The path to innovation: Shakarim University teaches scientists the basics of technological entrepreneurship

Shakarim University hosted a series of training seminars “From scientist to businessman” and “Your own startup”. The event brought together those who are ready to transform fundamental science into applied business solutions.

The development of scientific entrepreneurship is becoming one of the priority areas of the university. The purpose of these meetings was to provide methodological and practical support to researchers seeking to bring their developments to the real market.

Global trends and local opportunities

The seminar program included an in-depth analytical review of global trends and the current state of the commercialization market in Kazakhstan. Participants were presented with step-by-step algorithms:

• Project preparation: from laboratory idea to viable product.

• Documentary support: how to correctly formulate a package of documents to meet the requirements of grant givers.

• Partnership: effective methods for finding investors and industrial partners.

First-hand experience

Particular emphasis was placed on the exchange of real experience. The audience was addressed by the head of an ongoing commercialization project, who, using his own case as an example, examined the path from filing an application to the implementation of RSNTD (results of scientific and scientific-technical activities).

The lively discussion allowed us to examine in detail typical mistakes and find ways to solve complex problems that arise during the competitive selection process.

Startup movement in the university environment

In addition to commercialization issues, the experts dwelled in detail on the process of creating startups. The stages of creating a startup from idea to MVP were discussed in detail. This part of the program was aimed at activating the entrepreneurial potential of not only employees, but also students, which contributes to the formation of a full-fledged innovation ecosystem at the university.

Results and coverage

The seminars aroused keen interest in the academic community:

• Number of participants: About 50 people, including leading teachers, university staff, as well as young researchers (master’s and doctoral students).

• Efficiency: Participants received a “road map” for preparing applications for commercialization competitions. Preliminary familiarization with the rules of the game significantly reduces bureaucratic barriers and improves the quality of development of future startup projects.

Such events become an important step in turning Shakarim University into a powerful hub where scientific ideas are translated into the real sector of the economy.