2025, May 13
Share this articleA low Earth orbit satellite, biomedical alloys, AI-based sensors, and electromagnetic shielding for space applications - these were among student projects evaluated by major companies during the Final Project Day.
This annual event was part of the 15th anniversary celebration of Nazarbayev University (NU) and its Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Nineteen student teams presented engineering solutions based on real-world challenges posed by industry partners. Representatives from companies such as Air Astana, Wabtec Corporation, Alstom, Airbus Helicopters, Ghalam LLP, Qazaq Air, and Asia IATA evaluated projects.
"Our mission is to train engineers with leadership skills to tackle the most complex challenges," said Professor Essam Shehab, Chair of the Department. "We have significantly expanded our engagement with industry, holding regular consultations with companies such as Amazon, Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Air Astana, and Alstom. Each year, student projects based on real industrial tasks increase. Thanks to these strong partnerships, four of our graduates have already received job offers from Qazaq Air, and Ghalam is considering hiring at least four more."
Ghalam LLP, under contract from the Aerospace Committee of the Kazakh Ministry of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry, is developing three medium-resolution Earth observation satellites for various applications. According to Alan Kazkenov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee, the growing number and complexity of projects have increased the demand for highly skilled engineers.
"Students from Kazakhstani universities, including NU, can take part in internships and practical training at ten enterprises under the Aerospace Committee,” said Alan Kazkenov, Deputy Chairman of the Aerospace Committee. “We oversee the development of five satellites with varying resolutions and are preparing to launch a promising new project — the creation of a lunar-orbiting telescope. Our goal is to develop critically important, homegrown Kazakhstani technologies that will allow us to compete confidently on the space market. One of the projects presented by students — electromagnetic shielding using nanotubes — is particularly relevant, since even minor interference in space can cause the failure of extremely costly equipment. Developing the space sector requires a solid engineering foundation in materials science, accurate calculations, and technological readiness. NU's strength lies in integrating fundamental science with applied research. It's advanced research infrastructure complements our capabilities, and we look forward to future collaboration."
Since its founding, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has trained 292 engineers. Today, 304 undergraduate, master's, and PhD students are enrolled, many of whom are contributing meaningfully to the development of Kazakhstan and the wider world. Air Astana has been a long-standing industry partner of the department since 2018.
"To date, we have completed four joint projects with NU students," said Indira Toleuova, Senior Manager of the Corporate Portfolio Management Office at Air Astana. "One of my team members is a graduate of NU, and within just two years, she has proven herself to be a highly competent specialist. We are eager to continue this collaboration and are happy to welcome students and graduates to join our team."
This year, in honor of the university's anniversary, the department and its industry partners recognized top student projects with special certificates. The final-year program has evolved from a purely academic exercise into a fully fledged platform for career readiness. For the first time in Kazakhstan, the capstone presentations—modeled after the best practices of leading British universities—have proven effective for preparing students for the demands of the professional world.
