Kazakhstan to Establish Unified Innovation Cluster

Kazakhstan is set to create a unified national innovation cluster by merging two of its key technological institutions: the International Technopark of IT Startups, Astana Hub, and the Park of Innovative Technologies fund, also known as Tech Garden. The merger bill has passed its first reading in parliament. Officials say the initiative is aimed at accelerating the development of Kazakhstan’s digital economy and enhancing its global competitiveness. Merging Platforms for Greater Synergy Astana Hub is currently Kazakhstan’s largest platform supporting IT entrepreneurs, offering tax incentives and accelerator programs. In contrast, Tech Garden is funded through mandatory contributions from subsoil users, 1% of their income, to support digital innovation in the industrial sector. According to Member of Parliament Aituar Koshmambetov, the integration of these two entities will create powerful synergies. “We’re combining infrastructure, finances, experts, mentors, support programs, and market access opportunities,” Koshmambetov said. A Digital Marketplace for Innovation At the heart of the merged structure will be a digital platform designed to link science, business, government, and startups. “It will function as a marketplace for challenges and solutions. Residents can see where subsoil users’ contributions are being directed and propose technologies to meet those needs,” explained Minister of Digital Development Zhaslan Madiev. Another component of the initiative is the expansion of the Single Window of the National Innovation System (SW NIS), which allows IT companies and scientists to directly access the development needs of industrial firms. The platform is already operating in pilot mode at astana-hub.com. Expanded Benefits for Residents Post-merger, participants from both institutions will retain all existing benefits. Tech Garden residents will gain access to Astana Hub’s startup acceleration programs, while Astana Hub startups will have new opportunities to secure contracts from major industrial players. Officials also hope the consolidated cluster will attract greater interest from international corporations. Kazakhstan already collaborates with major tech players like Indrive and Google, and negotiations are ongoing with Telegram. “Kazakhstan has the unique advantage of being able to engage comfortably with China, the U.S., and Russia,” Koshmambetov noted. “That’s a strategic asset we should fully leverage.” Economic Impact and Future Prospects Data from 2024 show that every 1 Kazakhstani tenge (KZT) invested in Astana Hub yields: 3 KZT ($0.0060) in private investment 14 KZT ($0.028) in resident company revenue 3 KZT ($0.0060) in export earnings A trade surplus 4.6 times the input Notable successes include a Kazakh-developed game generating $18 million in annual revenue, a smart scooter management system used in 20 global cities, and Higgsfield AI, a startup ranked among Google’s global top 20. Strategic Focus on Artificial Intelligence President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly emphasized the importance of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) in national development. “The development of artificial intelligence must be accelerated and integrated into public services and Smart City projects,” Tokayev said during a recent government meeting. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has also highlighted the practical use of AI in sectors such as ecology, social protection, and industry. He has instructed ministries to digitalize systems for managing...