Kazakh Eco-Startups to Showcase Their Innovations at the UNIDO Global Competition in Istanbul, DKnews.kz reports.
On December 12, 2024, the GCIP Kazakhstan 2024 National Forum took place in Astana. This event, a key platform for the development and support of eco-oriented startups in the country, highlighted new talents and cutting-edge innovations in green technologies and sustainable development. Five winners were selected from the competition: Science and Technology Water Center, Smart Energy Solutions, Faceplate, MuratBeton Technology, and Kaz-REEcycling, with Kaz-REEcycling also honored with a special “Women’s Leadership Award.”
Having earned well-deserved recognition and prizes, these teams are now preparing for the global finals of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), scheduled to be held in Istanbul in 2025. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to present their projects at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil. This marks an important step that opens new international prospects for Kazakhstan’s ecological innovations.
State Support and International Partnerships
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, Yerlan Nysanbayev, spoke at the forum’s opening ceremony and emphasized the strategic importance of implementing green technologies for the country’s future:
“The ultimate goal of GCIP Kazakhstan is to make the country a regional leader in the field of green technologies” Yerlan Nysanbayev
Edil Zhanbyrshin, Chair of the Committee on Ecology and Nature Management of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, also addressed the audience, underscoring the forum’s role in advancing environmental initiatives and guiding the shift towards a more sustainable economy.
A key moment of the forum was the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the “International Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects” (IGTIC) and leading innovation organizations—China’s TusHoldings, known for managing major brands like Xiaomi, Lenovo, and ByteDance, and Croatia’s Zagreb Innovation Centre Ltd. These partnerships will provide Kazakhstani startups access to international expertise, technological resources, and extensive global networks in the realm of clean technologies.
Panel Discussions, Experience Exchange, and New Opportunities
Within the framework of the forum, a panel session titled “Prospects for the Development of Clean, Green Technologies in Kazakhstan and Worldwide” was held. Among the participants were IGTIC Chairman Didar Karimsakov, CAICA General Director Ruslan Zhemkov, Green Finance AIFC Director Manas Ghizduaniev, MOST Ventures Managing Partner Alim Khamitov, TusCity Group Senior Vice President Francis Chang, and Zagreb Innovation Centre Ltd. CEO Frane Šesnić. The speakers discussed global trends, financing mechanisms, and opportunities for Kazakhstan to strengthen its role in the global market for environmentally friendly technologies.
Educational and Business Activities
In addition to the awards ceremony, the forum featured a comprehensive business program. At the Cleantech Group workshop, participants learned advanced practices and tools for developing green technologies, while the “UN Summit” interactive business game immersed participants in the atmosphere of international climate negotiations.
During Demo Day, industrial companies presented their technological needs, and startups engaged with potential investors at “Investor Connect,” discussing partnership opportunities and the commercialization of their solutions.
GCIP Kazakhstan — A Unique Platform in Central Asia
GCIP Kazakhstan is the only program in Central Asia dedicated to supporting clean technologies. Implemented alongside similar initiatives in Turkey, South Africa, Indonesia, Nigeria, and other countries, the program establishes a solid foundation for the growth of Kazakhstani startups and their entry into the international arena.
The success of the GCIP Kazakhstan 2024 National Forum has confirmed the country’s readiness to embrace bold, innovative solutions. The partnerships forged during the event have opened new horizons for Kazakhstani eco-startups, paving the way for them to become fully recognized players in the global green technology market.
