13/10/2025
Askhat Shakharov: «Science must work for the region’s economy and become a source of new technologies»
The head of the Aktobe region, Askhat Shakharov, met with young scientists and researchers of the region.
The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss the implementation of the President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s instructions announced at the session of the National Council on Science and Technology, as well as to develop concrete proposals for strengthening the scientific potential of the Aktobe region.
Askhat Shakharov noted that the Head of State had set specific tasks for the regions — to create conditions for innovation, strengthen the link between science and production, support researchers, and invest in technological modernization of industry.
«Today, it is impossible to develop the economy without science. In his Address, the President called for new approaches. It is not only about supporting scientists, but also about transforming their ideas into real products demanded by business and industry. Aktobe has great potential — we have large enterprises ready to implement innovations, creative young people, and strong universities,» said the akim.
The meeting brought together young researchers working on projects in the fields of energy, ecology, digitalization, agriculture, and medical technology. Participants presented their developments and proposals aimed at improving production efficiency, rational use of natural resources, and developing renewable energy.
To promote science and innovation, a Regional Academic Council was established under the akimat in September 2024. It includes 11 leading scientists and serves as a platform for developing scientific and practical solutions, supporting young researchers, and identifying areas for innovation.
The first sessions of the Academic Council were held in December 2024 and April 2025 with the participation of the regional head. As a result of the discussions, priority areas were identified — biotechnology, digitalization, ecology, and industrial efficiency.
One of the concrete outcomes of this work was the opening of a Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biotechnology at K. Zhubanov Regional University in April 2025.
«The creation of such laboratories allows us not only to develop scientific potential but also to train young specialists capable of working in the real sector. These studies must bring tangible benefits to the region’s economy,» emphasized Askhat Shakharov.
In the future, the University’s Academic and Research Center plans to open three more modern laboratories focused on applied research in ecology, agro-technologies, and digital solutions.
«We support the creation of modern laboratories at universities where young researchers will work. These platforms should not only be educational but also serve as production centers where technologies for regional enterprises are born,» added the akim.
Special attention during the meeting was given to issues of integrating business and science, commercialization of scientific ideas, and attracting investments into high-tech industries.
According to Nurbek Duymukhanov, Director of the Department for Commercialization and Startups at K. Zhubanov University, the university actively collaborates with regional companies, offering scientific solutions to their production challenges.
«To date, we have attracted over 700 million tenge in grant funding, and two projects aimed at solving environmental issues have already been successfully implemented,»he said.
Askhat Shakharov emphasized that the region should become an example of effective innovation implementation, where scientific solutions drive industrial growth.
According to the akim, combining scientific potential with production capacity will ensure the transition to a knowledge-based economy and strengthen the region’s competitiveness.
«We must move from a raw material–based model to a knowledge-based economy. Today, projects in deep processing, energy development, and digital transformation are being implemented in the region. This means that our enterprises need new technologies — and science is the key to providing them,»said Shakharov.
The regional akim instructed relevant departments to develop mechanisms for supporting young researchers — from providing grants to organizing internships at enterprises. It is also planned to expand the network of technology parks and business incubators for youth startups.
«The main goal is to help young people see the prospects in science and ensure that young researchers believe their ideas are needed by the region. We will continue to create an environment where every innovation can be realized here in Aktobe,» concluded Askhat Shakharov.