Kazakhstan Launches Innovation Hub in Dubai
The Qaz Steppe Innovation Hub, showcasing promising Kazakh startups, was inaugurated at the pavilion of Kazakhstan’s trade house in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on March 1, as announced by the Trade and Integration Ministry’s press service.
The pavilion is establishing a coworking center aimed at maximizing the potential of Kazakhstan's IT industry, which saw exports of $500 million last year.
Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliyev highlighted that the hub will propel Kazakhstan's IT services sector into international markets, fostering cooperation between businesses from both countries and enhancing the competitiveness of Kazakh IT firms.
The platform facilitated the presentation of projects from 15 Kazakh startups in the Middle East market, fostering discussions on collaboration with prominent companies like EMAAR, Etisalat, Google, Microsoft, Mastercard, L’Oreal, and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.
Timur Mauleshov, Co-Founder of Qaz Steppe Innovation Hub, emphasized that the UAE and Middle East markets will drive the export of high-tech solutions from Kazakhstan.
He underlined the platform's significance in line with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's vision to establish Kazakhstan as an IT hub, stating that the technology boom in the UAE creates new opportunities for Kazakh professionals and startups.
Mauleshov also noted that the digital hub will offer Kazakh IT companies valuable support in finding new partners and investors.
“We will create the most favorable environment for Kazakh startupers to showcase their high potential in the fast-growing market of the UAE and the Middle East,” he said.
