Today, Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University (WKATU) hosted the scientific and technological seminar «Technologies. Investments. Partnerships: New Growth Drivers for the Economy», bringing together representatives of government agencies, academia, business, development institutions, and investors.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Akimat of the West Kazakhstan Region, the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center (NASEC), and Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University.
The primary objective of the event was to discuss effective mechanisms for transforming scientific research into competitive commercial projects, start-ups, and new industries through strengthened cooperation among science, business, and government.
The seminar was attended by representatives of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center, JSC Science Fund, JSC QazInnovations, business executives, farmers, financial institutions, and investors.
Prior to the expert session, participants visited an exhibition showcasing WKATU’s scientific achievements, where they explored promising research and technological developments ready for implementation, licensing, and commercialization.
Opening the seminar, Deputy Akim of the West Kazakhstan Region Kaliyar Shadiyarovich emphasized the importance of developing science-based entrepreneurship, promoting innovation in the regional economy, and strengthening collaboration between universities and industry.
During the expert session, leading specialists presented modern approaches to science and technology policy and technology commercialization.
Vice President of the National Academy of Sciences under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Elena Shevchenko, delivered a presentation on the transition toward a managed national system of scientific and technological development.
Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the National Agrarian Scientific and Educational Center (NASEC), Maksim Sutula, introduced the NASEC AgroHub as an effective platform for fostering partnerships between science and business within the agro-industrial sector.
Chairman of the Management Board – Rector of Zhangir Khan WKATU, Askar Nametov, presented the report «From Research to Market: Mechanisms for Partnership, Financing, and Technology Commercialization». His presentation highlighted the university’s existing mechanisms for advancing scientific innovations from concept to market, its innovation support infrastructure, a portfolio of promising technologies, and proposals for strengthening the regional financing system for innovation projects.
Particular interest was generated by practical examples of successful commercialization of university research.
Engineer of «Aknazar-Zhaiyk» LLP, Akhmet Ikhsangali, presented the results of a Science Fund grant project focused on commercializing technology for cultivating high-protein soybeans under irrigation in the dry-steppe zone of the West Kazakhstan Region.
Implemented jointly with WKATU, the project serves as an excellent example of successful technology transfer into the real sector of the economy. As part of the initiative, modern production infrastructure has been established, five Valley FP500 irrigation systems have been commissioned, 400 hectares of soybean fields have been cultivated, 400 tons of harvest have been produced, and the products have successfully entered the market. The project is also actively promoted through a dedicated website, social media platforms, and technology transfer events.
Another successful case was presented by Gulmarzhan Ukashova, Director of «TuranPromResurs» LLP, in her presentation titled «A Successful Technology Transfer Case: Implementation of a Patented WKATU Innovation in Industrial Production».
Under a licensing agreement between the university and the company, a patented technology developed by WKATU scientists for manufacturing concrete paving blocks using recycled glass waste has been successfully introduced into industrial production.
This project demonstrates the complete innovation cycle – from scientific research and patenting to licensing, industrial implementation, and the production of competitive construction materials.
A separate session focused on the university’s innovation infrastructure. Participants were introduced to the capabilities of the Accredited Testing Center, ten state-of-the-art laboratories, and the перспективный Agropark «Batys», which is being developed as a platform for agritech start-ups, pilot projects, technology testing, and investment attraction.
At the conclusion of the seminar, participants acknowledged the significant commercial potential of the university’s scientific developments, the business community’s readiness to adopt innovative technologies, and the importance of further strengthening mechanisms for research commercialization.
The seminar confirmed that effective collaboration among science, business, and government is a key prerequisite for creating new industries, attracting investment, enhancing the competitiveness of domestic technologies, and generating new drivers of regional economic growth.
Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University invites businesses, investors, and development institutions to cooperate in implementing innovative technologies, carrying out joint research and development projects, and commercializing promising scientific innovations.
