Inclusion, Technology, and Women’s Empowerment: Results of Central Asia’s First Accelerator for Social Entrepreneurs

Ten projects from Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have received grants of up to 10 million KZT each as winners of Tamyr Platform, the first social entrepreneurship accelerator in Central Asia. The winners were selected from 549 applications coming from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Notably, 80% of the submitted projects were already beyond the idea stage—either testing their business models or scaling existing ventures—showing a growing maturity of social entrepreneurship in the region.

Among the ten winning initiatives are projects that use digital technologies for inclusion and education, promote environmental sustainability, and support women and families. Examples include SignBridge, an AI-based sign language translator for Kazakh; EcoCashback, a recycling startup that turns waste sorting into a source of income; and an early intervention digital bot that helps parents detect developmental issues in children at an early stage.

Out of all applicants, 26 projects were selected to participate in the six-day acceleration program held in Almaty from October 2 to 8. Participants learned how to test ideas, build financial models, forecast budgets, and grow social projects into sustainable startups. Experienced mentors and industry experts shared their cases and advice, including Aisalkyn Talasbekova (John Galt Accelerator), Zhanna Prashkevich (Agile Coach and Service Designer), Aizhat Ruslanova (IDEA Central Asia), Gani Kasymov (EA Group), and Nargiz Shukenova (Batyrkhan Shukenov Foundation).

“I was inspired by every project that went through the program—it was a real challenge to choose the winners. It’s an honor to support active social entrepreneurs who make the world around them better. To all participants, whether you received a grant this year or plan to apply in the future—don’t stop. Your drive and empathy make the future brighter,” said Erik Aubakirov, CEO of EA Group, at the closing ceremony.

The accelerator not only helped entrepreneurs develop their projects but also revealed key trends shaping the social innovation landscape in Central Asia.

“Receiving 549 applications from across the region is a powerful signal—the social entrepreneurship community is growing fast. We now have a much clearer picture of the sector’s needs. What’s truly inspiring is that many founders are addressing issues they’ve personally faced. That personal experience makes their projects authentic, relatable, and more likely to succeed both as social initiatives and as sustainable businesses,” noted Aidar Buribaev, Director of EA Charity Fund.

• Financial sustainability emerged as the central theme: participants were eager to move away from donor dependency and learn how to build financially viable models.

• Personal experience remains a defining feature of the sector: many founders tackle problems they’ve lived through themselves, which gives their projects credibility and deep understanding of their audiences.

• Technology adoption is another strong trend: more and more social projects are integrating digital tools, from AI and chatbots to mobile apps and online platforms.

• Thematic focus: the majority of applications addressed inclusion and support for vulnerable groups—people with disabilities, mothers, children, and youth. Environmental initiatives came second, covering waste recycling, conscious consumption, and zero waste lifestyles. Other common directions included education and youth development (EdTech, STEAM, and entrepreneurship programs for teens) as well as women’s empowerment and employment projects.

Tamyr Platform was launched in 2025 by EA Group Holding and EA Charity Fund as the first accelerator for social entrepreneurship in Central Asia, created to support the growth of sustainable, impact-driven startups.