AI & Digital Bridge 2026 will be held in Astana on October 1–3

AI & Digital Bridge 2026 to be held in Astana on October 1–3

From October 1 to 3, Astana will host the international technology forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026, dedicated to artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and technological entrepreneurship.

The forum will be hosted by the EXPO International Exhibition Center, according to the event organizers.

AI & Digital Bridge 2026 will take place against the backdrop of rapid artificial intelligence development in Kazakhstan. In June 2026, the country's government, Firebird, and NVIDIA signed a $10 billion package of agreements in the field of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.

Additional significance is lent to the forum by Kazakhstan's national digital agenda: 2026 has been declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in the country. The organizers view the forum as a platform for discussing the practical application of AI, the development of the digital economy, and technological business.

### Scale of the Forum and International Participation

Over all the years of its existence, AI & Digital Bridge has gathered more than 127,000 participants from over 100 countries. The events have featured 1,500 speakers, 600 startups, and 500 investors.

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

Among the announced speakers are NVIDIA Vice President Rev Lebaredian, Higgsfield co-founder Alex Mashrabov, E-Space founder and CEO Greg Wyler, General Atlantic Chairman and CEO William Ford, Network School founder Balaji Srinivasan, and other representatives of the global technology and investment industry.

### Main Program Tracks

One of the key themes of the forum will be the development of Kazakhstan as Eurasia's AI hub. Participants will discuss AI infrastructure, the Smart City concept, digital platforms, and the development of regional IT hubs.

A separate block of the program will be dedicated to the global architecture of artificial intelligence. Industry representatives will examine the development of technological centers in the US, China, the MENA region, and Europe, as well as issues concerning the formulation of rules, standards, and access to technologies.

Another track will focus on the application of AI in the real economy. The program features finance, banking, healthcare, and other industries, including the use of AI agents and the practical implementation of artificial intelligence.

Participants will also discuss the journey from a startup to an international AI company. The focus will be on international accelerators, venture capital financing, finding first customers, attracting investment, entering foreign markets, and scaling businesses.

A separate block will be dedicated to the professions of the future and the creative economy. The program will cover the development of new digital professions, GameDev, cinema, music, and generative content.

### The Role of Astana Hub

The organizers link a significant part of the startup and entrepreneurial program to Astana Hub, the international technopark of IT startups in Kazakhstan.

The Astana Hub ecosystem unites technology companies, startups, investors, and specialists. The technopark also develops programs for financing, incubation, acceleration, and international cooperation.

As part of AI & Digital Bridge 2026, Astana Hub is responsible for the Startup Alley, pitch sessions, and the Astana Hub Battle. These formats will provide technological teams with the opportunity to present their solutions to investors, potential partners, and an international audience.

### Participation Format

On October 1, a special high-level program will take place within the framework of the forum, featuring top state officials, international delegations, and leaders of the technology industry. Participation in the events of this day is by special invitation.

The open program of the forum will take place on October 2 and 3. On these days, representatives of global technology companies, international speakers, startups, and investors will gather at a single venue.

The program of the open days includes tracks on AI, Creative Industries, Talent, and GameDev, a technology exhibition, Startup Alley, Astana Hub Battle, and other events. Ticket holders will have access to the entire open program on October 2 and 3.

### Organizers and Partners

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 Akimat of Astana.

The forum is funded through sponsorship.

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