On November 28–29, Ualikhanov University, in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, hosted a scientific and technological session titled “Scientific and Technological Development of Agro-Industrial Enterprises and Regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan.” The event brought together leading Kazakhstani and international researchers, along with representatives of agribusiness and agro-industrial enterprises, to jointly develop technological solutions aimed at modernizing the sector.
The session featured expert discussions, brainstorming activities, and hands-on work on solution prototypes. During the first day of the agro hackathon, participants identified key challenges facing the agricultural sector and formulated priority R&D objectives. The second day focused on the development and presentation of scientific and technological solution prototypes. In total, 72 researchers and 17 client enterprises took part, resulting in 9 prototypes prepared for evaluation.
The agro hackathon was attended by the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Sayasat Nurbek; the Rector of Ualikhanov University, Marat Syrlybayev; and the Deputy Akim of Akmola Region, Murat Balpan.
In his address, the Minister emphasized the importance of applied research in modern science, noting that such sessions are essential for bringing together the real sector, the scientific community, business representatives, production companies, and local executive authorities on a single platform.
He also highlighted that close collaboration between science and business remains a key driver of technological progress in Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex.
Representatives of agricultural enterprises identified priority areas for the sector, including the development of livestock farming, the integration of artificial intelligence in agriculture, and the improvement of crop production and farming systems. Participants also underscored the global challenge of climate change, stressing the need for scientists to take it into account in their research.
As a result of the two-day session, more than ten priority R&D challenges for agro-industrial enterprises were identified, nine initial technical prototypes were developed, and several projects with commercialization potential were selected.
The session proved to be an effective platform for strengthening cooperation between science and the real sector—an essential condition for sustainable regional development and for enhancing the technological competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s agricultural industry.
