Financing and implementation of R&D projects and digitization of subsoil users
Finance and implement innovative projects at the expense of 1% of the Average Annual Income - through ACF "PIT"
What is the 1% financing tool?
The 1% instrument is an obligation of subsoil users to invest 1% of their total annual income (TAI) to finance R&D and digitalization projects. According to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the Innovation Cluster", these funds can be used to implement projects of PIT participants. This enables technology projects to receive funding from subsoil users for promising innovative projects within the framework of current legislation.
To implement projects using the 1% financing mechanism, astanahub.com provides the opportunity to obtain accreditation of scientific organizations and select projects for funding.
Opportunities for the development of Industry 4.0 in ACF "PIT"
You are on the information page of the 1% and Industry 4.0 financing instrument of the ACF “PIT”. Here you will learn:
1. how a subsoil user can fulfill obligations to allocate 1% for R&D and digitalization;
2. how companies can implement their project within the framework of this mechanism;
3. what stages must be completed to launch a project with financing;
4. what opportunities are opening up for companies in Industry 4.0
How does this work?
The financing procedure consists of the following stages:
For the subsoil user
Introduction
Conducting an introductory meeting between the subsoil user and representatives of ACF "PIT"
Fulfilment of obligations
Conclusion of an agreement between a subsoil user and ACF “PIT” on financing projects within the framework of 1% of Average Annual Revenue (AAR)
Project initiation
The preliminary selection of projects by the subsoil user is carried out by publishing the technical specifications on the website astanahub.com in the “Technological tasks” section.
For subsoil users
Publication of the technical task by the subsoil user
If you are a subsoil user, you can publish a technological task by registering on the portal astanahub.com
Selection of the contractor and project implementation
For project implementers
The preliminary selection of projects by the subsoil user occurs through a response to the published technological task in the “Technological Tasks” section on the website astanahub.com.
Links to regulatory legal acts and documents
Regulatory and legal acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan concerning R&D financing 1%
What is the ACF PIT Fund, and how does it help startups?
The ACF Fund (Autonomous Cluster Fund) is a support mechanism that helps startups and companies implement projects aimed at solving technological challenges posed by subsoil users. Subsoil users are required to finance innovative solutions, and the AKF Fund provides a structured process to enable this funding.
Who can submit a solution to a technological challenge?
Only participants of the AKF Fund can submit solutions. If you are not yet a participant, you must register and become an official member of the Fund. Applications from non-members are not eligible for consideration.
How can I submit my solution?
Find the relevant technological challenge on the astanahub.com website, under the "Technological tasks" section. Click the "Send the solution" button and fill out the application form.
What happens after I submit my solution?
Once you submit your solution, your project enters the review process, which includes the following stages:
The subsoil user (the company that published the challenge) reviews all submitted solutions and selects the most suitable project for further development. Only selected projects proceed to the next stage — the Technical Council.
What is required to pass the Technical Council and Expert Commission?
If your project is selected, you will need to prepare a set of documents, including:
Application for project evaluation,
Explanatory note,
Project presentation,
Other supporting materials as requested.
These documents are submitted to the AKF Fund for review by the Technical Council.
After approval by the Technical Council, the project is reviewed by the Expert Commission. The commission evaluates the project based on several criteria, including:
✅ Innovation,
✅ Feasibility,
✅ Commercial potential.
The result is a recommendation on the feasibility of financing the project.
What happens after the project is approved by the Expert Commission?
If the Expert Commission issues a positive conclusion, your project receives funding from the subsoil user through the ACF Fund. A contract is then signed between the AKF Fund, the subsoil user, and you as the project executor.nsequat sunt nostrud amet.
What documents are required for the application?
Application for project evaluation,
Explanatory note and presentation,
Documents confirming the team’s qualifications,
Project description, objectives, expected results, budget, timeline, etc.,
Additional materials upon request by the Technical Council.
How does the Expert Commission evaluate projects?
The commission assesses projects based on the following criteria:
✅ Alignment with the subsoil user’s challenge,
✅ Commercialization potential,
✅ Innovation,
✅ Feasibility and team competence,
✅ Expected project outcomes.
What are the timelines for project review?
Timelines depend on the schedules of the Technical Council and the Expert Commission.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
For any questions, please use the contact form on the AKF Fund website or reach out directly to program coordinators.
Key steps for startups:
1️⃣ Become a participant of the AKF Fund,
2️⃣ Submit a solution to a technological challenge,
3️⃣ Prepare and submit documents for the Technical Council,
4️⃣ Pass the Expert Commission review,
5️⃣ Receive funding through the AKF Fund and implement your project.
Any questions left?
Write to us and we will answer all your questions.
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