KazNARU Hosted the Hult Prize Demo Day: Top Student Startups of 2025 Presented

On November 27, 2025, the Kazakh National Agrarian Research University (KazNARU) hosted one of the key events of the international student startup season — Hult Prize Demo Day KazNARU. The event took place within the framework of the global Hult Prize program, aimed at fostering social entrepreneurship and supporting innovative projects aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Students of the Faculty of Engineering Technologies participated in the competition, representing educational programs 6B11301 – “Organization of Transportation, Traffic and Transport Operation,” 6B11302 – “Logistics,” and 6B07104 – “Transport, Transport Engineering and Technologies.” A total of 17 teams presented their projects, showcasing a wide range of innovative ideas in the fields of ecology, education, transportation, green logistics, road safety, as well as social and agricultural solutions.

The opening remarks were delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Technologies L.T. Aldibaeva and the National Coordinator of the Hult Prize program in Kazakhstan M.M. Suyunchaliyeva. They emphasized the importance of developing youth entrepreneurship, integrating innovations into the educational environment, and expanding student participation in international startup initiatives.

The projects were evaluated by a qualified jury consisting of:

• Vadim Tsurikov, Director of Innovation at SDG Alliance;

• Zarina Manap, CEO of ADR Consultant – MK Global Logistics, Director of ZL Logistics Qualification Centre;

• Ekaterina Novosyolova, Startups Advisor;

• M.M. Suyunchaliyeva, Leading Specialist at the Institute of Green and Sustainable Development, KazNARU.

The jury actively engaged with participants, asked insightful questions, and provided valuable recommendations for further project development.

Based on the assessment results, the most promising teams were selected:

• “Қалаларды көгалдандыру Bau-Bagsha”;

• “ECOVASH RECYCLING”;

• “Shemove”;

• “Smart Reactive Trailer Skin”;

• “CargoSmart.kz”.

These teams were highly praised for their innovation, practical relevance, and scalability potential.

The event organizer and Hult Prize campus director A. Küntuganqyzy highlighted the importance of engaging students in the global startup movement, outlining key aspects of participation — from creating the first startup to gaining international opportunities and career advantages. She encouraged students to continue working on their projects and to prepare for the upcoming international stages of the competition.

The Hult Prize Demo Day KazNARU was organized by the Department of Transport Engineering and Technologies named after I.V. Sakharov. Photo and video coverage of the event was provided throughout the day.

Venue: KazNARU, 8 Abay Avenue, Building 3, Scientific Library, Training Hall 1.