At the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 in Astana, a memorandum was signed on exporting Uzbekistan's startups abroad

At the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum held in Astana, a memorandum was signed to bring Uzbekistan's startups to foreign markets

The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international technological forum was organized on October 1−3 in Astana. The event was attended by more than 150 speakers, representatives of technological companies, investors, and startups from Kazakhstan and foreign countries. As one of the outcomes of the forum, an agreement was reached between IT Park Uzbekistan, Astana Hub, and Eurasia Growth Hub to support the entry of Uzbek and Kazakh companies into foreign markets.

AI & Digital Bridge became the main international event of AI Month — a month of events in the field of artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and entrepreneurship, held within the framework of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan.

Forum participants discussed the development of artificial intelligence, computing infrastructure, and robotics, attracting investments, and training specialists. William Ford, head of General Atlantic, Rev Lebaredyan, Vice President of NVIDIA, Balaji Srinivasan, founder of Network School, and Greg Wyler, founder of OneWeb and E-Space, spoke at the plenary session.

Speaking at the forum on October 1, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized that artificial intelligence is transforming industry, finance, education, science, and public administration. According to him, the development of technologies should be carried out based on the real needs of the economy, along with supporting innovative companies.

Tokayev proposed to compile a list of tasks in the industrial sector that need to be solved using artificial intelligence and, based on this, launch the AI Challenge competition with the participation of Kazakh and foreign teams. It is planned to introduce the best solutions with proven effectiveness into production.

The President paid special attention to the training of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, as well as issues of international cooperation.

"No country can fully realize the potential of artificial intelligence alone," Tokayev said, noting the need for knowledge sharing, joint research, investments, and talent support.

One of the practical results of the forum for Uzbekistan was the signing of a memorandum between IT Park Uzbekistan, Astana Hub, and Eurasia Growth Hub. The document is aimed at assisting technological companies of the two countries in finding foreign clients, investors, and business partners.

The memorandum was signed by Azamat Karamatov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub, and Muzaffar Karabayev, CEO of Eurasia Growth Hub.

One of the areas of cooperation will be helping startups from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan enter the markets of the UK and other countries through Eurasia Growth Hub. The partners will consider opportunities to create soft landing mechanisms that facilitate adaptation to a new market. This includes market research, business development, and assistance in resolving operational issues.

The parties also plan to hold joint forums, webinars, business missions, and B2B meetings. These events will help companies establish contacts with potential clients, strategic partners, investors, and accelerators.

"This cooperation opens up new practical opportunities for startups, from finding partners and clients to attracting investments," Azamat Karamatov noted.

The memorandum also provides for joint initiatives in the field of artificial intelligence and research and development. They will cover knowledge sharing, pilot projects, mentoring programs, and business cooperation with scientific and educational organizations. For Uzbek technological teams, this cooperation is aimed at expanding business contacts and supporting the launch of their products in international markets.