Qazaqstan Investment Corporation attended the Digital Bridge 2025 technology forum

Qazaqstan Investment Corporation (QIC, a subsidiary of Baiterek NMH JSC) attended the Digital Bridge 2025 international technology forum held in Astana on October 2–4. Every year, the forum brings together startups, corporations, venture capital funds, development institutions, and international experts becoming a key platform for discussing the prospects of digital transformation and the introduction of artificial intelligence into the economy of Kazakhstan.

As part of Digital Bridge 2025, QIC Chairman Didar Karimsakov took part in a panel session entitled "Artificial intelligence and the innovation lifecycle: synergy between Kazakhstan's development institutions," where participants discussed the importance of a comprehensive approach, combining efforts to form a unified innovation cycle and create an effective ecosystem aimed at accelerating the country's technological development.

QIC, in partnership with Baiterek NMH JSC, is shaping and developing a new investment architecture for the country aiming to build a long-term platform to develop direct investment and venture capital in the field of technological entrepreneurship.

The session concluded with the joint signing of Memorandum of Strategic Partnership between Development Institutions in the fields of science, digitalization, and industry.

On October 3, Didar Karimsakov spoke at the panel session “Stimulating innovation through institutional capital: USD1 billion in Kazakhstan funds of funds as a model for venture ecosystems in emerging markets”.

The main focus was on creating conditions for promoting and scaling up startups, the role of fund of funds in financing Kazakhstani projects, direct investments, and other support instruments.

During his speech, Didar Karimsakov noted that “QIC is developing a joint investment model whereby state capital is invested first reducing risks and increasing the attractiveness of deals for private and international investors”.

QIC intends to establish specialized growth funds that will invest in companies at the scaling stage and facilitate their entry into international markets.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has launched Alem Ventures, a venture capital fund of funds that will ensure continuity of financing across all stages: from acceleration and pre-seed to bridge (pre-A) and Series A funds.

The Fund was supported at the level of the Head of State and Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan with QIC as the anchor investor, investing USD30 million, which will serve as a catalyst for raising private and institutional investors.

“We don't just invest in individual startups through funds — we create infrastructure that will promote the growth and scaling of innovation within the country and beyond,” emphasized Didar Karimsakov.

Issues related to the development of own “management factories,” return on investment, and reinvestment of income were also discussed, which will ensure the stability of the system and enable the regular launch of new funds.

This set of measures makes it possible to go beyond one-off investments and build a sustainable system whereby state capital launches the process, reduces risks, and creates incentives for private and international investors to join.

For reference:

Qazaqstan Investment Corporation JSC is a fund of private equity funds established in 2007. Its main mission is to promote sustainable economic growth in Kazakhstan by attracting direct investment and supporting projects that contribute to the modernization and competitiveness of key industries. It is a subsidiary of Baiterek NMH JSC. Additional information can be found at https://qic.kz/ru.