Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan – The organizers of Central Asia Startup CUP (CASC) are proud to announce two very special guests: one of the most influential Kyrgyz women in global science and technology, Professor Asel Sartbaeva, and Elena Soboleva, a Silicon Valley-based entrepreneur from Kyrgyzstan and founder of Honorlock, one of the leading EdTech companies in the United States.
Asel Sartbaeva is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bath (UK), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, co-founder and CEO of the biotech startup EnsiliTech, and one of the world’s foremost researchers in biomolecule stabilization. Her groundbreaking technology, which enables vaccines and proteins to be stored without the need for cold-chain logistics, has gained international recognition and has the potential to revolutionize medical access in the world’s most remote regions.
At CASC, Professor Sartbaeva will share her insights at the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship. She will speak about building and scaling a science-based startup on the global stage and explore the role of Central Asia in the global innovation ecosystem. She will also tell the story of EnsiliTech—why it was created, what mission it serves, and the global problem it aims to solve.
Elena Soboleva is a successful entrepreneur with international experience. Her company Honorlock has become a major player in online security and educational technologies in the U.S. and beyond. As the founder and CFO of a nine-figure B2B startup, Elena successfully exited the business and now helps founders worldwide scale with smart U.S. capital and top-tier tech talent from Central Asia.
Born and raised in a small town in Kyrgyzstan, Elena never imagined entering the world of venture capital and tech entrepreneurship. While pursuing her MBA in the U.S. in 2013, she and a classmate entered a business plan competition that led to the founding of Honorlock—a B2B EdTech startup that grew into an industry leader with 150+ employees, $50M in venture funding, and patented technologies. Elena’s journey offers invaluable insights into building a startup from the ground up, and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by female-led teams.
Central Asia Startup CUP (CASC) is the largest regional startup event bringing together founders, investors, experts, and innovators from around the world. The event is being held for the first time and is organized by the accelerator Accelerate Prosperity in partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom and Kyrgyzpatent. CASC opens new doors for startup founders, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and tech visionaries.
Event Dates: April 24–25, 2025
Location: Technopark, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Website: www.startupcup.asia Instagram: @startupcup.asia
Tickets: ticket.kg
Media Contact: Nuraiym Ryskulova, Communications Manager +996 550 182 008
We invite media representatives, the startup community, students, and anyone interested in innovation to join us!
Asel Sartbaeva is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Bath (UK), a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, co-founder and CEO of the biotech startup EnsiliTech, and one of the world’s foremost researchers in biomolecule stabilization. Her groundbreaking technology, which enables vaccines and proteins to be stored without the need for cold-chain logistics, has gained international recognition and has the potential to revolutionize medical access in the world’s most remote regions.
At CASC, Professor Sartbaeva will share her insights at the intersection of science, technology, and entrepreneurship. She will speak about building and scaling a science-based startup on the global stage and explore the role of Central Asia in the global innovation ecosystem. She will also tell the story of EnsiliTech—why it was created, what mission it serves, and the global problem it aims to solve.
Elena Soboleva is a successful entrepreneur with international experience. Her company Honorlock has become a major player in online security and educational technologies in the U.S. and beyond. As the founder and CFO of a nine-figure B2B startup, Elena successfully exited the business and now helps founders worldwide scale with smart U.S. capital and top-tier tech talent from Central Asia.
Born and raised in a small town in Kyrgyzstan, Elena never imagined entering the world of venture capital and tech entrepreneurship. While pursuing her MBA in the U.S. in 2013, she and a classmate entered a business plan competition that led to the founding of Honorlock—a B2B EdTech startup that grew into an industry leader with 150+ employees, $50M in venture funding, and patented technologies. Elena’s journey offers invaluable insights into building a startup from the ground up, and sheds light on the challenges and opportunities faced by female-led teams.
Central Asia Startup CUP (CASC) is the largest regional startup event bringing together founders, investors, experts, and innovators from around the world. The event is being held for the first time and is organized by the accelerator Accelerate Prosperity in partnership with the Government of the United Kingdom and Kyrgyzpatent. CASC opens new doors for startup founders, investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and tech visionaries.
Event Dates: April 24–25, 2025
Location: Technopark, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Website: www.startupcup.asia Instagram: @startupcup.asia
Tickets: ticket.kg
Media Contact: Nuraiym Ryskulova, Communications Manager +996 550 182 008
We invite media representatives, the startup community, students, and anyone interested in innovation to join us!