Pizza Pitch: The IT Hub of East Kazakhstan region Hosts the Defense of KAFU Business-Class Startup Projects

On April 24, 2026, the OSKEMEN HUB in East Kazakhstan Region hosted the final defense of startup projects by students of the 11th business class of the Kazakh-American Free University. The presentations were held in the IDEA BATTLE format—a lively and informal platform for presenting business ideas, where participants presented their projects in a friendly atmosphere and received practical advice from experts.

Welcoming remarks were given by:

• Natalia A. Nesterenko, Advisor to the Rector of KAFU;

• Gulmira K. Abyurova, Director of Ybyrai Altynsarin Secondary School No. 39.

Throughout the academic year, students developed their own business ideas as part of the “Entrepreneurship and Business” course. The final defense was a vibrant culmination of all their work, combining creativity, initiative, and team spirit. Participants presented projects in various fields: IT, cybersecurity, tourism, ecology, manufacturing, and services, demonstrating a high level of preparation and innovative thinking.

Winners:

• 1st place – “EcoBox” project: Vladimir Pankrashev, Kamila Kalymova, Alexey Akulov, Timofey Bakharev, Ruslan Zakiryanov, Kirill Sushkov.

• 2nd place – “Courier” project: Alina Sarykhazyeva, Alnura Adylbekova, Aliya Zhenisbekova, Malika Manarbekova and “Zhana Dem” project: Yasmina Kussainova and Milana Rustamova

• 3rd place – “Secret Dinner” project: Yaroslav Novolokin, Temirlan Aitkali and “Nemy” project: Nelli Molostova and Amina Abyurova.

The expert jury was particularly interested in a number of promising projects, which received high marks for the relevance of their ideas, the depth of their development, and their potential for further development.

The student projects were evaluated by the following members of the expert jury:

1) Eldar Y. Mukhametkazin, a serial entrepreneur in the catering, construction, and restaurant consulting industries.

2) Zhanar D. Umutbaeva, Director of the Novoye Utro travel agency.

3) Saltanat Rashid, Specialized Subjects Teacher at Ust-Kamenogorsk College of Economics and Technology.

Project managers Dinara S. Mamyrbekova and Quralai E. Maukenova supported the teams throughout the academic year, helping them develop their ideas, develop websites and apps, and prepare for their final defenses.

The event was supported by OSKEMEN HUB, represented by its director, Didar Muratuly, who actively promotes the development of youth entrepreneurship and the formation of an innovative environment in the region.

Congratulations to all participants on their successful presentations, bold ideas, and important step into the world of business! May this experience become a solid foundation for future achievements and professional growth!