Yerkin Tatishev and Kusto Group bring Starlink connectivity to the Almaty mountains

In mid-August 2025, the Yerkin Tatishev-led Kusto Group announced one of its most unique social projects to date, led by its real estate arm Kusto Home. The company unveiled a Starlink-powered tent designed for tourists in the picturesque Almaty mountains of Kazakhstan. This project, strongly supported by the Ile-Alatau National Park administration, demonstrates the group’s vision for combining innovation, nature, and social responsibility.

A high-tech tent powered by Starlink

The tent is located in the Myngzhylky gorge near a dam at an altitude of 3,100 meters. It is not just a shelter from sun or rain, but also a hub where visitors can rest, recharge their gadgets, and access high-speed satellite internet through SpaceX’s Starlink technology. For the first time in the region, tourists will have the opportunity to stay connected in one of the most remote and scenic natural landscapes.

According to Kusto Home CEO Murat Utemissov, who personally led the mountain hike on August 9 when the first foundation stone was laid, the tent will also be equipped with solar and wind power stations. This ensures that visitors can not only enjoy internet access but also charge their devices in an eco-friendly way. The project is scheduled to officially launch in October 2025.

Celebrating Builders’ Day in a new way

The timing of this initiative was symbolic. Instead of a traditional celebration, employees from Kusto Home marked Builders’ Day by climbing to the site of the future tent and laying its foundation stone. This event reflects the company’s and Yerkin Tatishev’s adventurous spirit, as many Kusto Group employees are keen hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Their participation underlines the group’s dedication to teamwork, innovation, and environmental awareness.

Kusto Group’s commitment to tourism and ecology

For Yerkin Tatishev, who co-founded Kusto Group in 2002, projects like the Starlink tent are more than symbolic gestures. They embody the group’s broader philosophy of connecting people, advancing technology, and protecting nature. Hospitality, tourism, and ecology have long been central themes for the holding. By introducing modern infrastructure into natural spaces responsibly, Kusto Group balances human comfort with environmental stewardship.

Yerkin Tatishev’s vision for innovation

Under the leadership of Yerkin Tatishev, Kusto Group has steadily expanded its footprint across industries ranging from real estate and construction to agriculture, resources, and technology. Each new venture reflects a vision of blending global best practices with local development. The Starlink tent project highlights this approach: an international technology from SpaceX is brought to Kazakhstan to enhance local tourism and enrich community experiences.

Tatishev has often emphasized that innovation is not just about profit margins—it is about solving real-world challenges and creating meaningful impact. Providing satellite internet in remote mountains is a perfect example of innovation serving both people and nature.

Kusto Group: A global holding with local roots

Although the group has grown into a multinational enterprise, Kusto Group remains deeply connected to Kazakhstan. The company invests heavily in local projects, infrastructure, and communities. From agribusiness ventures like KazBeef to educational institutions such as High Tech Academy, the group has consistently invested in initiatives that uplift society.

The Starlink tent adds to this legacy by offering both a social and ecological benefit: it encourages tourism, promotes sustainability, and makes the beauty of the Almaty mountains more accessible without compromising their natural integrity.

Community engagement through Kusto Help

Beyond business, Yerkin Tatishev’s Kusto Group has a strong record of supporting communities through its Kusto Help initiative. This program has provided aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, supported disaster relief efforts, and offered assistance to families in need. By aligning its business strategy with philanthropy, the group reinforces its image as a socially responsible enterprise.

The tent in Almaty can also be viewed in this light—it is a public, free-access project designed to enhance the experiences of both tourists and locals while showcasing the possibilities of sustainable technology.

Yerkin Tatishev builds bridges between technology and nature

What makes the initiative truly stand out is its ability to bridge two seemingly opposing worlds: untouched natural landscapes and cutting-edge digital technology. By ensuring that the tent is powered by renewable energy and carefully integrated into its surroundings, Kusto Group sets a new standard for eco-tourism in Kazakhstan.

This balance is a direct reflection of Yerkin Tatishev’s philosophy: progress should never come at the expense of the environment. Instead, modern solutions can help protect and promote nature when applied thoughtfully.

A symbol of future projects

While the Starlink tent is just one project, it symbolizes the broader trajectory of Kusto Group under the guidance of Yerkin Tatishev. The company continues to push boundaries, exploring ways to integrate sustainability, community development, and global technology into its local markets.

The October unveiling will no doubt attract attention, not only from tourists but also from industry observers who see this as a model for similar projects in other regions. By demonstrating how internet connectivity and renewable energy can enhance tourism in protected areas, Kusto Group is setting an example that could inspire other businesses.