Applications are now open. Companies, startups, educational institutions and technology teams can apply for the AI & Digital Bridge Awards 2026 across seven categories covering GovTech, education, corporate AI transformation, venture capital and the creative industries, DKNews.kz reports.
The awards are part of the official program of the international AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum. Applications can be submitted until September 6, 2026, through the official application form.
Seven categories cover startups, GovTech and large corporations
The AI & Digital Bridge Awards recognize projects, companies and industry leaders that have made a significant contribution to artificial intelligence, digital technologies and digital transformation.
In 2026, winners will be selected in seven categories:
- Best GovTech Project of the Year
- Best Educational Project of the Year
- Startup of the Year
- Corporate AI Transformation of the Year
- International Breakthrough of the Year
- Best Corporate Venture Fund
- Best Creative Industries Project
The AI & Digital Bridge Awards 2026 application form asks participants to provide contact details, the name of their company, team or organization, a project website, a description of the product or initiative, and the relevant award category.
The structure of the awards shows that the competition is not limited to traditional tech startups. It also targets established corporations, public-sector technology projects, educational initiatives, corporate venture funds and creative businesses using digital technologies.
Winners will be announced in Astana on October 3
The awards ceremony will be part of the official AI & Digital Bridge 2026 program. Winners will be announced on October 3 at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana, Kazakhstan.
The forum itself will take place from October 1 to 3, 2026.
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development describes AI & Digital Bridge as one of the major technology events in Central Eurasia. The event is organized by the ministry together with Astana Hub and the Astana city administration.
According to the official AI & Digital Bridge 2026 website, the forum brings together technology companies, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, government representatives and international organizations.
Its agenda includes GovTech, talent development, startups, corporate transformation, international AI ecosystems and the creative industries.
The awards come during Kazakhstan’s national AI push
The 2026 edition takes place in a broader policy context. Kazakhstan has officially designated 2026 as the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed the relevant decree on January 6, 2026, setting a national focus on further digital development and the wider adoption of artificial intelligence.
The government’s implementation plan includes international and national digital initiatives, AI development, educational programs and measures aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s technology ecosystem.
Against that background, the seven AI & Digital Bridge Awards categories closely reflect several of the country’s current priorities: AI adoption in government and business, technology education, startup growth, corporate innovation and the international expansion of technology projects.
September 6 is the key deadline
For potential applicants, the main date is September 6. After that, submissions will close, with the winners to be announced less than a month later on October 3.
We previously reported on how AI & Digital Bridge is changing in 2026 and why the forum is adopting a new format. This year’s event in Astana will place a stronger focus on artificial intelligence, startups and the digital economy.
