Science in Kazakhstan tailors research and development to align with industrial needs
Hitting the Technological Frontier: Nazarbayev University's Leap Forward
Nazakhstan's Nazarbayev University (NU) is churning out game-changing technologies in AI, data science, and robotics, shaking up various industries through research, innovation, and capacity building. Here's a glimpse of their most groundbreaking projects.
Aiming for Tech Sovereignty: The Semiconductor Push
Under the guidance of researcher Nursultan Kabylkass, NU's project aims to establish Kazakhstan at the forefront of the semiconductor industry. The team has developed the nation's first prototype microcontroller, currently produced locally. With the 'Designed in Kazakhstan' microprocessor, the country is taking significant strides towards gaining technological independence and joining the elite club of global semiconductor leaders.
Revolutionizing Gold Mining with SmartView Innovations
NU students are turning the mining industry upside down with their startup, SmartView Innovations. Their system boosts gold processing efficiency by 2%, saving the industry millions, and increases operator productivity by 50%. It reduces labor by an astounding 90% and enhances safety by a whopping 80%. Having successfully completed pilot projects, the team eyes international markets to revolutionize mining worldwide.
KRAS-mutant Cancer Therapy: A Tumor-Targeting Drug
Beneath the leadership of renowned biologist Dos Sargsabov, a team at NU is working on a cancer drug that zeroes in on hard-to-treat KRAS-mutant tumors. The drug induces targeted stress in cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed. In preliminary trials, patients showed disease stabilization, with one registering a 30% tumor reduction. Backed by state and private investors, the drug is patented and is on track for global market entry once clinical trials are completed and production begins.
Future of Medical Rehabilitation: A Smart Platform
Under the guidance of NU professor Gulnura Kalimullina, scientists created a smart platform designed for children’s and athletes' rehabilitation. The device helps train coordination by monitoring movements and providing real-time feedback. Currently undergoing final tests in recovery centers, the platform blends seamlessly with therapy and sports, bringing rehabilitation closer to daily life. The team eventually intends to secure international protection for their innovation.
Autism Therapy: A Revolutionary Robot
Recognising the growing number of children with autism, NU professor Anar Sandygulova and her team created APRIL – Kazakhstan's first robot therapy system for children with autism. It features software, online monitoring, and their own prototype robot, helping children communicate through play. Costing three times less than foreign counterparts, APRIL is already being tested, and negotiations with therapy centers across the country are in full swing.
Orthopedic Surgery's Future Assistant: An Autonomous Robot
Under the supervision of NU professor Prashant Jamwal, the world's first autonomous robot for treating long bone fractures is under development. Calculating how to precisely align bone fragments, it reduces radiation exposure for surgeons during operations. Having passed preclinical testing, the team plans to move to model testing, followed by pilot production. The robot promises to make surgeries more accurate, safer, and effective, paving the way for a new era in orthopedics.
NU is setting a new standard for Kazakhstani science – dropping the textbook approach in favor of a practical, high-tech, results-oriented one.
Science at Nazarbayev University (NU) is not only advancing technology but also redefining finance and industry. The university's autonomous robot, under the guidance of NU professor Prashant Jamwal, is poised to revolutionize orthopedic surgery, demonstrating a shift towards domestic semiconductor leadership with the 'Designed in Kazakhstan' microprocessor, and revolutionizing the gold mining industry with SmartView Innovations, all merging to reshape the nation's financial landscape.
