From Central Eurasia to Silicon Valley: Building the Bridge in the AI Age

​This panel discussion will showcase the emerging startup and venture capital ecosystem of Central Asia through the lens of three key innovation hubs: Astana Hub (Kazakhstan), IT Park (Uzbekistan), and Silkroad Innovation Hub (Silicon Valley). The event is co-organized by Silkorad Innovation Hub and a part of the Harvard Center for International Development's Road to GEM25, a series of conversations spotlighting the role of AI and innovation in emerging economies.

​As Central Eurasia positions itself as the next frontier for global innovation, the region is poised to become a key player in the global tech and startup ecosystem. Join us for a dynamic discussion on how startup ecosystems, driven by AI, digital transformation, and cross-border venture capital, fuel a new generation of unicorns, as Central Eurasia builds global bridges with Silicon Valley and beyond.

​Speakers:

• ​Abdulakhad Kuchkarov - CEO, IT Park Uzbekistan

• ​Tanat Uskembayev - Managing Director, Astana Hub

• ​Asset Abdualiyev - Founder & CEO, Silkroad Innovation Hub

• ​Aikumis Seksenbayeva - Representative in North America, Astana Hub 

​Moderated by: Dauren Kabiyev, MC MPA Mason (Class of 2026) and Co-Chair of HKS Central Asia and Turkic States Caucus