"Shakarim Elevate Hub" paves the way for the development of student startups
Today Shakarim University opened a student business incubator "Shakarim Elevate Hub" designed to increase the technological potential of the youth of the region and develop innovative initiatives. The new digital space is aimed at the development of student startups and the creation of the university's own IT products. The new center brings together young developers, UI/UX-designers, data experts and startup idea authors in cross-functional teams and enables the implementation of innovative initiatives. Maksot Jetenbayev participated.
Rector Duman Rymgalyuly, who spoke about youth entrepreneurship, digital transformation and the importance of the startup ecosystem at the university:
- Dear colleagues, students! Today, we are officially launching a new innovative platform - Shakarim Elevate Hub - a student business incubator in the digital ecosystem of Shakarim University. I congratulate you all on this important event! A modern university should not be limited to theoretical knowledge, but should be a creative environment where real products and start-ups are born. "Shakarim Elevate Hub" site was created for this purpose, Duman Rymgalyuly said. At the same time, the rector called on young people not to be afraid of making mistakes, but to search boldly, and said that he is ready to support the idea of every student. He expressed confidence that strong internationally competitive projects will take off from the new center and thanked the participating partners for their support.
Instead of cutting the traditional ceremonial red ribbon, the center was officially launched in a modern digital format by pressing the "Digital Launch" button on the touchscreen interactive panel.
-"Shakarim Elevate Hub" is an experimental springboard for our students and young scientists. Here, young people get full mentoring support to market their own startups. At the same time, we develop the digital services of our university with the help of student teams studying here, rather than buying them from outside. This is a real synergy of education, real experience and the university ecosystem,- says vice-rector for digitization Beyimbet Daryabaev.
When the guests were given the opportunity to speak, the head of artificial intelligence department Bakytbek Orynbaev noted that he has high hopes for new ideas and innovative initiatives of young people in the direction of turning Semipalatinsk into a "smart" city. He invited young people to contribute to the development of their hometown and wished them success in their new projects.
During the event, the projects developed by the first residents of the center were presented in the 2-minute "Speed Pitch" format.
A particularly innovative part of the event was the interactive "Digital Wish Cloud": the gathered leadership and guests gathered digital solutions and wishes for the university in real time on the big screen using a QR code into a "word cloud". At the end of the ceremony, cross-functional student teams started their 1st practical work sprint.
