San Francisco, California – October 25, 2024
The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts hosted the inaugural “Central Eurasia@Silicon Valley” Tech Conference, marking a milestone in bridging the technological and economic worlds of Central Eurasia and Silicon Valley. Organized by the Silk Road Innovation Hub and supported by the Consulate General of Kazakhstan in San Francisco, the event aimed to foster collaboration, create investment opportunities, and celebrate the potential of Central Eurasia’s tech landscape.
This historic event attracted over 1,300 attendees, including industry leaders, government officials, investors, and innovators. Notable speakers included Kazakh Ministers Jaslan Madiyev and Sayasat Nurbek, Coursera CEO Jeff Maggioncalda, and several professors from Stanford and Berkeley. The presence of such diverse experts underscored the conference’s role as a vibrant forum for discussing innovation, inclusivity, and the future of tech.
Kazakhstan’s Tech and Innovation Achievements
A keynote by Jaslan Madiyev, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Digital Development, highlighted Kazakhstan’s commitment to innovation. Ranked 24th in the UN e-Government Development Index and 10th in the Global Innovation Index, Kazakhstan stands out in Central and South Asia. As the leader in digital services in the CIS region, Kazakhstan is advancing cybersecurity, pioneering the space industry with the world’s largest launch facility, and nurturing a thriving IT sector with around 200,000 professionals.
Astana Hub, Kazakhstan’s premier tech ecosystem, hosts major players like Telegram and EPAM. Initiatives such as digital nomad visas and an extensive range of online public services highlight Kazakhstan’s goal to become a leading digital society. Minister Sayasat Nurbek shared Kazakhstan’s partnership with Coursera, which integrates its courses into the national curriculum—the first worldwide. The government’s collaboration with Google to introduce an “AI Elements” course for university students further reflects Kazakhstan’s AI-driven ambitions.
Celebrating Diversity: Women in Tech
Consul General of Kazakhstan Nazira Nurbayeva led a compelling panel on the role of women in technology, showcasing how diversity drives innovation. With policies supporting gender equality and initiatives like the National Commission on Women Affairs, Kazakhstan has made significant strides, with women comprising 31% of its tech workforce. Nurbayeva’s emphasis on gender parity resonated, spotlighting how diverse perspectives lead to more robust economic growth and a more inclusive tech landscape.
The Power of Collaboration and Global Connection
The conference was more than just a networking event; it was a platform for building lasting bridges between nations. The inclusion of the “Unicorn Cup” Startup Expo, as well as sessions on EdTech led by Renat Bekturov, Governor of Astana International Financial Centre, underscored the value of cross-border cooperation. Bekturov’s insights on using regulatory “sandboxes” for testing EdTech and blockchain innovations highlighted Kazakhstan’s proactive approach to regulation, encouraging a dynamic environment for new technologies.
Kazakhstan’s burgeoning innovation ecosystem has attracted global attention, including a recent green hydrogen investment from German companies aimed at producing 50 gigawatts for Asian and European markets. The conference’s discussions emphasized that collaboration across borders accelerates growth and ignites opportunities for mutual advancement.
A Milestone for Central Eurasia and Silicon Valley
“Central Eurasia@Silicon Valley” showcased the wealth of knowledge and resources Central Eurasia offers to the global tech world. By connecting with Silicon Valley, the region is poised to tap into transformative networks, knowledge, and investments that will catalyze its development in the years to come. This landmark event paves the way for future collaborations, celebrating a vision of inclusivity, innovation, and shared success across continents.
Published By: Aize Perez