The document focuses on building strategic partnerships and supporting startups in expanding to international markets—particularly across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Both sides committed to supporting startups in MENA, co-developing acceleration and educational programs, and facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries’ innovation ecosystems.

“The forum became a powerful platform for strengthening ties between our countries in key areas such as innovation, tech entrepreneurship, and venture investment. The signing of the MoU between SABAH.HUB and Al-Farabi Innovation Hub marks another important milestone on this journey,” said Tanat Uskembayev, Managing Director of Astana Hub.

A major component of the forum was the Startup Competition, where 10 top startups from Kazakhstan—including Ozen Finance, Alem, Courstore, Set24, Arlan Biotech, Algebras AI, Livin, Aigul, and Pleep—competed for a chance to participate in the finals of INMerge Innovation Summit 2025, set to take place in Baku this September. The top prize: $30,000, with all travel and participation expenses covered by the organizers.

The winner of the startup battle was Porte Tech, a digital concierge service for hotels offering keyless room access, one-touch Wi-Fi, online check-in, and mobile ordering for in-room services.

“Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan share similar challenges—especially in developing human capital. We have talented people, but the key is to build a sustainable system that enables them to unlock their full potential. The stronger the regional collaboration, the more opportunities we create for startups. We are united by culture, history, and mindset—and that’s what makes this partnership not just natural, but truly promising. Today, our focus spans Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, as well as MENA and Eastern Europe—and INMerge is becoming a dynamic platform for real change,” noted Jalal Gasimov, CEO of PASHA Holding.

INMerge Almaty brought together over 100 participants, including investors, startup founders, government officials, corporate leaders, and representatives of innovation hubs. The program featured keynote talks, panel discussions, and intense networking with industry leaders.

The event marked a significant step toward unifying the innovation ecosystems of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, paving the way for INMerge Baku this fall—an event that will unite startups, investors, and tech leaders from across the region. From thought leadership to MoUs, from startup battles to ecosystem partnerships, Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are shaping a joint innovation space with global ambitions. As INMerge Almaty demonstrated, this is just the beginning.