In this interview, Kendrick White, Vice Rector for Commercialization at AlmaU, talks about his journey from the U.S. to Kazakhstan, and how his work is helping the country transition towards a diversified, innovation-led economy.
Kendrick White, city — Almaty, Vice Rector for Commercilization, Director AlmaU Technology Commercialization Center, linkedin
About moving
I'm a banker from the U.S., born in Boston, and I lived in America for 30 years, working in strategic planning in banking in Chicago.
In 1992, I moved to the former Soviet Union to work in Nizhny Novgorod. After a long career in Russia, I relocated to Almaty in 2022.
I’m very glad I made this move. I saw that Kazakhstan was undergoing a major transformation, particularly following the events of January 2022. The country was embarking on a transition toward a new economic model, and I wanted to be part of that process. Given my background in economic modernization and my expertise in the post-Soviet space, I felt my experience could be useful.
Kazakhstan’s economy has historically been commodity-driven, relying on the export of oil, gas, and other natural resources. Transitioning to an innovation-driven economy is complex, especially given that, under the Soviet system, intellectual property — IP, was state-owned. While Kazakhstan has made progress in changing this, the next step is to modernize universities so that IP belongs to the creators — professors and students — rather than the state.
In market economies, universities are key drivers of innovation. They own the IP created through federally funded research and monetize it by licensing technology to industry or forming spin-off companies. The primary beneficiaries of this process are the professors, students, and the university itself. The government’s role is to support this system, ensuring that universities can generate innovations that businesses can then commercialize. This, in turn, drives industrial modernization.
For example, instead of simply exporting oil and gas, companies should process these resources into higher-value products like plastics or adhesives, which generate greater profits. Shifting from raw material exports to value-added production creates jobs, raises GDP, and diversifies the economy. A commodity-based economy tends to benefit a small elite, whereas a diversified economy spreads wealth more evenly. This transition has been underway in Kazakhstan since 2022, and while challenging, it is essential for long-term growth.
Recognizing this, I knew my experience in economic diversification, university modernization, angel investment, and venture capital development could contribute to Kazakhstan’s transformation. I spent 30 years in Russia working on deep-tech projects and fostering investment in industrial startups, and I wanted to bring that expertise here.
Initially, I was invited by Astana Hub, where I had connections in top management. In 2022, I met the CEO, served as a judge in a business plan competition, and conducted masterclasses. However, my primary focus is deep tech rather than digitalization, which led me to shift my efforts toward scientific research institutions rather than Astana Hub.
I was then invited to Almaty to meet the owner of Almaty Management University — AlmaU, who offered me a position as Vice-Rector for Commercialization. Here, I established a prototype Technology Commercialization Center, similar to a Tech Transfer Office in Western universities.
A TTO helps scientists align their research with industry needs, as researchers often lack direct business experience. Without guidance, they may pursue projects with limited commercial potential. Our center serves as a model for what should exist in every university across Kazakhstan.
We collaborate with 14 universities, the Kazakh National Academy of Sciences, and major research institutions. We’ve also built a venture mentor network consisting of business angels, mentors, and industry experts. Our Industry Advisory Board, made up of 35 business leaders, helps identify real-world technological challenges. This allows us to connect scientists with industry needs, fostering problem-solving and innovation.
Moving to Almaty has been a fantastic experience. I enjoy the city, the people, and the mountains—hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to Kazakhstan’s development and excited about what the future holds.
About adaptation
I’m an American who spent 30 years working in Russia, primarily with Russians and Germans. I was the director of the Quadriga Central Russia Regional Venture Fund, managed by the German company Quadriga Capital Russia. While I have extensive experience working with Americans, British, and Europeans, I had little exposure to Asia before coming to Kazakhstan.
Initially, I assumed Kazakhstan would be similar to Russia due to its Soviet past, but I quickly realized that was a mistake. Kazakhstan is entirely different, both culturally and in the way people interact and work. This was a major surprise for me. Later, when I worked in Tashkent in 2023, I saw that Uzbekistan, too, is completely distinct from Kazakhstan.
One of the most striking cultural aspects I noticed was the growing importance of the Kazakh language. Russian is becoming less dominant, while English is gaining popularity, but Kazakh is the most widely spoken. My first personal assistant, Bibijamal, shared her experiences and explained that previous generations were discouraged from speaking Kazakh. I hadn’t known that before.
Since Kazakhstan gained full independence, national and cultural identity have strengthened significantly. I see a deep pride in the language and heritage. Even my own children are now learning Kazakh. This is an exciting time for Kazakhstan, as it embraces independence and works toward becoming a diversified economy.
Moving from a commodity-based economy to an innovation-driven one is challenging, but I see real commitment from students, universities, business leaders.
For foreigners, Kazakhstan is an exciting place to work right now. Many international professionals, including Germans, Americans, and Koreans, recognize Central Asia’s growing importance. Kazakhstan is at the heart of the Middle Corridor, a crucial trade route connecting the European Union and China. With restrictions on the Northern Corridor through Russia and the high costs of maritime shipping via the Southern Corridor, the Middle Corridor is a faster, more economical alternative. This has led to significant investment in logistics, warehousing, and infrastructure across the region.
I also see a shift in education. The Bolashak program successfully sent Kazakhstan’s brightest students abroad for decades, bringing back valuable knowledge. Now, there’s a new emphasis on attracting foreign universities and students to Kazakhstan. This is the right strategy.
Kazakhstan has stunning landscapes, rich culture, and exceptional hospitality. Promoting tourism can become a major economic driver. Attracting international students is particularly valuable — they study here, build friendships, and take positive impressions back to their home countries, becoming ambassadors for Kazakhstan.
At AlmaU, we fully support this internationalization. We have partnerships with institutions in the U.S., Belgium, Singapore, and beyond. We welcome foreign professors and students while also encouraging our students to study abroad and return with new perspectives. This is a crucial time for Kazakhstan’s development, and I’m excited to be part of it.
About Kazakhstan
Living and working in Kazakhstan has been rewarding in many ways. One of the most significant aspects has been getting to know the culture, which is very different from Russia. Much of the history here was new to me, as it wasn’t part of my education in the U.S. or during my time in Russia.
Kazakhstan’s history, language, and culture have fascinated me. The Kazakh language is beautiful, and I’ve learned a lot about how people tell stories and the importance of family gatherings. These gatherings — whether for a marriage, the birth of a child, or a death — bring together extended family members and reflect a deep tribal culture. It’s made me reflect on my own history in America. Despite being a young country, America’s history is shaped by the Native American tribes, who were often overlooked in the education system, including mine. Learning about their culture and the injustices they faced, like the Trail of Tears, has deepened my appreciation for history, both in the U.S. and in Kazakhstan.
About the development of Kazakhstan
In terms of Kazakhstan’s innovation ecosystem, I think the government has made great strides in digitalization and the IT sector over the past decade, with support from international organizations like the World Bank. However, I believe it’s time to shift focus toward deep tech and natural sciences — areas like biology, chemistry, and fundamental mathematics — because they are essential for a diversified economy. Kazakhstan should invest in scientific research and development, with a stronger connection between universities and businesses.
A key area for improvement is the legal framework. Kazakhstan should study the U.S. Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, which encourages universities to own the intellectual property they create and spin out companies based on that IP. The current legal framework in Kazakhstan is unclear, and while there is funding for commercialization, there hasn’t been enough progress in turning research into marketable products.
Kazakhstan could adopt a law that encourages universities to create spin-out companies, which would attract angel investors, venture capital funds, and industrial partners. These investors prefer working with legal companies, not university laboratories, as they can invest in and co-finance these companies.
Russia’s 2010 Federal Law 217, based on the Bayh-Dole Act, helped create small innovation enterprises. While it had flaws, Kazakhstan has the opportunity to create a better version that supports the commercialization of scientific research. This could be a game-changer for the innovation ecosystem.
The government must also pass new legislation that allows universities to diversify their income streams. Currently, universities rely heavily on federal grants, but they could also profit from owning technology companies. This would allow universities to generate revenue as these companies grow and succeed.
The Academy of Sciences in Kazakhstan is already doing excellent work by promoting young scientists under 40, who are more inclined toward academic entrepreneurship. The older generation of scientists, while incredibly knowledgeable, may not focus on commercialization, so it’s important for the younger generation to take the lead in starting new businesses with the support of universities.
Kazakhstan has a strong historical foundation in deep tech, thanks to Soviet investments in science and research. It’s now time to build on that foundation by fostering academic entrepreneurship and supporting the creation of spin-out companies.
Tips and recommendations for foreigners
My advice for professionals or entrepreneurs considering a move to Kazakhstan is to develop a local network as quickly as possible. This is essential in any country, but especially important in Kazakhstan. It’s crucial to have people you trust, who can offer advice on adapting to customs, building relationships, and making friends. It's important to understand that Kazakhstan is not Russia — it has a completely different culture, distinct from the European Union, Germany, or the U.S. It’s a unique culture, and foreigners should respect and make an effort to understand it.
Learning about the culture, language, history, cuisine, and geography is key. Kazakhstan has so much to offer, but if people come in with stereotypes, they might misunderstand it. Approaching the country with an open mind, making friends, and seeking good advice can help with adaptation.
Additionally, Almaty is a wonderful city with great infrastructure, transportation, and medical systems. The availability of food is good, and the cost of living is relatively affordable. Many people, including a student from Minnesota, have been pleasantly surprised by the high quality of life here in Almaty and Astana.