Astana, December 02, 2024 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov chaired a meeting of the Supreme Board of Trustees of Nazarbayev University, Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools, and the Nazarbayev Fund, as reported by the official website of the Kazakh government. The meeting focused on enhancing the quality of education, advancing scientific research, and increasing the commercial potential of innovative projects in Kazakhstan.
In his report, Waqar Ahmad, President of Nazarbayev University, emphasized the institution’s significant role as a leader in higher education, research, and innovation in Central Asia. He highlighted that, in 2011, the university had presented nearly 360 research projects, published over 9,000 articles, and launched up to 500 startups. The university’s continued development aims to position it among the top-300 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and establish it as the second-leading university in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).
Anuar Zhangozin, Chairman of the Board of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools Autonomous Educational Organization, provided an update on initiatives to promote secondary education. Notably, the ‘Development of Potential of Hub Schools in Rural Areas’ project has supported 135 regional educational institutions, trained 583 specialists, and led to the development of 200 hub schools slated for construction in rural areas next year.
Prime Minister Bektenov also visited the Nazarbayev University Technopark, home to 32 Kazakhstani companies, to learn about cutting-edge scientific developments in fields such as health, artificial intelligence (AI), and mining. Among the notable projects is the Codiplay startup, which focuses on developing digital skills among schoolchildren. The initiative is currently expanding to over 450 educational institutions across 10 countries, including the UK, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Codiplay’s product, recognized as a Digital Public Good by UNICEF, is expected to open new avenues for international market access.
Another standout project is the Smartview Innovation startup, which aims to improve mineral production efficiency by saving up to 90% of labor hours, enhancing worker safety by 80%, and boosting equipment operator efficiency by 50%. Prime Minister Bektenov was also presented with several medical and technological innovations, including projects focused on developing exoskeletons for rehabilitation, improving long-term transportation of donor organs, and creating new anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, the IHT Central Asia project focuses on the development and production of advanced medical devices.
In total, Prime Minister Bektenov was presented with 10 new developments across various sectors, including information technology, medicine, robotics, AI, energy, and education, all of which demonstrate significant commercial potential.
Concluding the meeting, Premier Bektenov underscored the government’s commitment to supporting advanced projects that contribute to economic growth and the improvement of the population’s quality of life. He tasked the leadership of the university and relevant government bodies with integrating scientific research with production, ensuring effective marketing, and focusing on export-oriented initiatives to drive further progress.
