ENU awarded grants to scientists to implement promising commercialization ideas

On the eve of Independence Day, ENU awarded the holders of the “Zhana Asu” university grant according to the results of the competition. 

The L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University continues its transformation into a research university, paying special attention to the commercialization of scientific developments, applied science and their introduction into production.

As part of this work, in 2022, the university introduced a new grant "Zhana Asu" – a tool to support promising business ideas and projects with high commercialization potential.

This year, more than thirty teachers, doctoral and postdoctoral students of the university took part in the competition. The commission, headed by the independent director of the university's Board of Directors, well-known entrepreneur and investor Talgat Dyusekov, identified 10 projects totaling 84 million KZT.

The main purpose of the competition is to stimulate scientific and innovative activities among university staff, doctoral and postdoctoral students. Within the framework of the competition, the commission identified 10 winners who received grants for up to 10 million KZT.

The event was attended by the university Rector, Vice-Rectors, faculty and scientists.

"Now the task of commercializing innovative developments of scientists for implementation into the economy is being set for domestic science.  The Head of State pays considerable attention to the development of science, and in this regard, a large amount of the state budget is allocated to support scientists.

To assist researchers in the development of promising and innovative projects, the Eurasian National University established the “Zhana Asu” grant in 2022.  This year, 30 projects participated in the competition, 10 of them were recognized as best in the fields of energy, microbiology, IT and ecology and other fields.

In the future, the university will make every effort to promote business ideas and projects with prospects for commercialization and to support scientists," Yerlan Sydykov, Chairman of the Management Board and Rector of the L.N. Gumilyov ENU said.

Vice-Rector for Science and Commercialization Zhanna Kurmangaliyeva noted that in two years Zhana Asu has become an integral part of university life, providing support to projects with real commercial potential.

"In 2023, the grant commission allocated funding for 10 projects totaling 50 million KZT. Among them are developments in the field of IT, construction, energy and other industries. Some projects are already showing results. For example, Amangeldy Nurzada won a grant from the World Bank and ICRIAP RK "Consortium of Inclusive Innovations" in the amount of 75 million KZT. ENU scientist Kanat Makhanov received a grant from “Kazinnovations” JSC in the amount of 2.5 million KZT for the creation of an IoT device," Vice-Rector stressed.

Medet Akhtayev, a 3rd-year doctoral student of the Ecology Department of the L.N. Gumilyov ENU, is working on a unique scientific project to implement a hydrogen fuel generation system to reduce carbon emissions and save fuel.

"We tested the idea at two fields. The uniqueness of the project is that if world analogues are designed for new equipment, then our development can be implemented in the current diesel equipment, which is in domestic production. In the future, the project will bring great benefits to the heavy industry sector of Kazakhstan," the developer explained.  

The newly minted grant holder, a doctoral student of the ENU Mechanics and Mathematics Faculty Aidana Karipova, has developed a mobile application "Sezin" to support schoolgirls.

"This is the first mobile application in our country in the Kazakh language. It contains content aimed at psychological support for girls and their personal development. It contains a database of e-books, online training courses, a beauty blog, life hacks and many other useful things.

I received an author's patent for this project a year and a half ago. The idea of creating it originated in my head as a child, when I was in school. I studied at a rural school with weak Internet and an incomplete library. Then I felt for myself how little children and girls need support. Since then, I have been constantly thinking about creating such a social project.  My goal is to help and support every little girl who has faced any problem," the doctoral student shared.

Other winners of the competition presented projects:

1. Azat Nurkasimov, doctoral student of the Institute of Physical and Technical Science (IFTS). The project "Creation of Technologies for the Production of Domestic Self-Propelled Overhead Cables on The basis of a Polymer Composite with a Temperature Coefficient".
2. Nurgul Iksat, postdoctoral fellow of the Faculty of Natural Sciences. The project "Development and Improvement of RNA Technologies for the Diagnosis of Viral Diseases of Rural Cultures".
3. Dauren Baltabay, teacher of the Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics. The project "Development of a Program and Improvement of 3D Models of Robots – Manipulators of Various Tasks".
4. Arai yeseikyzy, doctoral student of the economic faculty. Project "Program Provision of Game-Simulation for the Management of Projects "Daneqer".
5. Gulnar Ismagulova, professor of the Foreign Philology Department of the Faculty of Philology. The project "Lifelong Learning", or Abnormal Training in the "Silver University".
6. Saltanat Bekturganov, Chief Specialist of the Business Incubator Department of Innovation Development. The project "L.N. Gumilyov ENU Innovative Ecosystem" is a digital platform for the center of innovation and entrepreneurship penetration.
7. Serikzat Duisengazy, Dean of the Faculty of Philology. Project "Reproduction of Texts of Popular Foreign Musical Works in the Kazakh Language: Song and Language Junction".
8. Tatyana Koshman, senior teacher of the Faculty of History. The project "Remember in the obelisk".