In a pivotal moment for Kazakhstan's burgeoning innovation landscape, a Kazakh startup has attracted $1mn in investments, the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan reported. This achievement comes as part of a broader push by the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry to bolster the country's innovation ecosystem.
The year 2023 has been marked by substantial strides in Kazakhstan's innovative development, with a focus on strategic sectors such as MedTech, AgriTech, GreenTech, Artificial Intelligence, Industry 4.0, GovTech, and Metallurgy. The government, in collaboration with the Council on Technology Policy, is directing resources toward promising technological niches to foster sustainable innovation.
One of the key initiatives undertaken is the pilot launch of the "Single Window of the National Innovation System," hosted on the astanahub.com information system. This single window acts as a central platform, providing businesses and the innovation community access to necessary support measures for innovative projects and activities. It serves as a transparent government interface for technological and innovative business tasks throughout the innovation process.
The government has reinforced its support measures for innovation, including grants, business incubation, and technology transfer. In 2023, 31 projects received support under three grant programs, totaling around KZT 1.2bn ($2.6mn).
Subsoil users of Kazakhstan have actively engaged with the Autonomous Cluster Fund "Park of Innovative Technologies," with 58 contracts worth KZT 8.2bn ($18.3mn) being signed. These funds were allocated to finance 32 projects within the Autonomous Cluster Fund, fostering innovative activities. Notable events such as technology marathons and the Industry 4.0 Startup Battle have showcased the country's vibrant tech ecosystem.
The "Stimulating Productive Innovations" Project has led to the creation of Tumar Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund. Startups participating in acceleration programs in Silicon Valley have attracted significant investments. Notably, CITIX secured $1mn from Draper Fisher Jurvetson.
The Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry emphasized that these initiatives contribute significantly to strengthening Kazakhstan's technological development and fortifying the domestic innovation system.
Statistical data for the current year paints a positive picture of Kazakhstan's innovative development. Key indicators, such as the share of innovatively active enterprises and the volume of innovative products, have experienced notable growth compared to the previous year.
Moreover, in the Global Innovation Index, a benchmark measured by the World Intellectual Property Organization, Kazakhstan has risen two positions, securing the 81st spot. This places the country as the third-highest innovator in Central and South Asia, following India and Iran. The ranking reflects Kazakhstan's strides in both innovation environment and investment (68th) and productivity and efficiency of innovation (87th).
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