CAREC Launches University Innovation Exchange Program to Drive Regional Collaboration and Innovation

The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) is excited to announce the launch of the CAREC University Innovation Exchange Program (UIEP). This program aims to foster collaboration and drive entrepreneurship among universities in the CAREC region. The UIEP opening ceremony took place on July 17 in Almaty, marking an important step towards promoting innovation and regional cooperation.

“We firmly believe that the CAREC University Innovation Exchange Program will be a catalyst for regional collaboration and economic growth,” said Nariman Mannapbekov, Country Director of Kazakhstan Resident Mission, ADB. “By bringing together talented startup teams from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, we are creating a platform for knowledge sharing, skill enhancement, and resource access.”

The CAREC UIEP is a two-week program designed to support startup teams from leading universities in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Through workshops, mentoring, and networking opportunities, the program aims to enhance entrepreneurial skills, encourage knowledge sharing, and provide resources for venture growth.

The CAREC UIEP focuses on high-growth sectors such as health tech, tourism, agriculture, and e-commerce, contributing to the economic development of the CAREC region.

The program is implemented in collaboration with co-host partners, including leading universities (Westminster International University in Tashkent, Almaty Management University, State University of Economics (UNEC) in Baku, Georgian American University (GAU) in Tbilisi from each participating country.

Supported by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the CAREC UIEP aims to foster regional cooperation, drive economic growth, and nurture innovation.