Social innovation hub debuts in Astana, marking Central Asia's first such establishment
The Central Asian Social Innovation Hub, a beacon for social entrepreneurship and innovation, has officially opened its doors in Astana, Kazakhstan. This new hub is part of a broader initiative to boost social entrepreneurship and innovation in the region, with a focus on digital technologies, startups, and collaborations.
At the opening ceremony, Emin Askerov, Chairman of the Social Innovation Hub, shared future plans, which include becoming the leading force in the Central Asian region. The Hub aims to develop social entrepreneurship in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, and to achieve social changes by uniting efforts with global funds and centers.
The Hub provides a platform for social startups, offering training, mentorship support, and low-interest loans through the Fund for Supporting Entrepreneurship. So far, 28 social entrepreneurs have benefited from these loans, and 19 have been provided with premises at preferential rental rates through SPK 'Astana'.
In addition to its focus on social entrepreneurship, the Hub also houses a concept store featuring products from social entrepreneurs, a Barista School, and a social coffee shop for people with hearing impairments. These facilities aim to provide opportunities for social entrepreneurs and create an inclusive environment for everyone.
The city's administration and the Association of Social Investors of Kazakhstan are among the supporters of this innovative hub. The Hub's leadership in organizing events such as the Digital Bridge forum effectively positions it as the region's key platform for social innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Digital Bridge 2025 Forum, scheduled for October 2–4, 2025, in Astana, is Central Asia’s largest event dedicated to digital technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and startups. This event serves as a major platform for innovative startups from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central Asian countries to showcase their ideas and gain investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
The forum's theme, Generative Nation, symbolizes Kazakhstan’s strategic shift from technology consumption toward creating and scaling innovations globally. This reflects a vision to develop a knowledge-based economy emphasizing AI, human capital, and advanced tech. The event features competitions such as the Astana Hub Battle and Generative Nation Pitch, which spotlight over 100 startups, offering exposure, funding, and acceleration services.
Parallel to Astana’s developments, Kazakhstan launched the Khan Tengri Innovation Hub in Shanghai (July 2025), connecting Central Asian startups and R&D to China’s tech ecosystem. This expands cross-border innovation opportunities, which indirectly supports the social entrepreneurship ecosystem by integrating broader markets and resources.
As of now, there are 1,317 social entrepreneurship entities in Kazakhstan, with 255 in Astana. The city has issued 58 interest-free state grants, with plans to issue around 50 more this year.
The opening ceremony was marked by the presentation of the "Ambassador of Goodness" award, a photo exhibition by Darkhan Zhagiparov, dedicated to social entrepreneurs, and the launch of Emin Askerov's book, "The Askerov Effect". Kuansh Saparov, Deputy Head of the Investment and Entrepreneurship Development Department of the city, also spoke at the ceremony.
In conclusion, the Central Asian Social Innovation Hub in Astana is set to play a significant role in fostering social entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. With its focus on digital technologies, startups, and collaborations, the Hub is poised to contribute to the development of a sustainable, knowledge-driven economy in Central Asia.
The Central Asian Social Innovation Hub, with its emphasis on developing social entrepreneurship and uniting efforts with global funds and centers, is planning to expand its influence into home-and-garden sectors.
The Hub, known for its concept store featuring products from social entrepreneurs, aims to establish a home-and-garden section showcasing sustainable and innovative home-improvement products, thereby promoting a green and inclusive lifestyle for the community.
