Applications are open until August 13, 2025 via the link.

Hero Training is a five-week intensive program held on the campus of Draper University in Silicon Valley, gathering around 100 startups from all over the world. Participants take part in workshops, strategic sessions, AMA meetings with investors, mentorship from leading entrepreneurs, as well as networking events. The program offers access to markets in 25 to 30 countries and concludes with a “Navy SEAL Survival Week” – a practical experience aimed at developing resilience, leadership, and team performance.

“In 2023, Astana Hub became the first partner of Draper University in Central Asia. This collaboration has opened unique opportunities: dozens of startups from our region have traveled to Silicon Valley, gained access to the venture ecosystem, received mentorship, and joined international networks. We see how such programs expand the horizons of startup teams, shift their ambitions, and give them confidence to operate on a global scale. For us, it is crucial not only to support startups locally, but also to create real entry points into international markets. Hero Training is a vivid example of how this strategy works,” said Magzhan Madiyev, CEO of Astana Hub.

Startups at the MVP stage or beyond from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Mongolia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are invited to apply. To be eligible, startups must have a legal entity registered in Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan, demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, and possess a valid U.S. visa or confirmation of a submitted visa application.

“Hero Training in Silicon Valley is one of the most intensive programs for startups from Central Asia. Thanks to the partnership between Kazakhstan and the United States — represented by Astana Hub and Draper University — participants gain access to Silicon Valley’s venture ecosystem, international mentorship, and tools for global growth. IT Park is proud to be part of this strategic alliance: programs like these not only accelerate product scaling but also shape a new generation of founders ready to compete on the global stage,” said Abdulkahad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan.

Over the past three batches, 37 startups from the region have participated in the program. Collectively, they have raised around $3 million in funding. In 2024, the Kazakhstani team BeyimTech took first place, earning the title of Best Team at Draper University 2024 among 70 participants from 26 countries.

“This program is not just about learning – it’s also an excellent soft landing into the most competitive market in the world. Now we clearly understand how to adapt our product to meet the demands of a new market, how to negotiate with investors and clients, and how to package an idea so that it stands out among hundreds of competitors. Silicon Valley amazed us with its openness: successful entrepreneurs share insights, perspectives, and new use cases for our product. We gained valuable ideas and identified promising directions for growth,” said Nurali Sarbakysh, CEO of TrustExam.ai and participant of a previous batch.

For more information about Hero Training and to apply, follow the link provided.

About Draper Ecosystem

The Draper Ecosystem is a unique model that connects talent, experts, and investors through cutting-edge facilitation and an unmatched network of mentors, industry leaders, corporate partners, and investors. Draper University was founded by Tim Draper, one of the most prominent venture capitalists in the U.S.