The “Startup Nation" hackathon, organised by Accelerate Prosperity with support from USAID, the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), Codify, and Qubic was recently held in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The event gathered over 260 teams of entrepreneurs, programmers, and graduates, aiming to pitch innovative solutions for global challenges, such as climate change. The hackathon offers a $10,000 prize and mentorship for participants. Speakers included notable figures from the startup and investment world. "Any idea at the formation stage can either take off or fade away," notes Accelerate Prosperity Country Director Zhyldyz Isabekova, addressing the participants of the large-scale event. "At Accelerate Prosperity, we firmly believe that startups are changing the world for the better.