Kazakh innovator to represent Central Asia at tech summit

Assel Seifullina to showcase Kazakhstan’s green technology potential and advocate for women in STEM at a global event in Osaka

ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — Assel Seifullina, an entrepreneur from Kazakhstan, a Central Asian country known for its vast landscapes and growing innovation sector, will represent the region at the Women in Tech Global Summit in Osaka, Japan, from April 23 to 25.

As the founder of Global Green Hub, she has been at the forefront of integrating technology, education, and environmental initiatives to drive sustainable development in Kazakhstan and beyond.

In an interview with The Astana Times, Seifullina shared her journey from IT specialist to green-tech leader, highlighting the urgent need for innovation in sustainability and gender equality in the tech sector.

Seifullina’s career began in IT and education, but a personal challenge—the illness of her child—led her to create Intellect and Soul, a project supporting children with special needs.

Reflecting on this experience, she noted how existing systems often fail families raising children with disabilities.

Through her initiative, she integrates technology, psychology, and creativity to create an environment where children can thrive.

One of her most inspiring moments came when an 11-year-old girl, once too shy to participate in activities, gained the confidence to enter literary competitions after attending one of her events.

Beyond special education, Seifullina has been leading various environmental initiatives that focus on sustainability and awareness.

One of her flagship projects, Zara’s Planet, promotes environmental education for children, instilling a sense of responsibility towards nature from an early age.

Another key initiative, Beauty Recycling, advocates for sustainable practices in the beauty industry, highlighting the need for reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly products.

For Seifullina, sustainability is not just about conservation but also a powerful economic driver. She believes that ecology is the new “oil” and that integrating sustainability with technology can unlock long-term economic benefits for Kazakhstan and the broader region.

However, she acknowledges several barriers to environmental progress, including a lack of awareness, limited investment, and inadequate recycling infrastructure.

She stresses that overcoming these challenges requires early environmental education, public-private partnerships, and stronger ESG-driven investments. She also highlights the need to integrate sustainability into national policies to ensure long-term impact.

As a recipient of the Women in Tech Caucasus and Central Asia GreenTech Award, Seifullina views the Osaka summit as a vital opportunity to amplify the role of women in technology and green innovation.

She believes that women have the power to drive global change but notes that leadership in the tech industry demands resilience and perseverance.

As a mother of a child with special needs, she has learned to navigate challenges daily, an experience that has strengthened her resolve to advocate for gender inclusivity in the tech sector.

Seifullina also points out the ongoing challenges for women in technology and entrepreneurship, including limited funding for female-led startups, gender stereotypes, and a lack of mentorship opportunities.

She emphasizes the need for dedicated venture funds that support women in tech, stronger mentorship networks, and increased visibility for female leaders.

She argues that addressing these issues is not just about gender equality but about unlocking a vast pool of untapped talent that could contribute to technological and economic growth.

Elevating Kazakhstan

For Seifullina, the Women in Tech Global Summit is more than just a platform for networking—it is an opportunity to position Kazakhstan as a key player in sustainability and green technology.

She believes that Kazakhstan has the potential to be a leader in this field but needs to strengthen its presence on the global stage. 

By participating in the summit, she aims to forge international partnerships and attract investment opportunities that could help Central Asia become not just a consumer of innovation but a creator of cutting-edge sustainable solutions.

As she prepares to represent Kazakhstan at this prestigious event, Seifullina remains focused on her mission to bridge technology and sustainability while advocating for greater representation of women in the industry.

Her journey, from IT specialist to sustainability leader, is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to social and environmental change.