Saltanat Ashimova, a researcher at Abai University, has been named a winner of the grant funding competition organized by the Almaty City Akimat (Mayor’s Office) to support the commercialization of scientific and technological research outcomes. Her project, “QazaqPatch: For Safer Roads and a More Comfortable Living Environment,” was selected from among 229 applications and ranked among the 23 outstanding research and development projects awarded grants.

For the first time, Almaty has held a grant competition aimed at advancing science and integrating research outcomes into the city’s infrastructure. With a total funding allocation of KZT 348 million, the initiative seeks to promote the city’s socio-economic development, support innovative solutions, and facilitate the practical implementation of scientific developments. Certificates were presented to the competition winners on November 11 at a meeting of the Council on Science and Technology under the Almaty City Akimat.

Of the 229 applications submitted, 191 projects passed the preliminary selection stage, and their authors participated in a five-week acceleration program. During the final stage, experts evaluated the novelty of the research, its practical significance, commercialization potential, and feasibility of implementation. The competition commission included members of the Almaty City Maslikhat, representatives of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan, members of the scientific community, and representatives of the Council on Science and Technology.

The QazaqPatch project by Saltanat Zhandarbekkyzy, a researcher at Abai University, offers an innovative solution for repairing defects in Almaty’s road infrastructure. Its key advantage lies in the ability to repair damaged road surfaces without the use of heavy machinery. This development is expected to simplify road maintenance operations and improve the efficiency of urban infrastructure management. The project's success demonstrates the practical potential of the research and its ability to address the city's needs.

Other projects awarded grant funding cover a wide range of areas, including early earthquake detection, air pollution monitoring, improved road traffic safety, urban infrastructure development, and the implementation of artificial intelligence. Researchers have also proposed innovative solutions for cleaning water bodies, recycling industrial waste, conducting environmental monitoring, and improving healthcare.

In addition, the meeting of the Council on Science and Technology addressed issues related to pilot testing of scientific developments, engaging businesses in their implementation, and providing further support to promising research projects.

«Abai University» Media Center