Central Asian Startup Ecosystem: Weekly Insights & News, August 18-23

For investors, founders, and anyone interested in the Central Asian startup scene — here is a quick look at the top news from this week. We have gathered the key updates, from new launches to funding deals and industry moves across the region.

24 startups from Central Asia and other countries will head to Silicon Valley to join the accelerator programs AlchemistX and Silicon Valley Residency. In 2025, out of 225 applications from 20 countries, 134 projects reached the final stage, and 24 teams were selected — including 10 startups from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

The trailer of the Kyrgyz game Steel Ark has garnered over 100 000 views. It is a post-apocalyptic sandbox with survival and co-op elements, where players’ base is a mobile train moving through the world.

Biometric.Vision has automated identity verification for ENPF clients. The solution is already in industrial operation, making the pension fund’s user identification process faster, more convenient, and secure.

TBC Bank Group has become the owner of OLX Uzbekistan. Thanks to OLX’s audience, the bank will be able to reach new customer segments and combine digital banking products with online commerce.

The 1st Angel Club has opened in Almaty — a community created to support early-stage startups. At the very first event, it welcomed its first members, with angel investors showing interest in startups and making initial connections.

Kazakhstan is launching a Digital Headquarters for a unified data system. This initiative will improve the quality of public services, eliminate data duplication, increase transparency, and accelerate the country’s digitalization.