NU Impact Foundation

Social Startup 2026

Application submission is available from April 24, 09:00 to May 8, 14:00 (UTC+5).

Project objective

Supporting social startups that address social challenges using a sustainable business model.

Implemented jointly with Astana Business Campus LLP (ABC) to strengthen the social impact of startups participating in the ABC Incubation program.

Up to

3 000 000

KZT per project

Participants and conditions

Individuals, initiative groups, sole proprietors, LLPs, and non-profit organizations are eligible.

The team must include at least one Nazarbayev University student or graduate in a key management role of the project.

Successful completion of Stage II of the ABC business incubation program (confirmed by certificate).

The project must not have received prior funding from the Fund ecosystem

Project financing through Jas Ventures Ltd. support mechanisms is aimed at ensuring sustainable development, scaling, and integration of projects into the Fund ecosystem.

Based on project results, Jas Venture Studio Ltd. venture studio may initiate further cooperation with the Applicant, including structuring interaction and concluding relevant agreements, including option agreements.

The Applicant must duly consider cooperation proposals from the venture studio and participate in negotiations on possible agreements.

For these purposes, the Applicant ensures priority interaction with the venture studio within a reasonable timeframe. Agreements are concluded by mutual consent of the Parties.

Conditions for further project development

Implementation stages

Application intake

Social Track. Applications submitted via nuimpact-portal.kz

#Submit-applicationApril

Technical selection

The working body checks applications for compliance with competition requirements.

May

Expert evaluation

Preliminary evaluation of applications and team hearings.

Final scoring according to criteria.

May – June

Application verification

Online meetings with applicants for verification and conclusions.

June

Decision making

Ranking of applications and approval of winners by the Fund Board.

June – July

Contract signing

Signing documents and start of funding.

July – August

Application intake

Social Track. Applications submitted via nuimpact-portal.kz

Submit applicationApril

Technical selection

The working body checks applications for compliance with competition requirements.

May

Expert evaluation

Preliminary evaluation of applications and team hearings.

Final scoring according to criteria.

May – June

Application verification

Online meetings with applicants for verification and conclusions.

June

Decision making

Ranking of applications and approval of winners by the Fund Board.

June – July

Contract signing

Signing documents and start of funding.

July – August

Evaluation criteria

Projects are evaluated by experts on a 10-point scale with weighting factors.

20%

I. Social impact

Measurable impact of the project for the target groups

20%

II. Relevance of social problem

Significance and urgency of the social problem being addressed

20%

III. Business model

Sustainability and viability of the economic model

20%

IV. Project implementation and budget

Budget justification and feasibility.

10%

V. Team competencies

Competencies and experience

10%

VI. Sustainability and scalability

Growth potential

Social Track information session

Application submission

Start: April 24 at 09:00 (UTC+5)

You can download the application template in advance for preparation.

Contacts