FAQ

• What are the requirements for participation in the Program?

  Requirements for participation in the online part of the program

  • Stage: We accept startups at MVP(minimum viable product), PMF (product/market fit) and Scale stage (projects at scale and export stage) or IT-outsourcing companies ready to scale into new markets.

  • CEO participation: Obligatory participation of CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company

  • Tech startup or IT outsourcing company: A startup must include a Tech-component in its structure.

  • The language of the program: Good understanding of English to master the material provided. 

  • For Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member countries only:

  - Azerbaijan

  - Kazakhstan

  - Kyrgyz Republic

  - Turkiye

  - Uzbekistan

   

  * For the citizens and startups from OTS Countries
  
  

  To pass on-site portion of the program in Silicon Valley, the following requirements must be met:

  Successful completion of the ONLINE part of the program

   

  Availability of Funds: to pay for all expenses not covered by the Program, such as travel, meal, visa, insurance, Participation fee and other expenses arising during the your stay in the United States. 

   

  Valid US Visa OR submitted Visa application

  * Program participants are required to independently apply for a U.S. visa in case of selection in the Top 20 projects to travel to Silicon Valley.

• What is the duration of the Program?

  Program consists of 2 stages:

   

  Online 

  Pre-acceleration program

  Duration: 2 weeks

   

  On-site in Silicon Valley

  1. Hero Training
     Duration: 5 weeks 

  Residency Program
  Duration: 20 weeks 

• What is the cost of participation in the Program?

  The cost of participation in the online part of the program is subsidised by Astana Hub.

   

  The subsequent cost of participation in the on-site part of the program in Silicon Valley, which includes the Hero Training and Residency Program (not including airfare, visa fees, insurance, and meals), is:

  $5,000 for residents of Astana Hub

  $25,000 for non-residents of Astana Hub

   

  * If you are non-resident, but want to become a resident and get a Special Offer by Astana Hub, you have to apply and become a resident of Astana Hub by the end of August 2023.

   

• In what language will the program be conducted?

  Language of the whole program is English.

• I am the Decision Maker (CEO/Founder) of a startup/company and my citizenship is not from an OTS country. Can I apply?

  We only accept CEOs whose citizenship belongs to Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

• Can I bring family members with me to Silicon Valley?

  Astana Hub and/or Draper University do not cover any costs associated with bringing a family member or others.

• What is the timeline for the program?

  Online pre-acceleration program dates:

  April 17 - April 30

   

  Hero Training:

  May 22 - June 23

  
  Residency Program:
  June 24 - December 24

• Do I get guaranteed investments/grants during the program?

  No, there will not be guaranteed investments or grants during the programme.
  However, the participants will be added to the Draper’s and Astana Hub’s alumni list, which will guarantee a spotlight of some of the biggest investors.

• Do I have to be physically present in Silicon Valley for the whole duration of the on-site program in Silicon Valley?

  Participation of the CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company is obligatory in Hero Training.
  
  Participation of the CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company is not obligatory in the Residency Program.

  * The CEO or founder of a company has the right to send an official representative to Silicon Valley to continue participation in the Residency Program

• How do I determine whether my startup is at MVP, PMF or Scale stages?

  There is no clear guideline for defining what counts as the MVP, PMF or Scale stage of a startup.

  
  Our definition is: MVP - a minimum viable product

   

  PMF - a working sales channel, a clear understanding of growth, positive unit economics.

   

  Scale - startup is at the stage where the funds are allocated into the sales channels to increase.

• Can a co-founder participate in the program instead of a CEO?

  Participation of a CEO or project founder, with a majority stake in the company is obligatory for the program.

• What is Draper University?

  Draper University is a private, for-profit school located in San Mateo, California. It offers a leading pre-acceleration program in Silicon Valley, is proud to partner with diverse markets, institutions and organizations powered by various governments to fuel the growth of innovation hubs around the world.

• What’s covered in the Participation Fee?

  By submitting the Participation Fee, participants of the program will have access to an intensive, immersive accelerator program in Silicon Valley. Access to co-living and co-working spaces, events, networking and mentorship support is covered by the Program.

• What do I get by being an Astana Hub resident?

  By becoming an Astana Hub resident you get access to a variety of benefits, including tax exemptions, Partner resources, simplified working visa regime, A-class working spaces and other facilities. More about becoming an Astana Hub resident at this link
  

• By becoming the Astana Hub resident, which portion of the Participation fee will I get back?

  For those participants, who already submitted a payment of $25,000 Participation Fee and later obtained Astana Hub residence, deposit of $20,000 will be refunded.

• Will the Silkway Accelerator, Scalerator or any other Astana Hub acceleration programs alumni get a preference in the selection process of Hero Training?

  Yes, alumni of the Silkway Accelerator, Scalerator programs will get a preference in the selection of Hero Training.