The National Cleantech Forum GCIP-Kazakhstan 2025 was held in Astana, marking the conclusion of a three-year cycle of the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP) for SMEs. The program is implemented by the International Green Technologies and Investment Projects Center (IGTIC) with the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Interest in GCIP has grown significantly in recent years: more than 550 applications were submitted, over 100 teams completed the acceleration program, and in 2024–2025 alone, the number of new applications exceeded 350. Winning startups represented Kazakhstan at global Cleantech Days in Vienna and Istanbul, earning top placements and showcasing the country’s strong innovation potential.
GCIP-Kazakhstan participants develop solutions addressing key environmental and technological challenges, including water resource monitoring, waste recycling, wastewater treatment, innovative construction materials, digital MRV systems for carbon projects, autonomous reforestation, and urban air-purification technologies. During the post-acceleration phase, startups successfully participated in major international events such as the SCO Youth Innovation Competition (China), COP-29 (Baku), Web Summit (Portugal), and ECO Expo (Tashkent).
Opening the forum, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerlan Nysanbayev emphasized the strategic importance of cleantech for the country. He noted:
“Kazakhstan has the necessary resources and potential to successfully develop a green economy, enabling us not only to preserve natural wealth but also to emerge as a regional leader in sustainable development in Central Asia. Building on the successful implementation of GCIP in Kazakhstan, the Central Asian Center for Green Acceleration has been established — a regional platform for supporting innovation, sharing expertise, and advancing green technologies across the region. The development of clean technologies is becoming a key tool for reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, and shaping the economy of the future.”
The final pitching session was evaluated by an independent jury of representatives from government agencies, the scientific community, investors, and the private sector. The forum also hosted Investor Connect, a core component of the GCIP program.
Several cooperation agreements were signed during the event. A partnership was formalized between Tapqan Tech LLP and the private company BIRCH, represented by CEO Vladimir Oleshchenko. An additional agreement was signed between SUNNY HOUSE and BIRCH. Furthermore, IGTIC and Samruk-Kazyna Invest entered into a cooperation agreement, marking an important step toward expanding financing opportunities for green technologies in Kazakhstan.
At the ceremony, the winners of the GCIP-Kazakhstan 2025 National Competition were announced. They received cash prizes and the title of the best environmental startups of the year:
1st place: SpaceLab – IoVIT, a satellite IoT system providing early-warning alerts in areas with unstable connectivity.
2nd place: FOREST HERO – a digital MRV platform for carbon projects in the forestry sector.
3rd place: HydroTech Atm – a device for extracting water from the air using MOF materials, relevant for arid regions.
