The sixth cohort of Silkway Accelerator, an international acceleration program implemented by Astana Hub in partnership with Google for Startups, has concluded with impressive results. The program’s graduates from Central Asia secured $550,000 in direct investments and received $1.4 million in soft commitments.
Selection Process and Project Geography
The acceleration program received 180 applications from across the region. An expert committee selected 15 companies with high scaling potential, though only 11 successfully completed the full program. Student teams and experienced entrepreneurs came from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia.
The core mission of each project focuses on solving concrete business challenges through technological innovation. Participants operate across diverse sectors including fintech, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, logistics, medicine, education, and business process automation. All participating companies are at the Product-Market Fit (PMF) or Scale stage, meaning their products have market demand and active customers.
Intensive 12-Week Development Program
The acceleration program provided comprehensive support for technological ventures. Each team received access to international experts and mentors who helped build growth strategies, optimize business processes, and prepare for international market entry.
During the acceleration process, participants received free accommodation, office spaces, access to Google’s expert resources, and regular workshops focused on developing technological businesses. The program’s phases included intensive tracking, mentorship support, international networking, and PR assistance. Innovative companies achieved significant results thanks to this comprehensive support package.
Success Stories: Breakthrough Projects
Among the sixth cohort graduates are promising ventures with groundbreaking solutions. Mirai Tech from Kazakhstan presented a portable biomechanics laboratory powered by artificial intelligence. Smart sensor insoles and wearable devices help prevent injuries and accelerate rehabilitation for athletes and patients.
Mirai Tech is led by Gulnur Kalimuldina, Associate Professor at Nazarbayev University’s School of Engineering and Digital Sciences. “Participation in Silkway Accelerator provided our team with an opportunity to improve financial indicators, optimize internal processes, and develop a concrete scaling strategy. We are now beginning work with football clubs in Kazakhstan and preparing to enter the international market,” Kalimuldina stated.
Ecosystem Development in Central Asia
Over three years of operation, Silkway Accelerator has become a recognized leader in accelerating technology projects in the region. The program’s impact demonstrates impressive dynamics: approximately 1,300 applications have been submitted, with only 62 successful companies passing selection and completing acceleration.
Program graduates have collectively raised over $28 million in investments, with their combined valuation exceeding $500 million. Successful ventures have scaled across Central Asian markets, as well as Georgia, Mongolia, and Azerbaijan. Among the most notable alumni are Citix, Zypl.ai, Arlan Biotech, NB Fit, UvU, ApartX, Biometric, ZebraEye, and Alaqan. Innovative ideas transform into large-scale businesses through such programs.
Financing Models and Investment Opportunities
Financing for the participants operates through multiple channels. Companies in the sixth cohort gained eligibility to apply for investments from Astana Hub Ventures. Each participant’s business plan underwent thorough expert review, which reduces risks for investors.
“Silkway Accelerator provides access to a global network of mentors, experts, and investors, while making teams part of a strong international community. The program is designed so that ventures can focus exclusively on product growth, daily hypothesis testing, strengthening metrics, and reaching new development levels,” said Yerbol Akhmetov, Director of Business Programs Office at Astana Hub.
Demo Day at Digital Bridge 2025
The sixth cohort finalists presented their projects at the concluding Demo Day, held as part of Digital Bridge 2025, the largest international technology forum in Astana. This event marked the culmination of the acceleration program, where innovative companies showcased their achievements to investors, corporations, and representatives of the global technology ecosystem.
The Digital Bridge 2025 forum was held under the slogan “Generative Nation” and brought together entrepreneurs, investors, technology leaders, and government officials. The forum featured the opening of the alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Center, an AI Council meeting chaired by the President of Kazakhstan, and Astana Hub Battle with a $100,000 prize fund.
Support for Young Entrepreneurs and International Expansion
The program actively supports student ventures and young teams. Key development areas addressed include access to educational resources, mentorship, and financing. Kazakhstan is the first and only country in Central Asia to launch an accelerator jointly with Google for Startups—a global entrepreneurship support program operating in 125 countries.
Case studies demonstrate that with the right strategy and team, impressive results can be achieved even within a regional ecosystem. Investment flows continue growing, attracting international venture funds’ attention to the region.
Regional Significance and Global Impact
“Over eight years, we have built one of the most advanced ecosystems in the world. Launching a new cohort with participants from six countries is just the beginning. Since Silkway Accelerator launched, nearly 1,500 applications have been submitted. A total of 77 companies from Central Eurasia were selected, 62 of which have completed the program. Together they have raised over $28 million in investments, and their combined valuation exceeds $500 million. This proves the region is ready to compete at a global level,” declared Magzhan Madiyev, Head of Astana Hub.
Companies that completed the accelerator have scaled their products to markets in the USA, Turkey, UAE, and other countries. The strategy of each graduate includes international expansion and attracting additional financing. When these phases are effectively navigated, graduates demonstrate their capability to reach global markets.
You may also be interested in:
- Digital Bridge 2025: Generative Nation in Astana
- Technology Innovation and Digital Transformation News
Sources:
- Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan
- Astana Hub – Official Website
- Kapital.kz – Central Asian Startups Raised $550,000
- The Astana Times – 15 Startups Advance to Finals
Note: This material has been prepared based on information published in open sources and is for informational and reference purposes only. The information presented does not constitute an official conclusion and cannot be considered as legal, financial, or other professional advice. The publication is not promotional in nature. Mention of trademarks, brands, and organization names is for informational purposes only and does not imply their promotion or endorsement.