On November 21–22, 2025, the International Engineering and Technological University (METU) hosted the large-scale innovation marathon “AI in Engineering Hackathon 2025”, bringing together students, faculty members, researchers, and industry representatives to address real-world challenges through artificial intelligence and engineering solutions.
A distinctive feature of the event was its organization with the support of the Jingshi Academy, established at METU to promote international academic cooperation, innovative education, and joint research initiatives. The Jingshi Academy served as a platform for a series of educational and expert sessions held within the framework of the hackathon, fostering collaboration between academia and industry.
The opening ceremony was addressed by Darkhan Berikovich Akpanbetov, Rector of METU, Associate Professor, and Corresponding Member of the National Engineering Academy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. He welcomed the participants, wished them success, and expressed confidence that the next generation of engineers and developers would play a key role in shaping the technological future of Kazakhstan.
In his remarks, the Rector emphasized that artificial intelligence is one of the country`s strategic priorities. As repeatedly highlighted by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, artificial intelligence will become a driving force behind economic and social transformation. According to the Rector, initiatives such as AI in Engineering Hackathon 2025 create opportunities for breakthrough ideas, startups, and technological solutions with national significance.
Elena Eduardovna Li, President of the Alliance for Innovation and Industrial Development Association and Founder of the Dolce Group of Companies, stressed the importance of supporting youth innovation and noted that such initiatives directly respond to the national agenda for building a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy.
Industry representatives presented practical challenges requiring AI-powered solutions. T.B. Khasenov, Director of Sea Star Tourism LLP, highlighted issues facing the tourism sector; M.S. Kunurbayeva, Head of the Salamat Universal Branch of Bereke Bank JSC, discussed the growing demand for AI applications in banking; and A. Aktau, Director of Data Group LLP, emphasized the potential of artificial intelligence in solving business and operational challenges.
The key hackathon tasks were presented by B.T. Imashev, Director of the Department of Strategic Analysis and Corporate Development of the Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund JSC, who emphasized the practical value and implementation potential of the proposed solutions.
As part of the hackathon program, the Jingshi Academy hosted thematic seminars and expert sessions dedicated to artificial intelligence in engineering, digital transformation in education, international academic cooperation, and innovation. Participants explored modern AI technologies, exchanged experiences with experts, and discussed prospects for future joint educational and research projects.
The competition brought together 47 teams from leading universities in Almaty. Over a 24-hour period, participants developed innovative solutions in three key areas:
The event demonstrated a high level of participant engagement, strengthened collaboration between universities and industry partners, and showcased the significant potential of student-developed projects. It also contributed to expanding international academic ties and promoting modern engineering and digital technologies.
The hackathon was supported by the Jingshi Academy, Damu Entrepreneurship Development Fund, Data Group, Bereke Bank, Nception Labs, B-Apps, Sea Star Tourism, DEMETRA, and Dolce-Pharm.
METU and the Jingshi Academy remain committed to advancing academic mobility, joint research projects, educational innovation, and international cooperation aimed at preparing the next generation of engineers and AI specialists.