Astana Hub launched MedHub HAQ, a nonprofit infrastructure initiative to accelerate medical AI development in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, ahead of the country's new Digital Code taking effect on July 11. The platform provides a secure framework for anonymized medical data to develop, test, and deploy AI-powered healthcare solutions, with plans to support over 150 startups and 100 pilot projects in its first year.
The initiative brings together healthcare providers, universities, physicians, researchers, AI developers, and medtech startups. Participants can access anonymized datasets, conduct clinical validation of AI solutions, test AI models, and receive support for implementation in medical practice.
Accelerator program and first startups
One of MedHub HAQ's key initiatives is an accelerator program for medtech startups. Participants gain access to anonymized medical data, AI testing infrastructure, industry expertise, educational programs, and scaling support. The first three startups admitted are e-Osmotr (digital medical examinations), Teri AI (dermatological diagnostics), and Neuro Guard (stroke detection).
Building an ecosystem for medical AI
Tanat Uskembayev, Managing Director of Astana Hub, said, "The launch of MedHub HAQ is an important step toward building such an ecosystem in Kazakhstan. Astana Hub supports initiatives that help startups move more quickly from concept to implementation while creating conditions for competitive AI solutions in healthcare."
MedHub HAQ founder Togzhan Kozhaly said, "Medical AI cannot be developed solely through a good algorithm. It requires data, doctors, annotation, legally compliant processes, expertise, and a pathway to implementation. MedHub HAQ is being created to connect all these elements into a functioning system."
How the platform works
The ecosystem comprises six interconnected components:
- MedEx: platform for exchanging anonymized clinical data to train and test AI models.
- MedLabel: annotation and labeling of medical datasets with healthcare professionals.
- MedVentures: challenge-based accelerator for medtech startups.
- MedAcademy: training programs in digital medicine and medical AI. MedAcademy's focus addresses the need for specialized training in AI for Healthcare.
- MedEvents: networking and knowledge exchange platform for healthcare and technology professionals.
- MedAdvisory: consulting on medical AI, data governance, regulatory compliance, and implementation.
During the launch event, organizers presented MedHub HAQ's approach to medical data management, its accelerator program, educational initiatives, and partnership model with hospitals and universities. The three startups demonstrated how the platform supports AI model training, regulatory approval pathways, and product scaling. The event concluded with memorandums of cooperation between MedHub HAQ, universities, and healthcare organizations, aiming to integrate medical data, clinical expertise, scientific research, and technological innovation into practical healthcare applications.
Why this matters for healthcare professionals
For healthcare professionals in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, MedHub HAQ provides a concrete infrastructure to test and deploy AI solutions without violating data privacy rules. The platform's anonymized data exchange, clinical validation support, and regulatory guidance can shorten the path from research to clinical adoption. Professionals can collaborate with startups and researchers, access training in digital medicine, and contribute to the annotation and validation of AI models, ensuring that new tools are clinically sound and tailored to regional needs.
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