BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 21. Arman Suleimenov, Pavel
Koktyshev, Murat Abdrakhmanov, Serik Kaldykuulov, and other
representatives of the venture and technology markets will discuss
how to turn ideas and talent into globally competitive
companies.
Kazakhstan aspires to become one of the key AI hubs in Eurasia.
However, computing power, digital infrastructure, and government
programs cannot create a functioning ecosystem on their own. Its
development requires specialists, entrepreneurs, and investors
capable of turning technological ideas into in-demand products.
In 2026, designated as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial
Intelligence in Kazakhstan, issues such as talent development,
startup growth, capital attraction, and expansion into
international markets are becoming especially relevant. These
topics will be part of the program of AI & Digital Bridge 2026, the
main international event of AI MONTH.
The forum will bring together representatives from the education
sector, the startup community, the venture capital market, and the
international technology industry.
Among the speakers are Arman Suleimenov, Founder of nFactorial,
and Pavel Koktyshev, Co-Founder and CEO of MOST Holding. They will
share their experience in developing technological capabilities and
supporting entrepreneurial teams.
The investment perspective will be presented by Murat
Abdrakhmanov, Founder of MA7 Ventures; Serik Kaldykuulov, Founder
and Managing Partner of Elefund; Yerzhan Kusshekbayev, Partner and
CEO of MA7 Angels; and Rustem Akishbekov, Co-Founder of the startup
Robo Wunderkind and Partner at Arkley VC.
Along with other representatives of the technology and
investment community attending the forum, they will cover the
entire startup development journey—from team building and product
creation to early-stage investment and global scaling. The
discussion will focus on investor requirements, validating
product-market fit, choosing a growth strategy, and the
opportunities opening up for companies from Central Asia.
What Attendees Will Gain
AI & Digital Bridge will serve as a meeting place for startup
founders, investors, corporate representatives, and technology
industry professionals. Entrepreneurs will gain a better
understanding of the venture capital market, learn from the
experiences of other teams, and gain insights to guide the
development of their own projects.
Startups will be able to present their solutions to a
professional audience at Startup Alley and showcase their projects
at the AI & Digital Bridge Battle. The program will also feature
business discussions, workshops, master classes, a technology
exhibition, and the AI & Digital Bridge Awards.
For investors and corporations, the forum will provide an
opportunity to discover new teams and technology projects from
Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
Developers and students will be able to see which skills and
products are currently in demand, while representatives of the
education sector will gain a better understanding of which
competencies need to be developed for the AI economy.
The program continues to be updated and is subject to change.
The latest schedule and ticket information are available on the
official website of the forum.
About AI & Digital Bridge 2026
AI & Digital Bridge 2026 will take place on October 1–3 at the
EXPO International Exhibition Centre in Astana.
Over seven years, Digital Bridge has welcomed more than 127,000
visitors from over 100 countries. Its stages have featured more
than 1,500 speakers, while over 600 startups have presented their
developments.
On October 1, a special high-level program will be held for
heads of government agencies, international delegations, and
technology industry leaders. Participation in the events on this
day is by invitation only. On October 2–3, the forum will be open
to ticket holders.
Organizers and Partners of AI & Digital Bridge
2026
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.
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 Kazakhstan JSC, Kaspi.kz,
Samruk-Kazyna JSC, and Kazakhtelecom JSC. Silver Partner: Halyk
Bank. Business Partner: Beeline Kazakhstan. Bronze Partner: Yandex
Qazaqstan. Official Airline Partner: Air Astana.
Join AI & Digital Bridge 2026 to discover promising technology
projects, connect with industry professionals, and explore new
opportunities for growth. Tickets are available on the official
website: digitalbridge.ai
