On April 21-22, 2023, the Higher School of Economics hosted the First Startup Weekend AIU competition dedicated to the 5th anniversary of Astana International University and the 95th anniversary of the Pedagogical College.
13 teams took part in the competition. Within 2 days, students were trained on generating business ideas and modeling start-up projects and workshops. Representatives of the Science Foundation JSC (Kazhenov S.G., Pirmanova M.G.), the NURIS Business Incubator (Darkenova A.K.), the Coalition for the Development of Women’s Entrepreneurship and Gender Equality in Kazakhstan (Bekbolat Z.), «Green Tal» LLP (Kabdykesheva D.S.).
In the final, each team demonstrated their project and actively answered the questions of the competent jury. Many ideas were distinguished by their scientific novelty, IT component and prospects for further development. It was extremely difficult to select the best of the best.
During the meeting, the jury determined the winners of the competition as follows:
1 PLACE- a cash certificate for the purchase of the Soxlet device and payment of the costs of passing a chemical examination, the Betula Tar team, students of the Pedagogical Institute: Sayran Karim, Mukambayev Timur, Diana Turlubekova, Serikpai Muhammedali;
2ND PLACE -a cash certificate for the purchase of a sublimation printer and a mechanical keyboard, the EasyCoders team, students of the pedagogical college consisting of Komyt Asylbek, Balpan Abduahad, Aitmagambetov Bekimzhan, head of team – Madina Bolatovna Makhmetova;
3RD PLACE- a cash certificate for the purchase of a graphic tablet, the team "Juniors", students of the pedagogical college in the district Kirghizbay Zarina, Temirlan Anel, Makhan Bibitursyn, head of team - Suleimenova Akerke Sabyrkhanovna.
Also, a special PRIZE FROM THE COALITION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF WOMEN'S ENTREPRENEURSHIP in the form of consultations, coaching sessions with a business coach were awarded to 2 teams:
• Team "Neuromagi"- students of HSAD and HSITE, Kasymkanov Adil, Zhusupov Daniyal, De Danil, head of team - Mels Zhenis;
• Team "Zheti Zhargy"- students of the HSL, Abilkairov Abaday, Tolegenov Amir, Tanabai Beksultan, head of team - Seilkhanov Zhanat Dyuysenbayevich.
All participants of the competition were awarded certificates of participation, the jury members and scientific supervisors of the teams were awarded letters of thanks, students received new knowledge and skills that they will use in the future to implement their business ideas.
We wish all participants new victories in the implementation of start-up projects!