On March 27, Nazarbayev University hosted the opening of the Өnergy Creative Hub, Central Asia’s first interdisciplinary space that integrates fundamental science, technology, creative industries, and entrepreneurship into a single ecosystem.
Driven by a “science-art” approach, the hub aims to transform ideas from scientific and creative fields into tangible solutions with real economic value.
“Өnergy is a bridge between the fundamental science of NU, the creative industry, and the needs of modern business. Here, at the intersection of disciplines, new products are born—from innovative biodesign materials to immersive spaces… This is becoming a growth point for Kazakhstan’s new economy,” said Sayat Nyussupov, Chairman of the Board of the NU Impact Foundation.
Operating under a club residency system, the hub is open not only to the academic community but to a broader audience of researchers, startups, and creators. It features six laboratories, ranging from digital media to gastronomy, ensuring that ideas do not remain in the lab but evolve into viable prototypes.
“These two pyramids were part of the university’s original construction and have long been looking for their purpose. What could be better than using them for a project like Өnergy, which brings together science, art, and technology,” stated NU President Waqar Ahmad.
Global integration is a key focus of the hub. For the opening, the Art & Tech Lab showcased a multimedia installation by artist Ardak Mukanova, which has been selected for the 61st Venice Biennale (Biennale Arte). Meanwhile, the Sound Lab launched the “Cultural Legacy of the Steppe: Piano” project in collaboration with Steinway & Sons. This initiative will record the “golden fund” of Kazakh music for the global Spirio library, making the sound of the Steppe accessible worldwide.
