups, investors and specialists. The technology park also develops financing, incubation, acceleration and international cooperation programmes.

As part of AI & Digital Bridge 2026, Astana Hub will oversee Startup Alley, pitch sessions and the Astana Hub Battle. These formats will allow technology teams to present their solutions to investors, potential partners and an international audience.

A special high-level programme will take place on 1 October, with the participation of senior state officials, international delegations and technology industry executives. Participation in events on that day will be by special invitation.

The forum’s open programme will take place on 2 and 3 October. During those days, representatives of global technology companies, international speakers, startups and investors will gather at the same venue.

The open programme will cover AI, Creative Industries, Talent and GameDev, as well as a technology exhibition, Startup Alley, Astana Hub Battle and other events. Ticket holders will have access to the full open programme on 2 and 3 October.

AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is organized by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, Astana Hub and the Akimat of Astana.

The forum is financed through sponsorship funds.

Freedom Bank and Kaspi.kz are the event’s Gold Partners, BI Group is the Digital Partner, and Air Astana is the Official Airline Partner.