Altai State University to launch international tech startups and new dual-degree educational programs following a trip to Kyrgyzstan

These are the results of a fruitful trip of the Altai State University delegation to Kyrgyzstan.

The First Kyrgyz-Russian Fair of Innovative Solutions in Education was held from August 19 to 20 in the city of Cholpon-Ata, on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the Kyrgyz Republic. The event covered all levels of education – from schools to universities.

Representatives of leading schools, top universities in Russia and Kyrgyzstan, and major educational and innovation centers such as Sirius, Skolkovo, and SberUniversity took part in the event. All of them presented their achievements in working with talented youth at the fair.

The event was held under the auspices of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Science and Education of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Science and Education of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Altai State University was represented at the fair by First Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Evgeniya Zhdanova, Head of the Department of Oriental Studies of Altai State University and Head of the Scientific and Educational Center for Altaic Studies and Turkology "The Greater Altai" Yulia Lysenko, and Director of the Scientific and Educational Center "Boiling Point" Vladimir Kupin. They gave a presentation of Altai State University's innovative projects in the field of education.

As Evgeniya Zhdanova notes:

- The fair took place on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, where participants set up tents and presentation stands directly on the sand, creating a unique Asian ambiance that reflected the warm and welcoming spirit of Kyrgyzstan. This inviting atmosphere really brought people together.

It was particularly gratifying to see that Altai State University is well-regarded in Kyrgyzstan. During the discussions, Minister of Education of Kyrgyzstan Dogdurkul Kendirbaeva emphasized that she is familiar with Altai State University and our research and educational center (REC) "The Greater Altai". She tentatively agreed to participate online in our forum "Altai-Asia". In addition, the Kyrgyz National University named after Zhusup Balasagyn even displayed a stele with the symbols of the REC "The Greater Altai" on its presentation platform.

The fair served as a crucial platform for universities to seek partnerships for future collaborations for future collaborations and research initiatives, and our delegation engaged in productive discussions during this event.

Yulia Lysenko held talks with new partner universities focused on the study of Altaic and Turkic studies. Vladimir Kupin addressed youth policy issues and reached agreements for joint projects and grants.

Evgenia Zhdanova summarizes the outcomes of theses discussions:

– My objective was to integrate new universities into the educational initiatives of Altai State University. The Kyrgyz State Technical University, Talas State University and the Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical Culture and Sports showed significant interest in our educational projects. We discussed potential joint educational projects, and we have already agreed to launch international startups. Currently, startup centers are being established in Kyrgyz universities, but local specialists require training on engaging youth in technological entrepreneurship and developing project offices. We possess valuable experience in these areas and are ready to conduct online intensive courses for Kyrgyz university educators and foreign students. Also, Kyrgyz universities expressed interest in our educational programs in IT, biology, biotechnology, pedagogy and psychology. Overall, the working trip proved to be highly productive.