Astana is hosting the pre-final stage of the GCIP-Kazakhstan 2025 acceleration program, implemented by the NInternational Center for Green Technologies and Investment Projects (the Center) in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Interest in the program reached record levels in 2025, with 350 applications submitted. Following a multi-stage selection process, around 50 startups completed the National Academy — the program’s introductory training module.
As a result of the acceleration phase, 36 teams advanced to the National Competition semifinals, and 20 startups representing various regions of Kazakhstan are now continuing their work in the pre-final stage. Ten finalists will then be selected, and the top three teams will each receive 5 million tenge, forming a total prize fund of 15 million tenge.
The pre-final stage includes expert evaluations, masterclasses, and semifinal sessions involving national and international specialists. Startups are strengthening their competencies in financial literacy, investor relations, media communications, and other practical skills required for developing environmental technologies and entering the market.
A professional photo and video team is working on site to produce a short mini-series featuring the participating teams, their innovations, and their progress throughout the acceleration program.
Saken Kalkamanov, Chairman of the Center’s Management Board, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“GCIP-Kazakhstan is building an environment where talent and technology meet the real demand for sustainable solutions. We see startups reaching a new level, gaining access to experts and investors, and transforming their ideas into practical tools for green growth. Supporting these projects is an investment in Kazakhstan’s sustainable economy and in shaping a new generation of environmental innovations.”
The final stage of GCIP-Kazakhstan 2025 will take place on 4 December as part of the National Cleantech Forum — a key annual platform for discussing green technology trends, fostering environmental entrepreneurship, and sharing international best practices.
