Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Kazakhstan is developing an artificial intelligence ecosystem that brings together infrastructure, computing capacity, data, technologies, specialists, startups, investment and international cooperation.
The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum, to be held in Astana on 1–3 October under the theme “Kazakhstan is the Eurasian AI Hub,” will serve as a key platform for discussing these areas.
The forum will bring together representatives of international technology companies, investors, entrepreneurs, developers, startups and the government. Confirmed participants include NVIDIA Vice President Rev Lebarédian, Network School founder Balaji Srinivasan, Sinovation Ventures and 01.AI founder Kai-Fu Lee, E-Space founder and CEO Greg Wyler, General Atlantic Chairman and CEO William “Bill” Ford, and Higgsfield AI co-founder and CTO Yerzat Dulat.
The concept of “Kazakhstan is the Eurasian AI Hub” reflects the country’s aim to create an integrated technological environment in which the development of infrastructure, AI solutions, human capital, technology entrepreneurship and investment complement one another.
The emerging AI economy is based on a technological chain encompassing energy and telecommunications infrastructure, computing capacity and chips, cloud technologies, data and language models, as well as applied solutions.
Kazakhstan is developing different levels of this system, from basic infrastructure and computing resources to data management, model development and the deployment of artificial intelligence across the economy.
The application of AI in the real economy is gaining particular importance. The technologies are creating new opportunities for industry, energy, finance, transport and logistics, agriculture, education, healthcare, government administration and creative industries.
Against this backdrop, the focus is shifting from the technologies themselves to the economic impact of their use. This includes increasing productivity, changing business processes, creating new products and entering new markets.
The development of the AI ecosystem also extends beyond the forum itself. AI MONTH is being held alongside AI & Digital Bridge 2026, bringing a programme of events and initiatives to different parts of Kazakhstan. It brings together developers, technology companies, startups, businesses, students and professional communities.
Particular attention is being paid to training specialists and developing AI skills. Kazakhstan is expanding cooperation between educational institutions and the technology industry, as well as international exchanges of knowledge and expertise.
Technology entrepreneurship is another element of the ecosystem. Astana Hub plays a key role in this area, bringing together startups, investors, accelerators, large companies and international partners. The model is intended to connect talent, technologies, products, capital and global markets.
International technology cooperation is another area of focus. Kazakhstan is developing engagement with technology companies, investors, universities, research organizations and entrepreneurs through joint initiatives, research and development, exchanges of expertise and technology commercialization.
The “Kazakhstan is the Eurasian AI Hub” concept is complemented by the principle of “Trusted Kazakhstan,” which envisages a reliable, open and predictable environment for international companies, investors, entrepreneurs and specialists.
As artificial intelligence develops, issues of trust are linked to data security, transparency and responsible use of technologies, as well as a modern regulatory environment.
All these areas will be presented at AI & Digital Bridge 2026. The programme will focus on artificial intelligence and data, investment, human capital, international cooperation, technology entrepreneurship and the practical deployment of new technologies.
On 1 October, a special programme will be held in a closed format with the participation of government and international delegations and representatives of the technology industry. On 2–3 October, the forum will be open to ticket holders.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is organized by the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana Hub and the Akimat of Astana.
The forum is financed through sponsorship funds. Freedom Bank, Kaspi.kz and JSC Samruk-Kazyna are gold partners, Halyk Bank is the silver partner, Beeline Kazakhstan is the Transformation Partner, BI Group is the Digital Partner, and Air Astana is the Official Airline Partner.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 will be held on 1–3 October 2026 at the EXPO International Exhibition Centre in Astana.
