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KAZAKHSTAN • INNOVATION
Seedstars Global
MARCH 7, 2025
When temperatures plunged to -30°C in Ekibastuz last December, the city faced a critical crisis: heating systems failed, leaving residents without warmth for nearly a week. It wasn't an isolated incident. Across Kazakhstan that winter, eight cities experienced similar infrastructure failures, highlighting an urgent reality in Central Asia's largest economy: the race to modernize essential systems is absolutely necessary.
The challenge is particularly complex given Kazakhstan's vast geography. In a country larger than Western Europe, about 60% of critical infrastructure operates without reliable data connections. Of the country's 200 weather stations – crucial for predicting deadly storms – many sit in locations so remote that checking on them requires day-long drives.
"You can pay for your coffee with your phone in Almaty," says Hussein El Gindy, Program Manager at Seedstars. "But drive a few hours outside the city, and you'll find critical systems that desperately need upgrading."
This contrast is driving innovation across Kazakhstan's tech ecosystem, with promising startups from the EBRD Star Ventures Programme creating solutions tailored to the country's unique challenges:
SpaceLab is addressing the vast challenge of monitoring remote infrastructure across Kazakhstan's territory. Led by former Airbus satellite engineer Arman Bekembayev, they're developing satellite-based systems that track everything from weather stations to mining operations, helping prevent costly failures before they occur.
Alaqan Technologies has created a highly secure palm-scanning biometric system that provides enhanced protection in Kazakhstan's rapidly digitalizing environment. Their technology addresses critical security concerns and fraud vulnerabilities while maintaining personal data protection. Their system is becoming essential for banks, schools, and hospitals across the country.
YAYA is simplifying how families access children's activities with their digital marketplace platform. Their solution addresses a distinctly local challenge: helping parents efficiently find and book activities in Kazakhstan's sprawling cities, turning hours of searching into simple digital transactions. The platform has already connected thousands of families with local activity providers, streamlining access to educational and recreational opportunities.
Python RPA is modernizing corporate operations by combining Python's flexibility with low-code automation tools. They've helped 27 companies streamline their workflows, with one client achieving $350,000 in operational savings through a single automation initiative. Their technology is making digital transformation accessible to businesses across traditional sectors.
TrustMe is digitalizing contract management with their electronic signing platform. Their service allows businesses to create, send, and sign contracts via multiple channels including SMS and messaging apps, addressing the need for faster, more efficient business transactions in Kazakhstan's growing digital economy.
Kazakhstan's response to these challenges has been comprehensive. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed infrastructure vulnerabilities and underscored the need for scalable solutions as cities faced increased demands on health and safety services. In response, local founders are creating technology specifically designed for Kazakhstan's unique challenges.
The Astana Hub has emerged as Central Asia's largest technopark, offering tax preferences and visa support to attract global talent. Meanwhile, the Digital Kazakhstan program has already digitized over 90% of public services. The country's commitment to diversifying beyond traditional sectors is evident in its growing tech ecosystem.
The impact of these initiatives is evident in the numbers. The country's tech sector expanded 41% last year to reach $2.4 billion, while an $81.8 billion infrastructure development plan through 2029 promises to accelerate modernization further.
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has emphasized the country's commitment to this transformation: "In Kazakhstan, every citizen will have opportunities for full self-realization. We're promoting innovative entrepreneurship and creative industries. The global technological revolution can contribute to the progress of all nations, fostering a more balanced and equitable world."
These startups share a common thread: they're not just implementing existing technology – they're adapting and reinventing solutions for Kazakhstan's specific needs. Together, they represent a new wave of practical innovation that could reshape how essential services work across Central Asia and potentially around the world.
This article is part of "Beyond the Valley", an editorial series exploring how founders in emerging Europe and Central Asia are building crucial technology their regions need. From modernizing Soviet-era infrastructure to creating digital services from scratch, we'll show you how local entrepreneurs are solving fundamental challenges. Published monthly by Seedstars, supported by EBRD Star Ventures.
