From October 1 to 3, Astana will become the center of one of Central Eurasia’s largest technology forums—AI & Digital Bridge 2026. This year, the forum is taking place in an expanded format, with its technology agenda unified under AI MONTH, a month-long series of events dedicated to artificial intelligence. The forum is taking place as part of the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Kazakhstan and will bring together representatives of government, the international community, business, academia, and technology companies.
The main theme of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is “Kazakhstan is the Eurasian AI Hub.” It reflects the country’s strategic course toward building a technological ecosystem where artificial intelligence serves as a tool not only for business and government services, but also for advancing science and developing new technologies.
One of the practical formats of the forum will be Meta-led workshops. They will be tailored for both the business community and the public sector, allowing participants to explore international technological best practices, case studies, and approaches used by the global company.
For Kazakh businesses, this format is especially relevant amid the rapid development of AI. To remain competitive, companies need not only to keep up with international technology trends, but also to understand which of them are applicable to the local market and what tasks artificial intelligence is already capable of solving.
What Topics Will Be Addressed at the Workshops
The program is built around case studies from Meta and its partners, practical examples, and technological solutions. Participants will examine the capabilities of AI and digital platforms, current approaches to using them, and the prospects for applying these tools in organizational operations.
For businesses, this is an opportunity to move from a general interest in artificial intelligence to specific tasks: assessing which solutions are worth exploring, what needs to be considered during implementation, and how international experience can be adapted to the realities of Kazakhstan.
The program will also have a dedicated focus on the public sector. Amid the digital transformation of the state, modern technologies are increasingly being integrated into the operations of public organizations and the development of digital services. This practical format will allow participants to examine international approaches and discuss opportunities for their application, taking into account public administration objectives.
Meta’s participation in the forum’s practical program also fits into the broader agenda of AI & Digital Bridge 2026. The development of an AI hub depends not only on infrastructure and computing power. Economic impact emerges when technologies move into practical use—helping companies refine their processes and create products, while enabling the government to develop digital services.
Workshops will become part of the broader AI & Digital Bridge 2026 program, alongside keynote speeches, panel discussions, fireside chats, Q&A sessions, a technology exhibition, Startup Alley, startup pitching, and the final of the Astana Hub Battle.
Who Will Benefit from the Workshops
Meta’s workshops will be of interest to entrepreneurs, business leaders, representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises, development, digital product, marketing, and communications specialists, as well as representatives of the public sector.
For participants, this is an opportunity to compare the experience of one of the world’s largest technology companies with their own needs and objectives and to better understand which technologies and approaches may be in demand at the next stage of digital transformation.
Event Overview
The program continues to expand. The up-to-date schedule and ticket information are published on the official website of the forum.
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 will take place from October 1 to 3 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana.
On October 1, a special program will feature heads of government agencies, international delegations, and technology industry leaders. Admission is by invitation only. The open program for ticket holders will take place on October 2–3.
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 headliners are Balaji Srinivasan, Founder of The Network School; Yerzat Dulat, Co-Founder and CTO of Higgsfield AI; and Jamie Beaton, Co-Founder and CEO of Crimson Education.
The organization of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 is made possible through the support of the forum’s partners and sponsors. All forum expenses are covered by sponsorship funds.
Gold Partners: Freedom Bank, Kaspi Bank, Samruk-Kazyna JSC, and Kazakhtelecom JSC. Silver Partner: Halyk Bank. Business Partner: Beeline Kazakhstan. Bronze Partner: Yandex Qazaqstan. Telecom Partner: Freedom Telecom Operations LLP. Technology Partner: Transtelecom JSC. Official Airline Partner: Air Astana.
