Digital Bridge will gather leaders of global companies, experts in the field of IT innovations, venture investors, as well as representatives of local and global startup communities, creating a perfect platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience in the world of technology. The main theme of the forum will be the discussion of the role of artificial intelligence in the modern world "Artificial and Human Intelligence: The right balance."

One of the most anticipated events of the forum is the Astana Hub Battle. The competition among IT startups, which has attracted the attention of the IT community and the general public for five consecutive years, will be particularly interesting this year.

"This year, we have slightly changed the concept of Astana Hub Battle. The winners will be awarded in three categories - Best Social Impact, The Most Innovative, Exponential Growth. The prize fund will increase to $75,000, with $25,000 allocated to each category. We have invited the largest investors in Kazakhstan to the battle's jury, so it is possible that interesting projects, in addition to the official prizes, may receive additional offers from the jury," said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub.

Astana Hub Battle is an essential part of the mission to find new participants in the ecosystem, popularize domestic startup culture, and develop technological entrepreneurship in the region. To participate in the battle, startups must have a scalable project at the MVP or PMF stage.

Among the winners of previous battles are successful startups such as Kwaaka, NBfit, UvU, Parqour, EasyTap, and Kid Security, underscoring the significance of Astana Hub Battle in supporting innovative entrepreneurial ideas.

Applications for participation in Astana Hub Battle within Digital Bridge 2023 are accepted until September 20 on the official forum website digitalbridge.kz. After the preliminary screening, 100 of the most competitive projects that have passed the selection will have the opportunity to present a one-minute presentation in the semi-finals on the first day of the forum. The jury will select 10 startups that will compete for the title of the best in the final, which will take place on the second day of the forum.

Digital Bridge 2023 will traditionally be held with the participation of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. It is expected that the forum will bring together more than 20,000 participants, 300+ IT companies, 100+ investors and business angels, 250+ speakers, and 100+ startups from 15+ countries.

The organizers of Digital Bridge are the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the city administration of Astana, and the International tech park Astana Hub.

Additional information about Digital Bridge 2023 and Astana Hub Battle is available on the official website: digitalbridge.kz.