From November 4 to 6, the Startup World Cup 2026 Global Finals took place in San Francisco, USA, bringing together technology companies, entrepreneurs, and venture capital investors from around the world. Kazakhstan was represented by Mirai Tech, with support from the Sustainable Innovation and Technology Foundation (SITF) and Jas Ventures Limited, both part of the NU Impact Foundation ecosystem.
Startup World Cup 2026 featured several stages. Around 200 startups from around the world participated in the two-day semifinals. Following the selection process, 10 teams advanced to the Grand Finale, while 80 startups were given the opportunity to pitch their projects on stage in front of leading venture capital investors. Mirai Tech was among the 80 startups.
The founder of Mirai Tech, NU Professor Gulnur Kalimuldina, presented the team’s smart insole designed for athletes. The technology analyzes movement patterns and pressure distribution across the foot, helping assess athletic performance and reduce the risk of injuries.
Mirai Tech demonstrates how university research can serve as the foundation for innovative startups. Participation in Startup World Cup gave the team an opportunity to present its technology to international investors and build connections with industry experts and the global startup community.
NU Impact Foundation supports research-based startups and the commercialization of university innovations, helping promising projects grow and expand into international markets. Mirai Tech’s participation in San Francisco highlights the potential of research conducted in Kazakhstan to reach international audiences and showcase the country’s scientific achievements on the global stage.