The international forum AI & Digital Bridge 2026 opened in Astana, bringing together over 150 Kazakhstani and foreign speakers from technology companies, investment funds, the scientific community, and government agencies. The event is part of AI Month, which runs in Kazakhstan from September 23 to October 23 as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence. Participants include Network School founder Balaji Srinivasan, Higgsfield AI co-founder Yerzat Dulat, Nvidia Vice President Rev Lebaredian, Kraken CEO David Ripley, and 01.AI founder Kai-Fu Lee.
Key topics of the forum include the development of AI, computing power, and digital infrastructure, financial technologies, and investments. Participants also discuss specialist training, technological entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, satellite communications, blockchain, robotics, and the application of AI in physical systems. Kazakhstan is represented at the event by Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev, Kazakhtelecom Chairman of the Board Bagdat Musin, and Freedom Holding Corp. founder Timur Turlov.
On October 1, the forum provides for a special program with the participation of the head of state and international delegations, accessible by invitation. On October 2 and 3, the event will continue in an open format with thematic sessions, a technology exhibition, the Startup Alley platform, and the Astana Hub Battle competition. According to the organizers, during the AI & Digital Bridge, representatives from over 100 countries, more than 127 thousand people, about 1500 speakers, 600 startups, and 500 investors have participated.