On October 12-13, the capital of Kazakhstan will host Digital Bridge 2023, Central Asia’s largest technology forum. The main theme will focus on the role of artificial intelligence in the modern world, under the title “Artificial and Human Intelligence: The Right Balance.”

The international forum will traditionally feature Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, leaders of global companies, top international and domestic IT experts, regional venture investors, and more. Digital Bridge 2023 is expected to bring together over 20,000 participants, including more than 300 IT companies, 100 investors and business angels, 250 speakers, and 100 startups from over 15 countries worldwide.

“Artificial intelligence plays a vital role in modern society. Digital Bridge 2023 will serve as an excellent platform for discussing how to find the right balance between technology and human resources,” noted Bagdat Mussin, Minister of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan. “This forum will offer a unique opportunity for industry professionals to share knowledge, collaboratively shaping a future where artificial intelligence benefits humanity. Kazakhstan holds significant potential for innovative growth, with numerous AI products already attracting global attention.”

The two-day forum’s program includes significant events such as a plenary session with the Head of State, personal meetings with him, over 30 panel sessions featuring international speakers, agreement signings, and events by Google for Startups. The forum will also present the Digital Bridge Awards, an international prize recognizing the best startups, innovative projects, and entrepreneurs. A Startup Alley will showcase 100 technological startups from Kazakhstan and around the world.

One standout event is the Astana Hub Battle, an annual competition for the best IT startups that has garnered significant attention over the past five years. This year, the prize fund has quadrupled. “Winners will be awarded in eight categories, with a total prize fund of $75,000,” said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub. “We’ve invited Kazakhstan’s largest investors to serve on the jury, and promising projects may receive additional offers besides the official prizes.”

Startups interested in participating in the Astana Hub Battle can apply until September 20 through the website digitalbridge.kz. After preliminary screening, 100 of the most competitive projects will get to present a one-minute pitch in the semi-finals on the forum’s first day. The jury will then select 10 startups for the final competition on the second day.

Forum headliners, who will be globally renowned figures from the IT world, will be announced closer to the event date. The organizers promise a particularly exciting lineup this year. Additionally, the forum will feature exhibitions from corporations, robotics firms, IT schools, venture capital companies, regional IT hubs, and a job fair hosted by major IT companies.

On October 12th and 13th, an episode for the seventh season of the startup reality show ‘Meet the Drapers’ will be filmed at Digital Bridge 2023. Only four startups will have the chance to pitch to venture capitalist Tim Draper, known for his investments in Tesla, SpaceX, Skype, and more. One startup will advance to the semifinals in Silicon Valley, where they could win up to $1 million in investments.

Digital Bridge has been held annually in Astana since 2018. The event is organized by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, along with the international technopark Astana Hub.

For additional information, please contact Gulmira Kanafina, the forum’s PR Manager, at [email protected].