From Silicon Valley to Japan: Kazakh Talent in Global Innovation Ecosystems
Date: March 20
Time: 17:30
Organizers: CFive Intellectual Platform, Astana International University
The CFive Intellectual Platform invites you to an expert dialogue exploring the growing role of Kazakh scientists, entrepreneurs, and professionals within leading global innovation ecosystems.
Today, world-class universities, research centers, and startup hubs—from Silicon Valley and Stanford University in the United States to advanced academic and technological clusters in Japan—serve as key drivers of innovation, knowledge creation, and economic growth. Increasingly, Kazakh talent is becoming an integral part of these global networks, contributing to scientific advancement, entrepreneurial development, and cross-border collaboration.
This session will examine how international academic mobility, research cooperation, and startup ecosystems are shaping new opportunities for Kazakhstan. Participants will discuss the evolving role of universities as innovation hubs, pathways for integrating into global scientific and technological networks, and strategies for strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the global knowledge economy.
The discussion will feature firsthand insights from experts with experience across leading international institutions—from Silicon Valley to Japan—highlighting best practices in innovation policy, startup ecosystem development, and global academic engagement.
The event will be held in an open dialogue format, fostering exchange between researchers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and students. It aims to provide a platform for identifying practical pathways to enhance Kazakhstan’s participation in global innovation ecosystems and to empower the next generation of talent.
⸻
Speakers:
• Prof. Serik Meirmanov
Vice President, Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University (Japan)
Chairman, QIST – Global Science & Technology Platform
• Serik Smagulov
Founder & CEO, TopMDHealth (USA)
Stanford Graduate School of Business, StartX Med
• Aliya Sembayeva
CEO Advisor, Astana Hub
Expert in Innovation Policy & Startup Ecosystem Development
• Samat Sagatov
Project leader at JSC Nazarbayev University
⸻
Moderator:
• Iskander Akylbayev
Chairman, CFive Intellectual Platform
Founder & CEO, Xander Group
⸻
Speaker Biographies
Prof. Serik Meirmanov
Serik Meirmanov is Vice-President for Student Affairs and International Cooperation and Professor at the College of Sustainability & Tourism at Ritsumeikan Asia-Pacific University (APU), Japan. Previously, he served as Dean of Academic Affairs at APU, overseeing academic programs and policies to ensure high-quality education outcomes.
He is a member of the Beppu City Environmental Conservation Council and the East-Kyushu Medical Valley initiative. Prof. Meirmanov graduated from Semey Medical University (Kazakhstan) and earned a PhD in Health Science from Nagasaki University (Japan). He also completed a Public Health program at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (UK).
His research focuses on public and global health, particularly psychological aspects affecting students and medical professionals. He has authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and three books. His teaching areas include Health & Wellness Tourism, Health Science, and Psychology.
⸻
Serik Smagulov
Serik Smagulov is a healthtech entrepreneur dedicated to making high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable globally. As Founder & CEO of TopMDHealth (USA), he develops scalable solutions aimed at improving healthcare access for over one billion people.
He is affiliated with Stanford University, having completed the Executive Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business and contributing as a research scientist at Stanford School of Medicine. His company is part of StartX Med, Stanford’s leading accelerator for high-impact healthtech startups.
Previously, he founded iDoctor.kz, the largest digital healthcare platform in Central Asia, connecting over 100,000 medical professionals and offering telemedicine, booking systems, and medical tourism services.
Recognized as a top entrepreneur and finalist in multiple startup competitions, he brings strong expertise in scaling ventures across emerging markets and is actively seeking strategic partnerships to expand global impact.
⸻
Dr. Aliya Sembayeva
Dr. Aliya Sembayeva is an expert in innovation policy and startup ecosystem development, currently serving as CEO Advisor at Astana Hub.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Nazarbayev University, an MSc by Research from the University of Birmingham, and a PhD in Chemistry from the University of Liverpool.
Her professional experience spans academia, industry, and public sector leadership. She has held teaching positions at the University of Birmingham, Nazarbayev University, and the University of Liverpool. She also served as Director of the Innovation and Knowledge Management Department and ESG Director at Samruk-Kazyna, as well as CEO of the Center for Scientific and Technological Initiatives Ltd.
Dr. Sembayeva has served on multiple boards, including as an independent director of the Science Fund JSC and as a member of supervisory boards in national institutions. Her expertise focuses on building innovation ecosystems, advancing ESG strategies, and strengthening science-industry collaboration.
⸻
Samat Sagatov
Samat Sagatov is a project leader at JSC Nazarbayev University, where he is responsible for the development of a pharmaceutical cluster aimed at strengthening Kazakhstan’s life sciences ecosystem.
His work focuses on integrating scientific research with pharmaceutical manufacturing by implementing internationally recognized standards, including GLP (Good Laboratory Practice), GCP (Good Clinical Practice), and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). The project is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, supporting the development, testing, and production of high-quality medicines in Kazakhstan.
Samat has professional expertise in strategic leadership and governance, quality and risk management, process improvement, change management, and stakeholder engagement. His work contributes to advancing Kazakhstan’s capacity in healthcare innovation and building a globally competitive pharmaceutical sector.
⸻
Join us for a forward-looking discussion on how Kazakh talent is shaping global innovation—and what it means for the country’s strategic trajectory in a rapidly evolving world.