TURAN University Showcased Its Experience in Science Commercialization at InnoWeek 2025
TURAN University continues to strengthen Kazakhstan’s position as a leader in innovation practices across Central Asia.
This year, the Director of the Commercialization Center, Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Associate Professor Yerbolat Orazbekuly, took part as a speaker in the session “Startup Ecosystems of Central Asia” at InnoWeek 2025 — the largest regional forum in the field of innovation and technology held in Uzbekistan.
In his speech, Dr. Orazbekuly shared his experience in transforming university DeepTech research into startups and managing a microfund. He also discussed the collaborative model between the Kazakhstan Association of University Business Incubators and Accelerators (KAUBIA) and TURAN University, as well as the systemic barriers that slow down innovation growth in Central Asia.
“I represent TURAN University, but for many years I have been working at the intersection of research, startups, and investment. It is at this transition — between ‘science’ and ‘market’ — that translational barriers most often arise,”
— noted Dr. Orazbekuly.
Key Challenges in the Region
- Different expectations: scientists focus on publications and patents, while incubators expect MVPs and market-tested hypotheses.
- Inconsistent TRL criteria: universities see TRL 3–4 as a result, but accelerators need at least TRL 6.
- Unclear IP ownership: uncertainty about who owns rights and how equity is shared between the university, researcher, and investor.
These inconsistencies cause time loss, slower progress, and loss of customer focus — resulting in promising research ideas never reaching the market.
How TURAN University and KAUBIA Respond
KAUBIA, headquartered at TURAN University, has developed a comprehensive model to overcome the “valley of death” for DeepTech projects.
Together with private business partners, a microfund was created to finance early stages (TRL 4–7), when a project needs only $10,000–30,000 to test market hypotheses, secure legal protection, and prepare for acceleration.
KAUBIA also helps standardize IP and contract policies, enabling universities and incubators to “speak the same language” and accelerate the path from laboratory to market.
Regional Recommendations
- Develop a Regional TRL Guide and establish translational offices to standardize the transition from research to incubation.
- Scale the microfund management model across Central Asia, allowing startups to test technologies on a shared platform without waiting for large investments.
“For us, it’s not just about creating startups — it’s about building infrastructure that allows scientists and entrepreneurs to speak the same language and jointly drive the knowledge economy of the region,”
— emphasized Dr. Orazbekuly.
Publication in the International Journal INNOVATOR
This year, Dr. Yerbolat Orazbekuly was featured in the prestigious international scientific journal INNOVATOR — alongside leading global figures in science, technology, and innovation.
In the same issue, contributions were presented by:
- Rick Leemans, Honorary Professor of Environmental Systems Analysis at Wageningen University (Netherlands), and Nobel Peace Prize laureate (2007) as part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
“It is a great honor to witness InnoWeek 2025 in Tashkent — a dynamic platform fostering innovation, collaboration, and exchange of ideas… We must pass a clean and sustainable world to future generations.”
- Sir Peter Gluckman, President of the International Science Council (ISC) and advisor to governments on science and innovation policy.
“Uzbekistan’s focus on science, technology, and innovation reflects a clear understanding that they are key to sustainable development. InnoWeek positions Central Asia as an active player in the global dialogue of knowledge and solutions.”
- Prof. Dr. Che Zalina Zulkifli, Coordinator of the Malaysia–Uzbekistan Higher Education Consortium, expert in international academic partnerships.
“Congratulations on the continued success of InnoWeek! I had the honor to participate in 2023 and 2024 — truly a valuable experience of international exchange.”
Amid these global voices, Dr. Orazbekuly’s article (the Director of the Commercialization Center at TURAN University, First Vice President of the Kazakhstan Association of University Business Incubators and Accelerators, and Founder of the venture microfund Kendala) represented Kazakhstan’s perspective on developing the regional innovation ecosystem and the vital role of universities in translating research into market-ready technologies.
“For three years, we have been consistent partners of InnoWeek in Uzbekistan and active participants in its sessions.
InnoWeek is a unique platform in Central Asia where DeepTech and IT evolve together.
Here, national leaders, investors, scientists, entrepreneurs, and guests from around the world gather to shape the region’s innovation future.
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this event — come to InnoWeek 2025 and see it yourself!”
TURAN University continues to develop science commercialization, technology entrepreneurship, and knowledge transfer.
Its Commercialization Center stands among Kazakhstan’s leading platforms connecting academia, business, and investment.
