The Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), implemented in Kazakhstan since 2023, is approaching the completion of its current phase in 2026. On the margins of ECO EXPO CENTRAL ASIA 2026 in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (IGTIC), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) discussed prospects for continued cooperation, including the possible expansion of cleantech acceleration initiative to the regional level.

The national cleantech acceleration project GCIP Kazakhstan, implemented jointly by IGTIC and UNIDO with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), is approaching the completion of its current phase in 2026. Kazakhstan became the first and, to date, the only country in Central Asia to successfully implement GCIP at the national level. Over the past three years, the programme has fostered a strong ecosystem of climate and environmental entrepreneurs. Across three acceleration cycles, nearly 100 startups successfully completed the program, with 40% of them led by women entrepreneurs. The combined revenue of participating startups has exceeded USD 2 million.

The programme’s participants have also demonstrated strong international competitiveness. Kazakhstani startups have consistently achieved top rankings at the global Cleantech Days competitions held in Istanbul and Vienna, representing the country among the world’s most promising cleantech innovation projects.

Building on these achievements, the parties expressed their shared interest in continuing collaboration and in exploring opportunities to extend the cleantech acceleration model across Central Asia. They emphasized the importance of strengthening the cleantech innovation ecosystem, supporting green startups and expanding international cooperation.

In parallel, IGTIC’s cooperation with regional partners will continue. The first regional acceleration initiative was successfully launched during RES 2026 EXPO in Astana and received support from the Heads of State of Central Asian countries, as reflected in the Summit’s final declaration.

The continuation and possible regional expansion of the GCIP model marks an important step toward fostering innovation-driven economic growth, strengthening regional cooperation, and accelerating the deployment of climate technologies that contribute to sustainable development across Central Asia.