This year, the best in digitalization will be recognized in eight categories. The annual awards ceremony will take place as part of the international technology forum Digital Bridge 2023, scheduled for October 12–13 in Astana.

"Digital Bridge Awards is a prestigious award presented to the top IT companies that have achieved outstanding results in the development of information and communication technologies in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We aim to reward the most successful projects that operate in the innovation market. Winners will be selected in eight categories. For example, there are organizations that use technology to improve the lives of others and the world around us, addressing environmental, social, and economic issues. There are also those that create a stimulating work environment for the professional and personal growth of their employees while maintaining high standards in staff development. Each nomination has its uniqueness and represents special value for the further development of our society," noted Bagdat Mussin, Digital and Space Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Any company engaged in information and communication technology, venture capital investment, IT specialist training, and more can apply for this prestigious award. Moreover, nominations can be put forward not only by organizations but also by individuals by filling out an application.

The voting process will consist of two stages: the public nomination of candidates, followed by the final decision in each category, made by a jury composed of industry experts. Applications for participation are accepted on the digitalbridge.kz website until September 24.

The Digital Bridge Awards 2023 winners will be determined in eight categories:

1. AI Startup of the Year - awarded to a team that has demonstrated outstanding performance (user growth/market share/revenue) in the past 12 months.
2. Export Excellence - presented to an organization that has achieved the highest success in exporting IT products/IT services based on indicators such as export volume and the number of countries exported to in the last 12 months.
3. Employer of Choice - bestowed upon an organization that creates a stimulating work environment for the professional and personal growth of employees and maintains high standards in staff development.
4. VC of the Year - awarded to a venture capital investor who has had a significant impact, showcasing expertise in identifying and supporting innovative startup projects.
5. Tech Educational Leader - given to a coding school that has demonstrated outstanding achievements in using innovative, bold, and creative initiatives.
6. Tech Media of the Year - presented to a media resource that has effectively utilized media tools, opening new channels of audience engagement.
7. Tech for Good - awarded to an organization that uses technology to improve the lives of others and address environmental, social, and economic issues.
8. Customer Champion - bestowed upon an organization that adapts to its customers' needs with love and care, constantly striving to improve its interaction with them.

Digital Bridge 2023 is the largest technology forum in Central Asia, featuring the participation of the President of Kazakhstan, K. Tokayev. This year's forum's main theme will be the discussion of the role of artificial intelligence in the modern world - "Artificial and Human Intelligence: The Right Balance". The organizers of Digital Bridge are the Digital and Space Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the international tech park of IT startups, Astana Hub.

Digital Bridge Awards is an annual prestigious award in the field of digitalization established in the Republic of Kazakhstan. This award aims to recognize outstanding achievements and innovations in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) and digital transformation. Awarding Digital Bridge Awards is one of the ways to acknowledge and incentivize companies, startups, organizations, and individuals that have a significant impact on the development of the digital industry in Kazakhstan.