Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University (EKTU) hosted an industry-focused Energy Hackathon organized in partnership with its industrial partner, AES Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydropower Plant LLP. Held as part of the Year of Working Professions in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the event brought together high school students from Ust-Kamenogorsk and nearby districts.

The hackathon served as an important career guidance initiative, designed to introduce students to engineering and technical professions at an early stage. Participants not only demonstrated their knowledge but also worked on real industrial case studies, gaining valuable insight into the energy sector and the competencies required by today's industry.

A total of 14 teams took part in the competition. The program consisted of three stages:

  • a Kahoot knowledge quiz;
  • solving real production challenges provided by Sogrinskaya Thermal Power Plant LLP;
  • the Super Prize final round featuring engineering case studies from East Kazakhstan Regional Energy Company (OESK JSC).

This practical format closely simulated real industrial scenarios and encouraged participants to apply analytical and problem-solving skills in a professional context.

The hackathon was judged by a panel of experts representing both the energy industry and the university:

  • B.T. Taitikov, Head of the Central Dispatch Control Department, OESK JSC;
  • V.A. Selivanov, Head of the Electrical Department, AES Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydropower Plant LLP;
  • Z.N. Boranbayeva, Head of Human Resources and Administrative Affairs, AES Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydropower Plant LLP;
  • A.B. Adylkhan, Head of the Human Capital Development Department, East Kazakhstan Chamber of Entrepreneurs;
  • A.B. Asylzhanova, Group Leader and Lead Engineer of the Capital Construction Department;
  • A.M. Akayev, Dean of the School of Architecture, Construction and Energy at D. Serikbayev EKTU.

The participation of industry professionals ensured an objective evaluation of the teams' solutions and highlighted the university's strong collaboration with the real sector of the economy.

Following the three competition rounds, the winners were announced:

  • 1st Place — Regional Specialized Boarding School-Lyceum for Gifted Students in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science (East Kazakhstan Region);
  • 2nd Place — Secondary School No. 49, Ust-Kamenogorsk;
  • 3rd Place — Secondary School No. 46, Ust-Kamenogorsk;
  • Super Prize — Gymnasium School No. 12, Ust-Kamenogorsk.

The winning teams received diplomas and commemorative prizes.

As part of the event, EKTU also announced the results of the university-wide student essay competition "My Profession – Energy Engineer," aimed at strengthening professional motivation and encouraging informed career choices.

The winners were:

  • 1st Place — Linara Zakiyeva (Group 25-ELK-1);
  • 2nd Place — Kirill Ivanov (Group 25-EL-1);
  • 3rd Place — Yerkezhan Mukatayeva (Group 25-AES-1t).

The winners were awarded cash prize certificates.

The Energy Hackathon demonstrated an effective model of cooperation between the university and its industrial partners, promoting practice-oriented education, strengthening the connection between students and industry, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in engineering.

  1. Serikbayev East Kazakhstan Technical University expresses its sincere gratitude to its partner, AES Ust-Kamenogorsk Hydropower Plant LLP, and its General Director, Merey Adilbekuly, for their generous sponsorship and support in making the event possible.