Kazakhstan-based startups WeGlobal AI, Mirai Tech, Lumia, and Moon AI have been selected to join StartX, one of the world’s most selective and prestigious startup accelerators at Stanford University. Their admission was made possible through a Platinum partnership between StartX and its regional partner, Astana Business Campus, part of the NU Impact Foundation ecosystem.
StartX is widely regarded as one of the most rigorous accelerators globally. It does not invest directly, instead focusing on deep evaluation of teams and technologies, thereby reducing early-stage investment risks. Participation in the program serves as a strong institutional signal of quality. Its alumni include three decacorns (valued at over $10 billion) and more than 20 unicorns, with a combined valuation exceeding $120 billion.
Traditionally, StartX is open only to founders affiliated with Stanford University. However, through its partnership with Astana Business Campus, startups from Kazakhstan are gaining access to acceleration programs, international venture capital networks, and the broader Silicon Valley ecosystem.
According to Bauyrzhan Dzhumagaliyev, Chairman of the Board at Astana Business Campus, this cohort marks a record: four startups from Kazakhstan were selected, compared to no more than three in previous years. “This reflects the growing maturity of the startup ecosystem and the ability of Kazakhstani teams to compete confidently on a global stage. Notably, Mirai Tech—a deeptech startup—has completed its full development cycle at Nazarbayev University, from the ABC Incubation program to scaling in the U.S. market and eventual selection into StartX,” he said.
Mirai Tech, co-founded by NU Assistant Professor Gulnur Kalimuldina, has developed a portable AI-powered biomechanics lab. Its smart sensor insoles and wearable devices enable real-time monitoring of patient recovery and injury prevention. The solution is already being used in the sports industry, with pilot projects planned with football clubs in Italy and the Netherlands.
WeGlobal AI is an AI-driven EdTech platform focused on supporting students’ mental health and career guidance. In recent months, it has reached over 500,000 students and has been implemented in hundreds of schools, connecting students, psychologists, and educational institutions within a unified digital ecosystem.
Lumia is developing an AI-powered recruiter for the U.S. home care market, automating the hiring process. Even at an early stage, the startup has demonstrated initial traction: during a pilot in the United States, the platform processed more than 250 resumes, conducted over 70 AI-driven interviews, and generated a shortlist of candidates.
Moon AI is building a next-generation platform of corporate AI agents designed to automate sales and customer support for small and medium-sized businesses. The solution integrates with CRM and ERP systems and operates across key communication channels—from messaging platforms to websites—helping companies reduce operational costs and improve conversion rates.
To date, more than 15 startups from Kazakhstan have completed the StartX program, including Cerebra, Defect AI, and Arlan Biotech.
