Alumni Awards 2025

Askar Aituov | University of Warwick, MSc Information Systems and Management (2009)

Askar is a Programme Manager working with Google via EPAM Systems and a lecturer at the Kazakh-British Technical University. Supporting developer communities across Central Asia and Mongolia, he played a key role in launching the Google for Startups-backed Accelerator with the Astana Hub, leading to Kazakhstani startups’ first-ever success in the Google Solution Challenge.

His UK education provided a global perspective and expertise in technology management, helping him navigate the fast-evolving IT industry and founding Devs.bot as a UK-registered trademark.

He is currently connecting global tech innovation with local IT ecosystems, empowering businesses in Kazakhstan, MENA, Turkey and Europe to compete internationally, and is completing his doctorate in Information Systems.

Daulet Yermanov | University of Warwick, Warwick Business School, MSc in Business Analytics (2022), Chevening Scholarship

Daulet is the Chief Technology Officer of TIDAAR-AI Solutions, leading AI-driven forecasting, computer vision and inventory management solutions in Kazakhstan. With experience in the pharma industry, he developed AI tools for supply chain optimisation before expanding into computer vision and automation. He also lectures on Artificial Intelligence at KIMEP University, shaping the next generation of AI leaders.

Warwick Business School provided hands-on learning through optimisation, text analytics and forecasting courses, all based on real-world problems. His dissertation analysed over 55 million rows of streaming music data, strengthening his ability to extract insights.

Daulet plans to expand TIDAAR-AI Solutions and drive AI innovation and education across Central Asia.

Madina Olzhabayeva | Brunel University London, MSc Wireless Communication Systems (2015), Bolashak Scholarship

Madina’s UK education shaped her critical thinking and leadership skills, giving her the confidence to navigate global challenges. Upon returning to Kazakhstan, she transitioned into the tech industry, joining inDrive, where she played a key role in building and scaling procurement processes. Her work has optimised operations, reduced costs and empowered local businesses. Recognised as Professional of the Year 2023, Madina continues to drive innovation and efficiency, connecting global strategy with sustainable economic growth.

Madina is deeply dedicated to supporting individuals within her community by fostering education, mentorship and sustainable development. Madina aims to continue strengthening cross-functional collaboration and implementing strategies that deliver measurable global impact in procurement and business leadership.

Altynay Karamanova | City, University of London, Cass Business School, MSc in Risk Management and Insurance (2013)

Altynay is a co-founder of Talem International, producing uniquely designed silk scarves reflecting Kazakh culture and traditions. Altynay’s studies in the UK and exposure to the sophisticated art market nurtured her critical thinking, creativity and understanding of the integration of risk management procedures when developing an art business in Kazakhstan.

Looking ahead, Altynay plans to attract talented Kazakh designers, organise international workshops to positively impact the local community, expand Talem and promote Kazakh heritage globally, fostering cross-cultural collaborations.

Mariya Li | University College London (UCL), The Bartlett School of Architecture, MA in Design for Manufacture (2018), Bolashak Scholarship

While studying Design for Manufacture with unique access to a state-of-the-art manufacturing machine shop, Mariya gained expertise in rapid prototyping and digital fabrication.

On Mariya’s return to Kazakhstan, she became an educator, designer and researcher who created and now co-ordinates the BA programme in Multimedia Sciences at the Suleyman Demirel University (SDU). The programme hosts the annual Multimedia Fest, showcasing student projects that blend creative expression with technical innovation. Mariya has pioneered capstone project-based learning and organises interdisciplinary exhibitions to strengthen the link between academia and industry in Kazakhstan’s creative sector.

Mariya aims to advance innovation in education and creative industries, fostering global collaborations in art, design and technology.

Dina Zhanadil | University of Manchester, MSc in Finance (2009), Chevening Scholarship

Dina is a Managing Director for Strategy, Business processes, ESG and Big Data at the Development Bank of Kazakhstan. In this role, she achieved and improved the Bank’s first ESG rating from Sustainable Fitch, developed an ESG Roadmap and a long-term strategy, focusing on sustainable development.

Currently, Dina is working to secure accreditation for the Bank by the Green Climate Fund to support sustainable projects in Kazakhstan. With her experience in finance, data analytics and portfolio investments gained in the UK, Dina is committed to contributing to data-driven sustainable growth in Kazakhstan, fostering low-carbon investments and innovative solutions.

Dias Tastanbekov | University of Sheffield, MSc in Polymers for Advanced Technologies (2010), Bolashak Scholarship

Dias focuses on education and science commercialisation. He develops food supplements and aeroponics while developing the skills to translate scientific research into practice, bridging the gap between science and real-world solutions in healthcare, agriculture and education in Kazakhstan.

Dias’ education at the University of Sheffield laid the foundations for his applied research, with the emphasis on problem-solving, interdisciplinarity and real-world application of science, thus combining science with business and education.

Dias has dedicated his career to applied science, as it not only benefits Kazakhstan’s economy and has a lasting impact on human capital but is also something he truly enjoys.

Dr Gulsim Kulsharova | University College London (UCL), PhD in Engineering (speciality: Microfluidics) (2019), Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship

Gulsim is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Nazarbayev University. She specialises in microfluidics for biomedical applications, developing lab-based microphysiological systems that mimic human organ functions. Her research is expanding into reproductive medicine, and she actively mentors young researchers, many of whom continue their education abroad.

Her PhD at UCL provided a strong foundation in advanced research, accelerating her career path. Gulsim is now focused on developing research projects, securing external grants and expanding international collaborations while continuing to educate and inspire future scientists through Kazakh-language science outreach.

Aidar Saparov | University of Bristol, MA in Public Policy (2019), Bolashak Scholarship

Studies in the UK transformed Aidar’s vision for social impact. Inspired by the university’s inclusivity, he co-founded ‘SoileApp’, enabling blind individuals to access technology and online content in the Kazakh language. Over 200 licences have been distributed in 18 months, with further expansion into libraries, schools and universities.

Bristol’s emphasis on equity and innovation helped Aidar to develop impactful solutions, breaking barriers to education, employment and social participation. He now aims to secure investment to make ‘SoileApp’ financially sustainable and expand its reach to Africa and other countries empowering more blind individuals to thrive in the digital world.

Dr Nazipa Ayubayeva | University of Cambridge, MPhil in Education (2012); PhD in Education (2017), Bolashak/Talap Scholarship

Nazipa has contributed to education research and reforms in Kazakhstan first as Deputy Chair of Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) and later as a Senior Researcher at Nazarbayev University. A pioneer of Action Research (AR), she implemented it across 22 NIS schools with further integration into national teacher development and attestation systems.

Her experience at the University of Cambridge shaped her commitment to fostering supportive learning environments for teachers. Since 2019, she has led the SHARE project (School Hub for Action Research in Education), expanding AR across 25 mainstream schools in Astana. Nazipa also trains future educators in local universities and advocates for evidence-based policy reform to improve children’s learning.

Dr Zhazira Bekzhanova | Lancaster University, PhD in Language and Linguistics (2019), Bolashak Scholarship

Zhazira is an international researcher specialising in the intersection of gender, language and education. Her UNESCO-supported project on school textbooks played a pivotal role in fostering positive changes toward gender equality in textbooks. Her recent work led to the creation of the first-ever dataset on femicide in Kazakhstan.

Zhazira’s academic journey at Lancaster University equipped her with advanced skills in discourse analysis, enabling her to explore the relationship between language and societal needs.

Currently, Zhazira is a research associate at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Germany), where she is expanding her gender research beyond Kazakhstan to encompass the broader post-Soviet region.

• Tatiana Mironyuk, Executive Director of the National Volunteer Network
• Madina Tynybayeva, Chair of the National Academy of Education
• Gainel Ussatayeva, Director of the Centre on Bioethics at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
• Aliya Sembayeva, Vice-President of the Science Fund
• Galym Baitimbetov, Founder and CEO of AquaPoint LLP, Study UK Alumni Awards Winner 2020
• Talgat Amanbayev, Chief Innovation Officer, AIFC
• Dana Shayakhmet, Creative Economy Expert
• Dinara Bekmagambetova, Public Relations manager, the British Embassy