2025, March 28
Share this articleNU and the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs "Atameken" discuss prospects for collaboration
Chairman of the Presidium of the National Chamber, Raimbek Batalov, explored the university's infrastructure, academic programs, and development plans.
The visit began with a tour of the Pulsed Accelerator Laboratory, where the i-NURA (Nazarbayev University’s Research Accelerator) generates ultra-short ion beams, enabling high-speed energy impact on materials. This laboratory was established in collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (USA) and other international partners. Here, researchers conduct cutting-edge studies aimed at enhancing the functional properties of various materials.
At the Genomic and Personalized Medicine Laboratory, Batalov learned about genetic research on Central Asian populations, molecular mechanisms of major multifactorial diseases in Kazakhstan, and advancements in applied genetics for biomedicine, sports genetics, and agriculture.
Professor Dos Sarbassov shared progress on the development of a cancer treatment drug designed to "eliminate" KRAS-mutant cancer cells, which have the potential to transform normal cells into malignant ones. The drug is currently in Phase II clinical trials and has already demonstrated promising effectiveness.
Professor Zhumabay Bakenov presented a pilot project for producing precursors of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries using domestic resources (nickel, cobalt, manganese). This initiative aims to supply both the domestic and international markets with high-tech battery materials, which hold strategic importance for Kazakhstan’s energy sector.
In the Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Professor Alexander Arbuz demonstrated the capabilities of modern supermicroscopes, which allow for atomic-level material analysis. These tools support research in diverse fields, including medicine, biology, materials science, physics, and engineering.
The team from the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) showcased their contributions to Kazakhstan’s digital infrastructure. The institute develops AI-driven digital resources that are now integrated into various products and services. Key projects include:
ISSAI is committed to further advancing multimodal generative AI technologies.
Executive Vice President of NU Aslan Sarinzhipov shared the university’s vision for developing an innovative Deep Tech cluster, which will host offices, laboratories, and production facilities. NU also plans to collaborate with leading international innovation hubs such as StartX, TusPark, and Technopolis. Notably, last year, five Kazakhstani startups, supported by NU, were selected for acceleration at Stanford’s StartX program.
Raimbek Batalov expressed interest in potential collaborations in energy modernization, industrial and medical cluster development. He highlighted the mutual benefits of bridging scientific research with commercialization, emphasizing that "Atameken" can help bring innovative scientific ideas to businesses. Additionally, a partnership with NU’s Graduate School of Business—ranked among the top 3% of business schools worldwide—could provide modern MBA, EMBA, MSF, PhD, and BBA programs, as well as corporate training courses.
