On October 1–3, the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 international technology forum was held in Astana, organized by Astana Hub, Kazakhstan's Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development and the Astana city government. During the forum, more than 60 new agreements were reached, and agreements and memoranda were signed in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital assets and infrastructure.
The forum showcased Kazakhstan's AI developments in education, finance, industry and other fields, including the education analytics QAIRU, Kaspi.kz's Kasper, Halyk Bank's employee competency model, Freedom Holding Corp's AI-Compliance, the KMG digital twin and KTZ SMART diagnostics.
According to the forum, Kazakhstan is building the large-scale “Data Center Valley” project with energy potential of up to 1 GW; the Kazakh side also mentioned plans to create up to 5 GW of additional energy capacity to develop computing power, and to establish three R&D centres in Kazakhstan for energy, AI and digital data storage.
Rules related to this news
Kazakh Prime Minister Bektenov said Kazakhstan has established the necessary legal foundation for the large-scale introduction of AI and is ready to cooperate with global technology companies. The forum noted that the new investment cycle and large-scale construction plans initiated by the President create additional opportunities for introducing modern technologies and digital standards.
For Chinese investors, the signals from the forum concentrate on computing power and data centre infrastructure, as well as demand for AI adoption in finance, industry and transport; there is room for cooperation in related equipment, engineering and operational services. The number of agreements, projects and capacities cited in this article are public statements by the forum and the Kazakh side; specific terms have not been disclosed; this article does not constitute legal or investment advice.
Key facts
- The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum was held from October 1 to 3 in Astana, organized by Astana Hub, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan and the Astana city government.
- During the forum, more than 60 new agreements were reached, and agreements and memorandums in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital assets and infrastructure were signed.
- Kazakhstan is building a large-scale “Data Center Valley” project, whose energy potential can reach 1 GW.
- The Kazakh side mentioned plans to create up to an additional 5 GW of energy capacity to develop computing power, and to establish three R&D centers for energy, AI and digital data storage.
- Kazakh Prime Minister Bektenov said that Kazakhstan has established the necessary legal framework for the large-scale introduction of AI and is ready to cooperate with global technology companies.
- At the forum venue, AI developments such as educational analytics QAIRU, Kaspi.kz's Kasper, KMG Digital Twin and KTZ SMART diagnostics were demonstrated.
FAQ
Where and when was the AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum held?
The forum was held from October 1 to 3 in Astana, organized by Astana Hub, the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan and the Astana city government.
What outcomes were achieved at this forum?
During the forum, more than 60 new agreements were reached, and agreements and memorandums in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital assets and infrastructure were signed.
What did Kazakhstan propose regarding computing power and data centers?
The Kazakh side mentioned that a large-scale “Data Center Valley” project is under construction, with energy potential of up to 1 GW, and plans to create up to an additional 5 GW of energy capacity; it will also establish three R&D centers in Kazakhstan for energy, AI and digital data storage.
Which areas can Chinese investors focus on?
The signals from the forum are focused on computing power and data center infrastructure, as well as demand for AI implementation in finance, industry, transport and other sectors; there is room for cooperation in related equipment, engineering and operational services.
Are the specific terms of the relevant agreements public?
The source states that the number of agreements, projects and capacity are all public statements by the forum and the Kazakh side; the specific terms have not been disclosed.