Dushanbe will host the international artificial intelligence conference AICONF-2026 on October 30–31, bringing together representatives of major technology companies, including NVIDIA, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Revolut and Recraft. Organizers expect around 200 delegates from more than 20 countries, with planned agreements potentially exceeding $1 billion in value.
Who will attend?
The conference will bring together technology company representatives, researchers and specialists involved in developing artificial intelligence and applying it across different industries.
Among the announced speakers are:
- Alina Leon-Kozenko (OpenAI) — an expert in international cooperation and the application of artificial intelligence in public administration and education.
- Rupali Deshpande (NVIDIA) — a specialist in national AI strategies and infrastructure under NVIDIA’s AI Nations initiative.
- Anna Veronika Dorogush (Recraft) — founder and CEO of the company developing generative AI tools for image creation and design. She is also associated with the development of CatBoost, a machine-learning technology.
- Pavel Nesterov (Revolut) — head of AI at the digital banking company, which reportedly serves more than 80 million customers.
- Marzieh Fadaei (Cohere) — an AI researcher working on large language models.
The program is expected to offer participants opportunities to hear directly from industry specialists, learn about their projects, ask questions and establish professional contacts.
What will the conference showcase?
Participants will learn about developments in artificial intelligence, explore new projects and attend the presentation and signing of international agreements, according to the organizers.
The event will also feature technology projects developed in Tajikistan, including ARGUS, an AI-powered system designed to analyze satellite imagery and support early detection of natural hazards in mountainous areas.
The system is intended to monitor high-altitude areas of the Pamirs and identify potential threats, including floods, mudflows, landslides, avalanches and glacial lake outburst floods. It is expected to help specialists detect dangerous changes more quickly and issue timely warnings about possible emergencies.
Why does AICONF-2026 matter for Tajikistan?
Tajikistan is seeking to expand its domestic artificial intelligence sector. Under the country’s National AI Development Strategy, the sector is expected to account for 5% of GDP by 2040.
In 2025, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution to establish a Regional Artificial Intelligence Center for Central Asia in Dushanbe.
AICONF-2026 is expected to provide local entrepreneurs, developers and young professionals with opportunities to meet international technology companies, exchange expertise and explore potential partnerships.