Silkway Accelerator

The leading accelerator in Central Asia in partnership with Google for Startups

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5

batches

62

alumni

$500M+

company valuation

$28M+

funding raised

About the Program

Silkway Accelerator is a top-tier acceleration program in Central Asia for tech startups in their growth stage. During 12 intensive weeks, founders fully focus on their product, rapidly test hypotheses, and achieve explosive results.

Participants gain access to a global network of mentors, experts, and investors — becoming part of a powerful international community.

Who Can Apply?

1
Stage
PMF (Product-Market Fit) or Scale — startups should have proven demand and a stable user or client base.
2
Type of Project
Tech startups from any industry (sector-agnostic).
A working product is required.
3
Growth Readiness
Startups should be ready to scale and iterate fast. Founders must commit full-time for 12 weeks (July to September), in person in Astana, Kazakhstan.
4
Program Cost
To participate in the program, startups must either sign an uncapped SAFE agreement with an MFN clause for $20,000 or pay the equivalent amount in cash. This payment serves as the program fee and is required at the start of the accelerator. To sign a SAFE, the startup must be incorporated in AIFC, the US, or Singapore.

What you’ll get

Intensive tracking

You’ll achieve what normally takes a year — in just 12 weeks. Work closely with trackers to validate hypotheses, accelerate growth, and scale faster.

Free office & coliving

We provide workspace and accommodation in Astana for up to 2 members per team from another city or country — so you can stay focused on traction and growth.

Google Cloud benefits

All participants are eligible for up to $100,000 in Google Cloud credits, 1:1 technical support, Google Workspace, skills training, and a dedicated Startup Success Manager as part of the Google for Startups Cloud Program.

Astana Hub support

Exclusive PR, events, exposure, and post-program alumni support. Priority access to international forums and programs.

Investments from AHV

At the end of the program, top-performing startups are shortlisted by Astana Hub Ventures for potential investment. The fund may invest between $100,000 and $500,000 in selected teams.

Demo Day at Digital Bridge 2025

Demo Day at Digital Bridge connects you with top investors, corporates, and innovation ecosystem leaders — opening doors to funding, partnerships, and global exposure.

Silkway Accelerator in the Media

Batch 5 startups increased MRR to $1M

Results of the program featured by Digital Business.

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Finalists of Silkway 2024

Coverage by Kapital.kz on top selected startups.

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How to join a global accelerator

Participant experience shared by The Tech.

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$8.1M raised by Silkway participants

The Tech on total investment results.

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Citix: Scaling via Silkway Accelerator

Success story of a standout graduate.

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ZYPL.AI raised $3M after Silkway

Astana Hub article on a post-program investment.

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Silkway Accelerator Program Stages

Application

During this stage, we collect and evaluate startup applications. Our team conducts a comprehensive assessment to select the most promising teams ready for intensive acceleration. All communication and notifications are sent to the email provided in the application.

  • Application submission: open until June 2. Startups must submit an application including product details, team information, and traction.
  • Screening: a quick check for compliance with basic criteria. We assess product stage, market potential, and team readiness.
  • Diagnosis interviews: selected teams are invited to a deep-dive online interview with the program team.
  • Results announcement: June 13. All decisions are sent via email.

Still haven’t applied?

The deadline is approaching — don’t miss your chance to scale with Silkway Accelerator.

Apply now

Contact us

Have questions about the program?
Join our Telegram chat and ask the coordinators directly.

Join Telegram Chat

📍 Address:
Mangilik El 55/8, Yesil District, 010000, Astana, Kazakhstan

✉ Email:
programs@astanahub.com

📱 Instagram:
@astanahub_for_startups

Application deadline

June 2, 2025 at 9:00

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?

Tech startups with a working product in PMF or scale stage from Central Asia, the Caucasus and Mongolia.

Do I need to be in Astana during the program?

Yes. It’s an offline program, and teams must be present in Astana throughout the 12 weeks.

How much does participation cost?

Participation in the Silkway Accelerator is valued at $20,000. You can cover this cost in one of two ways:

  • 1) by signing a SAFE agreement for $20,000,
  • 2) by paying the amount.

The SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is uncapped and includes an MFN (Most Favored Nation) clause, allowing the conversion into equity at the time of your next funding round.

To sign a SAFE, your company must be incorporated in a common law jurisdiction — AIFC (Kazakhstan), the US, or Singapore.

What does the program include?

Tracking, mentorship, free office and accommodation, partnerships, networking, PR, Demo Day and investor support.

Can we apply if we’ve just started scaling?

Yes, as long as you have a working product and stable client base — you’re a great fit.

We’re not from Kazakhstan. Can we still apply?

Absolutely. We welcome startups from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Mongolia.

What is a SAFE and why should you sign it?

SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is a simple contract that allows a startup to issue equity in the future — when it raises funding — instead of giving up shares immediately.

Participation in the Silkway Accelerator is valued at $20,000. This amount can be covered via a SAFE agreement — meaning you sign an investment document instead of paying in cash. It covers mentorship, tracking, infrastructure, and full support during the program.

Example:
If your startup later raises funding at a $4,000,000 valuation, a $20,000 SAFE will convert into approximately 0.5% equity in your company.

Astana Hub Ventures, as a venture fund, is always open to providing follow-on investment to successful startups that show traction and progress during the program. So if you succeed — this is just the beginning of your funding journey.

What’s the application deadline?

Deadline is June 2, 2025 (9AM). We recommend applying early for a better chance of selection.

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