Turan-Astana University, one of Kazakhstan’s leading centers for modern education, has built a strong reputation as a place for ambitious, forward-thinking students. Licensed by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan in April 2004 (license No. 0000355, AA series), the university has continued to adapt to the evolving educational landscape. As one of the first institutions in the country to implement credit technology, Turan-Astana introduced flexibility and academic independence for its students—allowing them to tailor their studies to their interests and professional aspirations.
As part of this mission, Turan-Astana University have actively partnered with organizations that share its vision for technology-driven learning. One of its most dynamic collaborations came with Zeba Academy, an initiative by Parakozm Ltd., which specializes in developing digital learning environments and IT education tools. Together, they launched the “INNOVATOR HUNT BY TAU – 2022” Hackathon, held from October 25 to 27, 2022, in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Turan-Astana University.
Innovator Hunt, 2022
The competition was open to students aged 18 and younger from the university’s four faculties. Its central goal was to challenge young innovators to design digital solutions that could improve education, promote mental well-being, or address environmental issues. By using game mechanics and interactive design, participants were encouraged to think creatively about how technology could transform learning and social engagement.
Over the course of three days, teams of three to five members gathered at the university’s campus on Ykylas Dukenuly 29A. Each team worked under the guidance of an IT faculty mentor and was tasked with building a prototype — from brainstorming concepts to designing layouts, creating characters, and drafting functional gameplay or app interfaces. They developed visual designs by sketching or using online tools, structured level progressions, designed scoring systems, and compiled their projects into comprehensive presentations.
The event was designed not only as a contest but also as a collaborative learning experience. Students had access to university resources, including computer labs and research facilities, to refine their ideas. Throughout the hackathon, participants immersed themselves in coding, design thinking, and teamwork — mirroring the pace and structure of real-world software development.
The judging panel consisted of Zeba Academy’s Director, Sufyan Mustafa bin Uzayr, as well as professors and deans from Turan-Astana University’s IT departments. They evaluated each team’s presentation based on creativity, technical execution, and relevance to the competition’s three thematic areas: education, ecology, and mental health. The presentations culminated in an energetic showcase on October 27, where participants demonstrated their prototypes and answered questions from the jury.
To recognize their hard work and innovation, both institutions awarded prizes to the top teams. Turan-Astana University presented cash prizes of 100,000 tenge for first place, 50,000 tenge for second, and 30,000 tenge for third. Zeba Academy complemented these awards by providing full access to its C++ programming course, as well as discounted training opportunities valued at 500,000, 400,000, and 300,000 tenge for the top three teams. Every participant also received free enrollment in Zeba Academy’s Unity and No Code game development courses, ensuring that the competition would lead to lasting skill development.
The hackathon was part of a broader initiative by both partners to cultivate a strong digital culture among Kazakhstan’s youth. By merging creativity with practical IT training, the event encouraged students to view technology not just as a technical skill but as a tool for positive social impact. Through mentorship and exposure to real-world problem-solving, participants left the event with a clearer sense of how innovation can drive meaningful change in education and beyond.
For Zeba Academy, the collaboration with Turan-Astana University continues to represent its core mission – to make digital education accessible, engaging, and future-focused. And for Turan-Astana University, the partnership reinforced its vision of producing graduates who are not only technically skilled but also capable of leading innovation in an increasingly interconnected world.
Today, the 2022 hackathon stands as more than just a tech event – it remains a symbol of how educational partnerships can empower students to become creators, thinkers, and leaders in the digital era.