Central Asia Startup Show showcases the best startup projects in the region

2019, December 6| by Nurlan Ismailov Ismailov
+7 (7172) 70 61 91
Nurlan.Ismailov@old.nu.edu.kz

Recently, the Innovation Cluster of Nazarbayev University (NURIS) hosted the Central Asia Startup Show, where visitors got to see the region’s best 50 startup projects of 2019.  The show had project entries from four different countries and nine cities within Central Asia.

Vice President for Innovation of Nazarbayev University Yerden Kussain addressed the participants and guests of the event, thanking NURIS and its partners for the fruitful cooperation aimed at developing innovations in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.


  “By celebrating World Entrepreneurship Week, we want to recognize that entrepreneurship is the driving force behind any economy. This is the foundation of stability and prosperity, so encouraging entrepreneurship is a top US priority, ”said US Ambassador Mr. William Moser in his welcoming speech.
Asel Ibraeva, Government and Public Relations Advisor to Shell Kazakhstan, spoke about the company’s many years of partnership with the Innovation Cluster of Nazarbayev University and wished the startups success in implementing their ideas in the market.


NURIS CEO Aydar Zhakupov gave a presentation on Tech Central Asia startup support programs, implemented jointly with the US Embassy, as well as ABC Incubation, ABC Quick Start and ClimateLaunchpad. Anuar Seyfullin, CEO of ABC-I2BF Seed Fund, spoke about the possibilities of obtaining investments in Kazakhstan and foreign markets for the development of startups.
At the show, graduates of four programs presented their innovative projects in the areas of e-commerce, education, HR, agricultural technology, “clean technology” and the industrial sector.
The Central Asia Startup Show served as a platform to discuss specific regional issues related to startup development, as well as the newest global trends in startups. The show brought together more than 200 participants, and was an excellent place to network and meet new collaborators, partners, clients, and funders.  Among the guests were representatives of 80 organizations, such as Embassies, state and national companies, commercial structures, venture funds, international consulting organizations, banks and financial institutions, innovative entrepreneurs, higher educational institutions of the Republic of Kazakhstan, business associations, and many others. 

Special prizes from the US Embassy, Shell Kazakhstan and NURIS were awarded to 7 projects.


Within the framework of the Central Asia Startup Show, the Innovation Cluster signed three memorandums of cooperation: with the state business incubator of Tajikistan 55 Group, the Qaz Angels Association and the GSB Alumni Association.