Applications Open for the Startup Competition “TAU-InnoHub School 2026”

The Turan-Astana University announces the launch of the startup project competition “TAU-InnoHub School 2026” for school students.

The competition aims to develop entrepreneurial thinking, support innovative ideas, and engage secondary school students in creating their own projects.

Competition dates: April 13 – May 31, 2026

Participation (Terms of Participation)
Students of grades 10–11 (12) from secondary education institutions are eligible to participate, as well as, by decision of the competition committee, students from grades 8–9. Teachers from secondary education institutions may participate as mentors.
 Participation is possible both individually and in teams.

Application Submission
Applications are accepted until May 24, 2026 (inclusive) via email: k.shebeko@tau-edu.kz

Applications must meet the requirements established by the regulations of the “TAU-InnoHub School” startup competition:

1. Project team information:
   • full name (in Kazakh, Russian, and English);
   • name and address of the secondary education institution;
   • grade;
   • contact details (phone, email);
2. Project description (1–2 pages);
3. Project presentation.

Project Format
Participants must present startups or projects that include innovative ideas, proposals, or solutions in the fields of economics and the social sector.

Project Requirements

1. The project must be original, include elements of novelty, and have practical value.
2. The project must be at the idea or development stage.
3. The project presentation must not exceed 7 minutes.

Evaluation Criteria
• Idea: originality and relevance of the startup idea;
• Implementation: validity of the project implementation model;
• Innovation: degree of novelty of the solution or approach;
• Team: strength, experience, and qualifications of the team;
• Social impact: the project’s impact on society or its field of application;
• Prospects and sustainability: potential for future development.

Awards

• Prize categories: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and special nominations based on specific evaluation criteria.
• The competition committee may award participants certificates for participation in acceleration programs conducted by “TAU-InnoHub.”
• By decision of the Rector, special admission conditions to Turan-Astana University may be granted to winners and participants.

Competition Committee
• Samat Zhumagalievich Smoilov — Chair, Vice-Rector for Science and Commercialization;
• Rakhat Ashkenovich Aimkulov — Dean of the Higher School of Business and Digital Technologies;
• Mirgul Maidanovna Narbinova — Dean of the Higher School of Law and Humanities;
• Tomiris Aitzhanova — Director of the Department of International Cooperation;
• Karina Filippi — Winner of “TAU Startup Battle 2025”;
• Damir Symbat — Winner of “TAU Startup Funding Challenge 2025”.

Additional Information

What participants presented in 2025
In the 2025 final, participants from different cities of Kazakhstan—from Astana to Taraz—presented 5 projects. Each project addressed a specific social, educational, or technological problem. Topics included: artificial intelligence in urban planning, telemedicine, career guidance, eco-friendly energy, and safety systems for children.

Winners and Prize-Winners of 2025

Winners:
• 1st place — “Bladeless Wind Turbine Ventrix”
Author: Diana Oshan. Also awarded “Best Presentation.”

• 2nd place — “EarlyBirds”
Team: Mariam Tutaeva, Aru Lesbek. Also awarded “Best Implementation Model Justification.”

• 3rd place — “FuturePath School”
Author: Maksat Talgatuly. Also awarded “Best Idea Originality.”

Special Nominations:
• “Social Impact” — “SafeStep”
Author: Nurasyl Meyrambek

• “Scalability” — “Telegram bot for early screening of endocrine diseases”
Team: Nazym Erkinkyzy, Narlen Nurbolat

Submit your application and present your startup at the “TAU-InnoHub School 2026” competition!

Contacts:
Professor Konstantin Shebeko
Head of the Entrepreneurship Center, Turan-Astana University
 k.shebeko@tau-edu.kz