Nazarbayev University hosted the final of the NU STeP & Defense Tech Challenge, a competition focused on developing technology solutions for the defense and security sector.
The competition was organized by Fab Lab, the digital prototyping laboratory at Nazarbayev University Science & Technology Park (NU STeP), with the support of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan and NU Impact Foundation.
This year, the competition received 43 applications, with 12 teams advancing to the final. Participants developed solutions using artificial intelligence, process automation, data analysis, monitoring, and decision-support technologies.
During the event, a delegation from the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, led by Deputy Minister of Defense Daulet Bekmanov, reviewed the finalists’ projects as well as technology developments presented across the University’s ecosystem.
The exhibition featured projects by ISSAI — Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence; developments by Bulan, an R&D company working on unmanned aerial systems and onboard analytics; portable AI-powered biomechanics laboratories and smart sensor insoles by Mirai Tech; the Artisan Education STEM platform; and Drone AI, an unmanned aerial vehicle that uses neural networks, computer vision, and machine learning algorithms for autonomous flight.
Following the final, first place went to Konnekta with its Audio Protocol project. The solution automates the processing of audio and video recordings of work meetings, conferences, and negotiations, generating structured transcripts and meeting minutes. The jury highlighted the project’s practical focus and potential for further application. The team received the grand prize of KZT 500,000.
Second place went to QadamX for an intelligent solution designed to automatically collect, structure, classify, and analyze data on information security incidents.
Third place was awarded to BULAN for a solution focused on intelligent route planning for unmanned aerial vehicles, taking into account various factors and mission conditions.
The finalist projects were evaluated by an expert jury comprising representatives of NU STeP, Kazakhstan GIS Center JSC, DST LLP, and the Center for Innovation Development in Defense and Security.
NU STeP & Defense Tech Challenge brought together representatives of the public sector, the technology community, researchers, and young developers around practical challenges in defense and security. The projects demonstrated how technology, research, and engineering solutions can be applied to challenges requiring precision, automation, and efficient data processing.
Congratulations to the winners, and thank you to all participants, experts, and partners who contributed to NU STeP & Defense Tech Challenge.
