Tag: Almaty Technological University

Almaty Technological University (ATU) hosted an international expert dialogue on the future of engineering in the era of artificial intelligence. The roundtable discussion titled “AI in Engineering: Tool, Partner or Competitor?” brought together leading academics, industry representatives, and experts from Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom, highlighting the growing role of universities as drivers of technological transformation.

Opening the event, Vice-Rector for Science and Innovation Bakhodir Aliyev emphasized the strategic importance of integrating AI into the university’s academic and research agenda. Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology Feruza Malikova highlighted the need to modernize educational programs in response to the challenges of the digital economy and evolving labor market demands.

A key international highlight was the presentation by Arman Mazhikayev, a researcher from Loughborough University, who explored the impact of artificial intelligence on firm productivity and workforce transformation. His talk underscored a central global challenge – maintaining a balance between automation and the creation of new professional opportunities.

The practical dimension of the discussion was reinforced by a diverse range of applied case studies. Participants presented solutions in digital twins for the food industry, intelligent control systems, cybersecurity, and AI-driven content generation for education. Particular attention was given to data security, IIoT technologies, and the integration of AI into learning processes.

Experts concluded that artificial intelligence is not a competitor, but a high-tech partner for engineers. This shift requires the development of new competencies, including critical thinking, data verification skills, digital literacy, and the ability to work across disciplines.

The program concluded with a tour of ATU’s research laboratories, showcasing the university’s capacity to support international collaboration and innovation.

The roundtable marked an important step in positioning ATU as a forward-looking institution shaping the agenda of digital and sustainable development, and preparing the next generation of engineers for the global economy.

Almaty Technological University (ATU) has officially opened an innovative laboratory of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) as part of the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon project – marking a significant step in aligning education with global sustainability and digitalisation priorities.

The opening ceremony was led by Bahodir Aliyev, Vice Rector for Science and Innovation, and brought together representatives from leading universities in Kazakhstan and industry partners.

The launch of the laboratory is closely linked to the modernisation of ATU’s academic programmes, built around a “triangle of competencies” designed to prepare graduates for the future economy:

· Green skills – fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable technologies

· Digital skills – developing competencies in AI, VR, and data-driven solutions

· Entrepreneurial skills – enabling innovation, commercialisation, and project management

This integrated approach ensures that students gain not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to apply it in real-world contexts.

As part of the launch, students presented innovative projects demonstrating practical applications of new technologies, including:

· Smart City solutions for urban infrastructure automation

· VR-based educational simulations and immersive learning environments

These projects reflect ATU’s commitment to hands-on, practice-oriented education.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies funded through the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon initiative, including:

· A high-performance computing system for AI applications

· Next-generation VR headsets and digital devices

· 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping

· Thermal imaging and specialised sensors

This infrastructure will support both educational and research activities, particularly for students in Information Systems, Automation, and Robotics.

By integrating AI and VR into its academic ecosystem, ATU is strengthening its contribution to the global green transition and preparing a new generation of specialists capable of addressing sustainability challenges through technology. Almaty Technological University (ATU) has officially opened an innovative laboratory of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) as part of the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon project – marking a significant step in aligning education with global sustainability and digitalisation priorities.

The opening ceremony was led by Bahodir Aliyev, Vice Rector for Science and Innovation, and brought together representatives from leading universities in Kazakhstan and industry partners.

The launch of the laboratory is closely linked to the modernisation of ATU’s academic programmes, built around a “triangle of competencies” designed to prepare graduates for the future economy:

· Green skills – fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable technologies

· Digital skills – developing competencies in AI, VR, and data-driven solutions

· Entrepreneurial skills – enabling innovation, commercialisation, and project management

This integrated approach ensures that students gain not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to apply it in real-world contexts.

As part of the launch, students presented innovative projects demonstrating practical applications of new technologies, including:

· Smart City solutions for urban infrastructure automation

· VR-based educational simulations and immersive learning environments

These projects reflect ATU’s commitment to hands-on, practice-oriented education.

The laboratory is equipped with advanced technologies funded through the Erasmus+ GreenTech Horizon initiative, including:

· A high-performance computing system for AI applications

· Next-generation VR headsets and digital devices

· 3D printing technologies for rapid prototyping

· Thermal imaging and specialised sensors

This infrastructure will support both educational and research activities, particularly for students in Information Systems, Automation, and Robotics.

By integrating AI and VR into its academic ecosystem, ATU is strengthening its contribution to the global green transition and preparing a new generation of specialists capable of addressing sustainability challenges through technology.

In the face of global challenges, the development of human capital is becoming a priority of Kazakhstan’s state policy. In this context, Almaty Technological University (ATU) is successfully implementing the international project “Green Tech Horizons” within the framework of the EU Erasmus+ programme. The initiative aims to promote the “dual” transition – environmental and digital – by equipping universities with innovative learning ecosystems.

The “Green Tech Horizons” project goes beyond just upgrading equipment. Its fundamental task is to develop competency-oriented training programmes. The project develops digital and green skills by integrating business knowledge to train professionals capable of ensuring sustainable economic growth. Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek emphasizes: “Projects of this level allow our teachers not only to study abroad, but to become part of the global academic space. Integrating the experience of European partners into the educational process of our universities is a direct path to creating world-class research universities.”

Thanks to cross-regional cooperation, the project brings together higher education institutions and industrial partners from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Mongolia and the European Union. The process of modernization of education at ATU includes:

• Implementation of modular courses and the use of a specialized eLearning platform.
• Providing hands-on lab expertise to meet climate goals.
• Development of Open Educational Resources and teacher training programs.

ATU teachers: Dr.Madina Aliyarova, Lecturer of “Automation and Robotics” department Dr.Kulzhan Togzhanova, Head of “Information systems” department and Nurzhan Zhumakhan, PhD student, Senior Lecture, among the teachers of partner universities have already completed a series of trainings at Kaunas University of Technology, (Lithuania), Riga Technical University (Latvia) and the University of Novi Sad (Serbia). Experts from Croatia, Poland, Latvia and Serbia trained our academic staff to work with interactive digital tools, which are now being introduced into the practice of the educational process.

One of the key objectives of the project is to strengthen the links between academia and industry. This ensures that the developed competencies of students fully meet the current needs of the labor market.

The technical base of ATU has already been replenished with equipment for Automation and Control and Virtual reality (VR) laboratories. 

The official opening of the laboratory is scheduled for the beginning of April. The Department of Information Systems of ATU is completing the update of educational programmes (EP), using advanced software tools and methods developed within the framework of the project objectives, the implementation and testing of the updated EP is plaaned to be launched next academic year in September 2026.

Detailed information about the goals and participants of the project can be found on the official website of ATU: https://atu.edu.kz/en/cooperation/greentech/  and on the website of the project https://greentech-horizons.com/about-the-project/

At the training restaurant and hotel complex ATU Inn, Almaty Technological University hosted a theoretical round table and culinary masterclass within the project “Italian Cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage: Traditions, Identity and UNESCO Recognition.”

The round table was attended by Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Italian Embassy in Kazakhstan Aniello Petito, Head of the Cultural Department of the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe Philippe Delanghe, FFUN Foundation representative Maurizio Aronica, Director of the Italian Institute of Culture in Almaty and Cultural Attaché of the Italian Embassy Edoardo Crisafulli, as well as representatives of the university leadership and faculty members from the Department of Tourism and Service of the Faculty of Economics and Business.

During the event, a Memorandum of Cooperation between Almaty Technological University and the Italian Institute of Culture in Almaty was signed, opening new opportunities for cultural and educational collaboration.

As part of the program, a culinary masterclass was delivered by Chef Giorgio Palazzo, head chef of the restaurant Giardino. The session focused on the key ingredients and traditions of Italian cuisine. Chef Palazzo also shared insights from his more than 24 years of professional experience in Almaty and discussed the dynamic development of the city’s restaurant industry.

The delegation of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Almaty, headed by the Consul for Education Ms. Huang Xiaomin, visited Almaty Technological University (ATU) on March 10, 2026.

The purpose of the visit was to develop educational cooperation and strengthen academic ties between our university and leading Chinese universities. A concert program was organized for the guests featuring performances by ATU student groups, reflecting cultural interaction between the youth of the two countries and the interest of ATU students in Chinese culture.

During the visit, a meeting with the university leadership was also held, where issues of further cooperation, the development of Chinese language study programs, and new opportunities for ATU students were discussed. Special attention was given to the activities of the Chinese Language Club operating at the university, which promotes Chinese language and culture among students.