Dear friends & partners,
We are delighted to bring you the latest news on startup ecosystems in the CAREC region. Our newsletter highlights various developments in the areas of startups, ICT, and digital transformation.
We would be happy to report on your organization’s work, so feel free to share your story or article with us. This newsletter is distributed to various stakeholders in the CAREC region. For more updates join our telegram channel: https://t.me/CAREC_digital
Regards,
Team CAREC
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Digitalization Policy and Initiatives
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Visa Collaborates with Central Bank of Azerbaijan on Digital Currency Development
Visa is offering its digital currency expertise to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, aiming to collaborate on suitable formats for cooperation. The CBA, along with Visa, is exploring national digital currency infrastructure and applications in alignment with other central banks and international organizations.
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Georgia's Digital Governance Agency Showcases Innovations at Cyber Security Conference
Georgia's digital governance agency presented innovative technological projects in cyber security and digital governance at the Regional Cyber Security and Innovation Conference in Tbilisi. The conference, supported by the economy and justice ministries, gathered participants from 15 countries to discuss digital transformation, GovTech, FinTech, and cyber security.
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Pakistan's IT Ministry Drives 5G Adoption, Tech Sector Growth and Digital Inclusivity
Pakistan's IT Ministry is spearheading 5G adoption, boosting the tech sector, and promoting digital inclusivity. The ministry's efforts encompass 5G feasibility, mobile manufacturing, IT exports growth, bridging the digital divide, and ensuring secure digital regulations for a forward-looking technological landscape.
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Opportunities and Upcoming Events
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AI challenges and opportunities discussion in Kyrgyzstan
Arkha Dhar, VP Strategy and Product at OpenAI, will lead a mastermind session on the topic of "AI: Challenges and Opportunities in Kyrgyz Republic" in Bishkek on August 18. The event will feature discussions on digital transformation in the AI era, inviting top managers of IT companies and business organizations to participate in the semi-closed format event.
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“Nobel fest: Digital Upgrade” in Kazakhstan
The Global Nobel Festival will take place in Kazakhstan on October 5-6, 2023, under the theme "Nobel Fest: Digital Upgrade." The event will bring together Nobel laureates, leading minds, and influential figures from the fields of science, IT, economics, and innovation to share their knowledge and insights, discussing revolutionary theories and practices in technological progress.
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Startup Ecosystem Initiatives
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CAREC Innovation Decoded workshop: Create an Integrative Innovation Ecosystem to Promote Technology Transfer
On July 20, 2023, the CAREC Innovation Decoded Session 2 brought together 50+ participants from the CAREC region for an online workshop. The goal of the event was to explore the creation of an integrative innovation ecosystem to promote technology transfer and drive regional economic growth. Led by Mr. Shujun ZOU, CEO of NETC and a renowned expert in the field, attendees gained valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable steps to foster innovation and facilitate technology exchange.
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CAREC Innovation Decoded workshop on cross-border e-Commerce
CAREC Innovation Decoded webinar on cross-border e-commerce was conducted on August 15. Mr. Daniel Zhou discussed the significance of digital trade for SMEs and the commitment to supporting Central Asian countries in building a high-quality digital trade platform. And Dr. Rui Zhang shared insights on the innovative talent training model of China (Hangzhou) Cross-Border E-Commerce College, addressing the needs of cross-border e-commerce talent in the digital economy context.
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CAREC Innovation Decoded workshop: Create an Integrative Innovation Ecosystem to Promote Technology Transfer
On July 20, 2023, the CAREC Innovation Decoded Session 2 brought together 50+ participants from the CAREC region for an online workshop. The goal of the event was to explore the creation of an integrative innovation ecosystem to promote technology transfer and drive regional economic growth. Led by Mr. Shujun ZOU, CEO of NETC and a renowned expert in the field, attendees gained valuable insights, practical strategies, and actionable steps to foster innovation and facilitate technology exchange.
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CAREC University Innovation Exchange Program successful completion
The CAREC Program successfully launched the CAREC University Innovation Exchange Program (UIEP), promoting collaboration and entrepreneurship among universities in the region. This 2 week in person program lasted from July 16 to July 29, covering 4 countries: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. Implemented in partnership with leading universities and supported by CAREC and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the CAREC UIEP focuses on high-growth sectors to contribute to the region's economic development.
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WIUT's startup founders completed ADB CAREC University Innovation Exchange Program
The most awaited ADB CAREC UIEP was launched on the 16th of July 2023. The program gathered pre-seed startup teams from leading universities in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Georgia. It aims to foster cross-border collaboration and unlock the vast potential of the region for innovation and entrepreneurship. During the closing ceremony of the event, 3 startups that are fully supported by innoWIUT Entrepreneur's Lab received the awards from ADB CAREC.
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Azerbaijan media about the CAREC UIEP Program
CAREC supports student startups from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia through the University Innovation Exchange Program (UIEP). The Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) initiative brought together 24 students from various universities who shared startup ideas and experiences, visiting innovation centers in Azerbaijan as part of the program.
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Digital Revolution Transforms Mongolia's Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband Landscape
Mongolia is experiencing a digital revolution reshaping its telecoms, mobile, and broadband sectors. Government efforts, improved connectivity, mobile penetration, and a digital strategy are driving economic growth, innovation, and service enhancement, while challenges like digital literacy and cybersecurity need attention.
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Central Asia Data Center Market Surges with 5G and Investment Boost
The Central Asia data center market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 18.47% between 2022 and 2028. Major countries like Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and others are embracing 5G technology, driving edge data center development, while data center investments are increasing due to rising digitalization and internet penetration across the region.
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About CAREC Program
The CAREC 2030 Strategy emphasizes the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) across the CAREC Program’s spectrum of operations. As part of its CAREC Digital Strategy 2030 implementation and upcoming initiatives, efforts are being made to accelerate digital adoption in the Program’s five operational clusters.
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