Applications are now being accepted for the $100,000 startup battle organized by Astana Hub.

Applications are now open for Astana Hub Battle — an international startup competition taking place as part of AI & Digital Bridge 2026. Tech teams from around the world will have the opportunity to present their projects to investors and compete for a total prize pool of $100,000.

Astana Hub Battle will be one of the key platforms of the forum for founders of technology companies. The AI & Digital Bridge program includes a dedicated track focused on startups, entrepreneurship, and venture capital — covering everything from developing the first product and achieving Product-Market Fit to raising investment and expanding into global markets.

$100,000 for four winners. The Astana Hub Battle prize pool will be distributed among four categories:

Impact Maker — $25,000

Growth Engine — $25,000

Market Shaper — $25,000

Investor’s Choice — $25,000

Thus, startups will be evaluated not only based on the technological sophistication of their product but also on their growth potential, market impact, and investment appeal.

Tech startups meeting the following criteria are invited to participate:

— a technological product at the MVP stage or beyond

— confirmed demand or already secured investment

— a registered company

— founder aged 18 or older.

For participants in Astana Hub Battle, this is an opportunity not only to compete for a cash prize but also to present their project to a professional and investment community, build new connections, and showcase their product on an international technology platform.

Applications are accepted until September 6.

Project selection will take place until September 21.

September 23 — announcement of the shortlisted projects.

October 2 — semifinals featuring 50 teams.

October 3 — finals, with 14 teams advancing.

The semifinals and finals will take place during the open days of AI & Digital Bridge 2026 — October 2 and 3.

The forum program for October 2 includes Startup Battle, Demo Day, VC sessions, pitch sessions, networking, and startup-investor meetings. The target audience for this track includes startups at various stages, venture capitalists, accelerators, and BigTech scouting teams.

Applications are open until September 6, 2026, via this link.