A hub for science and business is being created in the Karaganda region

The first Regional Innovative Industrial Hub in Kazakhstan, Kartech, is being created in the Karaganda region, which will combine science and industry. It will be a platform where science, business and government will make efforts to introduce advanced technologies into production and develop applied science.

The main goal of the project is to launch a system that will allow faster transformation of scientific ideas into ready—made solutions for enterprises. The cartech is planned to be located on the basis of one of the universities of Karaganda with the necessary material and technical base and qualified personnel. A competitive selection is currently underway.

– We plan to create conditions for conducting scientific research and implementing their results, provide modern laboratory equipment, engineering and design services and a technical base for prototype development, help protect intellectual property and attract investments. An important area is the support of startups and assistance in applying for state and international grants," said Alibek Moldakarimov, Deputy Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Industry.

The President of Kazakhstan spoke about the creation of such a project at a meeting of the National Council for Science and Technology on April 12, 2024. To implement it, a scientific council has been established in the region, which is engaged in the development of scientific infrastructure and business interaction with research institutes.

The hub will unite science, industry, government and society by providing a multifunctional system with laboratories, design and production sites with modern equipment, including 3D printers, and opportunities to create startups and ready-made prototypes for implementation in production. Consultations on the development of business models and strategies will be provided here, training and advanced training will be organized. A platform for small-scale production of experimental products and a showroom for its demonstration will be organized. An incubator for technology startups and an accelerator with the involvement of investors are also provided.

The project will create clusters in the mining and metallurgical industries, coal chemistry and new materials, industry 4.0, automation, ecology and waste management.

At the first stage, the financing will be provided by the local budget, and then the hub will switch to self-sufficiency, earning through partnerships with industrial enterprises.

The project was developed following the example of the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca in Romania, where such a center has been successfully operating for many years.