“Digital Bridge is more than just a forum. It’s a space where powerful projects are born, partnerships are forged, and digital trends are set year after year,” said Daniya Akhmetova, CEO of Digital Bridge. “In 2023, Digital Bridge brought together 30,000 participants from 30 countries, while the Astana Hub Battle drew widespread attention — over 200 startups competed for the prize fund, and thousands of viewers followed the battle both in-person and online. In 2025, we are raising the bar: more applications, stronger competition, and a larger stage. We expect a true battle of solutions among teams ready not just to showcase their products but to prove their global potential.”

One of the largest startup battles in Central Asia, Astana Hub Battle provides startups with access to funding, mentorship, and international market entry. The competition is open to startups with a ready product at the MVP or PMF stage. After an online selection round, 50 startups will proceed to the semifinals, with the top 10 pitching live on the main stage of the forum on October 4. The prize fund is $100,000.

Participating in the competition gives startups access to venture investors, international corporations, media, and government agencies. The winner will receive not only a monetary prize but also the opportunity to scale their project through the infrastructure of Astana Hub, a global community, and expert support. Applications are open until August 20 via the provided link.

Generative Nation Pitch is a national pitch platform that brings together young talents, startups, and research teams in the field of AI. The competition is divided into four categories: AI Schoolers – school students aged 12 to 18; AI Students – college and university students; AI Startups – teams with a working MVP; AI Science – research projects.

Projects will be evaluated based on originality, practical applicability, scalability potential, and ethical aspects of AI. Finalists will present their work at the alem.ai International Center for AI in front of global experts, investors, and government representatives. Registration for all categories is open until August 24 via the provided link.

The culmination of the forum will be the Digital Bridge Awards, Kazakhstan’s key technology award that annually recognizes leaders of digital transformation, innovators, and companies driving industry change through technology. This year, the award will feature eight categories:

• Export Excellence – achievements in exporting tech services and products;
  
  
• Tech Leadership Laureate – for leaders in technology, startups, and digital education;
  
  
• AI Solution of the Year – best AI-based solution;
  
  
• EdTech of the Year – educational technology project transforming learning;
  
  
• GovTech Innovation – digital solution enhancing public services;
  
  
• Tech Media Excellence – media outlet effectively promoting tech agenda;
  
  
• Social Impact Project – tech project with social impact;
  
  
• Digital Transformation: A Media Perspective on Kazakhstan – special nomination by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan for foreign media covering the country's digital transformation.

The selection process consists of four stages: open call for applications, extended participant questionnaires, analytics using AI, and a final decision by the jury. Winners will be announced on the main stage of the forum in the presence of top government officials, international partners, and key tech market players. Applications are open until August 24 via the provided link.

In addition, the stage of the Digital Bridge Awards will also host the announcement of the winners of Decentrathon 4.0, Kazakhstan’s largest hackathon covering 20 cities and developer communities.

The theme of the 2025 forum is Generative Nation — a concept reflecting Kazakhstan’s strategic course toward building a knowledge-based society founded on cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence. The organizers of Digital Bridge are the international innovation cluster Astana Hub, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Akimat of Astana.