Why isn’t the region’s main technology event unmissable?
Artificial intelligence is already changing markets, professions, and business models. But the main competitive advantage lies not with those who simply observe these changes, but with those who identify technologies, partners, and growth opportunities early.
From October 1st to 3rd, Astana will become the center of international technology dialogue. The EXPO International Exhibition Center will host AI & Digital Bridge 2026, one of the region’s largest technology forums.
This is a platform where, over the course of just a few days, you can discover solutions that will shape the market in the coming years, meet representatives of global Big Tech, find investors and partners, present your product, and understand how to apply artificial intelligence today.
In June 2026, the Government of Kazakhstan, Firebird, and NVIDIA signed a $10 billion package of agreements in the field of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure. This was an important signal to the international market: Kazakhstan intends to take a prominent place on the global AI map.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is particularly symbolic in the context of the national agenda: 2026 has been officially declared the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan. This underscores the forum’s strategic importance as a key platform for the discussion and practical development of artificial intelligence technologies, the digital economy, and technological entrepreneurship.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 will be the next point where the global technology community’s attention should translate into concrete partnerships, investments, and new projects.
Over the years, the forum has brought together more than 127,000 participants from over 100 countries, 1,500 speakers, 600 startups, and 500 investors. In 2026, more than 20,000 participants and over 100 technology companies are expected.
For entrepreneurs, investors, developers, and executives, this is an opportunity to enter an environment where decisions are made, new connections are formed, and international projects are launched.
Speakers Shaping the Future of Technology
The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 stage will feature leaders who don’t just discuss the future—they create it:
- Rev Lebaredyan, Vice President of NVIDIA
- Erzat Dulat, Co-Founder of Higgsfield
- Greg Wyler, Founder and CEO of E-Space
- William Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic
- Balaji Srinivasan, Founder of Network School
- Other representatives of the global technology and investment industry
Forum participants will have the opportunity to hear firsthand the direction the global AI market is heading, which developments will receive investment, how to create global technology products, and which competencies will be especially in demand in the coming years.
The program will focus on practical issues:
Kazakhstan as an AI hub for Eurasia—AI infrastructure, Smart City, digital platforms, and the development of regional IT hubs. The New Global AI Architecture – The US, China, MENA, Europe, and Emerging Tech Hubs: Who Determines the Rules, Standards, and Access to Technology?
- AI in the Real Economy – Finance, Banking, Healthcare, and Other Industries: From AI Agents to the Practical Implementation of Artificial Intelligence.
- From Startup to Global AI Company – International Accelerators, Venture Capital, First Clients, Investments, Entering International Markets, and Scaling.
- Professions of the Future and the Creative Economy – New Digital Professions, the Development of Game Development, Film, Music, and Generative Content.
- One day at the forum can yield more useful contacts and ideas than months of searching independently.
Astana Hub, an international tech park for IT startups and a key growth hub for tech entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan, plays a special role in developing the forum’s technology and startup agenda. The Astana Hub ecosystem brings together technology companies, startups, investors, and specialists, and also develops financing, incubation, acceleration, and international cooperation programs.
At AI & Digital Bridge 2026, Astana Hub is responsible for a key part of the startup and entrepreneurship program: Startup Alley, pitch sessions, and Astana Hub Battle, creating an opportunity for tech teams to present their solutions to investors, partners, and an international audience.
On October 1, a special high-level program will be held featuring government officials, international delegations, and tech industry leaders. Participation in this day’s events is by special invitation.
On October 2 and 3, the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 program will be open to all forum participants. These days will bring together representatives of global tech companies, international speakers, startups, and investors. The program includes AI, Creative Industries, Talent, GameDev, a technology exhibition, Startup Alley, Astana Hub Battle, and other events.
