Astana Hub, the largest international technology park in Central Asia, has been a key driver of growth and innovation in the tech industry across the region for six years. Since its official launch on November 6, 2018, the park has built a vibrant ecosystem that supports startups and fosters economic growth and technological advancement in Kazakhstan. With the support of Kazakhstan’s Head of State, the Government, especially the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations, and Aerospace Industry, as well as strategic partners, Astana Hub has made significant progress in establishing a dynamic environment for tech businesses.
Ecosystem and Infrastructure: Since 2018, the number of companies participating in the tech park has expanded from 185 to 1,571 companies, including 430 foreign members. These companies have collectively created more than 28,000 jobs. Astana Hub offers startups a range of resources, including tax incentives, streamlined labor and visa processes, and access to office and residential spaces—all of which contribute to the rapid growth of Kazakhstan’s tech community. The tech park also hosts offices for major international companies, including Playrix, TikTok, inDrive, EPAM, Glovo, DAMUMED, Presight.ai, and others.
Revenue and Export Growth: Since its inception, the total revenue of Astana Hub residents has reached $1.9 billion, rising from $35 million in 2019 to $875 million by 2023, with a forecast of $1.147 billion for 2024. The export of services by Astana Hub participants has also grown significantly: over the past four years, export revenue has totaled $630 million, and by the end of 2024, cumulative tech exports over five years are expected to surpass $1 billion.
Attracting Investments: Over the past six years, Astana Hub startups have attracted $665.5 million in investments, significantly bolstering Kazakhstan’s tech ecosystem and enabling projects to reach global markets. Among the promising startups scaling internationally are CerebraAI, CodiPlay, Parqour, ApartX, Kwaka, Biometric, Beksar, Alaqan, Zypl.ai, ZebraEye, Arlan Biotech, and others.
Key Startup Support Programs: Astana Hub supports startups at every stage of development through programs such as Scalerator, Techpreneurs, Startup Garage, and Global Outsourcer. A flagship initiative, the Silkway Accelerator, developed in partnership with Google for Startups, helps startups expand into international markets. From over 1,300 applications, 62 startups from Central Eurasia have successfully completed the program, reaching a combined valuation of $430 million and raising $27 million in the UAE, Turkey, and the US. Another notable program, Hero Training, run in collaboration with Draper University and supported by the World Bank, enables startups to scale in Silicon Valley. Among its 37 participants is CITIX, which attracted $1 million in funding from renowned venture investor Tim Draper.
Building Human Resources: The Tech Orda program is a leading initiative in tech education. Since its launch, over 9,000 Kazakhstanis have gained the opportunity to study tech specialties free of charge, with the goal of training 20,000 by 2025 through state funding of up to 600,000 tenge per student. Astana Hub also offers diverse educational programs, including Alem School, No Code/Low Code School, Startup School, Beta Career, Freelance School, IT-Aiel, and more. In July 2024, an online platform was piloted in 180 schools across Kazakhstan to teach programming fundamentals, where 120 trainers are currently instructing over 19,000 students in grades 10-11 through the No Code, Low Code, and Startup Academy programs.
Regional Development: Astana Hub is actively expanding its regional tech hubs, fostering local tech communities, and maintaining a steady flow of tech talent across Kazakhstan. Tech hubs now operate in 17 regions, with an 18th hub set to open by the end of the year. These centers play an essential role in Kazakhstan’s tech ecosystem, promoting digital skills and fostering local community growth. Since 2023, more than 1,600 events have been hosted at regional hubs, including seven global forums that brought together over 48,000 participants and showcased 440 startups, fueling the growth of tech education and creating new job opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence Initiatives: The development of artificial intelligence (AI) is a core priority for Astana Hub, evidenced by the launch of the AI Movement, a comprehensive program aimed at advancing AI in Kazakhstan. This initiative has already introduced several projects, including Tomorrow School—the country’s first AI school—the Decentrathon hackathon, AI People Bootcamp, the online course AI Basics: ChatGPT, and regional roadshows. These programs attract talented specialists and provide essential training opportunities in AI, laying the foundation for the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, scheduled to open in 2025.
Key Goals: Astana Hub remains dedicated to fostering an ecosystem that supports startups and drives the digitalization of Kazakhstan’s economy. The hub has set ambitious targets to increase tech service exports to $1 billion by 2026 and to raise Kazakhstan’s first unicorn by 2027.
Astana Hub Press Office
Assel Mizamkyzy,
+7 747 432 20 56
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Emerald Journal journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.