Deputy of Mazhilis Murat Abenov Visits Kozybayev University

Kozybayev University welcomed Murat Abenov, Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan and President of the National Chamber of Education and Innovation “Serpin.” Murat Abdulamitovich is a long-time friend of our university and a regular guest. During this visit, he was presented with successful scientific projects that have been commercialized and implemented through grant funding in collaboration with university partners.

One of these projects is the work of the “Scientific and Technological Water Center” LLP, which focuses on the rehabilitation of water bodies using an in-house strain of microalgae, Chlorella. The center operates on the basis of Kozybayev University, where our researchers and students are actively involved in hands-on scientific work.

Key focus areas of the Center include:

1. selection of methods and modules for treating different types of water,
2. biological rehabilitation of reservoirs and wastewater treatment facilities.

Notable achievements:

• Development of a patented strain Chlorella vulgaris SKO, with a production capacity of 600 tons per year.
• Biological rehabilitation of retention ponds in Petropavlovsk, Kostanay, and Shymkent: reduced odor, improved water quality, increased zooplankton populations, and more active fish behavior.
• A national standard developed for water treatment using the in-house strain of Chlorella.
• A carbon offset concept approved by the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
• A self-sustaining wastewater decarbonization project won an award at the GCIP under the UN’s Global Cleantech Innovation Programme.
• The royalty rate for the technology is 10%.

Another successful initiative is a collaboration between Kozybayev University and “SK Protein” LLP to commercialize a technology for recycling cattle and horse hides into high-protein animal feed. The project won a grant competition from the “Science Fund” JSC, receiving funding of approximately 350 million tenge. It was developed by Akan Zhunusov, a senior lecturer in the Department of Food Security (AF) and a Candidate of Agricultural Sciences. Kazakhstan is currently facing a protein shortage, while a significant portion of cattle and horse hides from meat production remains unused.

What our scientists proposed:

• A hide recycling process that turns the material into feed with 82% protein content.
• Launch of mass production.
• A royalty rate of 4%.

Production process involves:

1. Drying and cleaning the hides, followed by grinding them to the size of grain kernels.
2. Additional drying and removal of residual hair.
3. Heat treatment to eliminate harmful bacteria.
4. Production of the final product in powder and pellet form.

The product was tested by Almaty Technological University and found to be GMO-free and environmentally safe.

What are the benefits?

Test trials showed that broiler chickens fed with this protein supplement significantly outperformed the control group, gaining 20–22% more weight. We thank Asylbek Aikenov, Development Director of “SK Protein” LLP, for his active and productive partnership.

In addition to reviewing scientific projects, Murat Abenov also met with students of the “Serpin” program and participants of the Serpin Way caravan. Currently, 162 students are enrolled at the university under this initiative. The university has created a dedicated support center called “Serpin Qoldau” to provide adaptation services and employment assistance for students from southern regions of the country. All participants are fully accommodated in the dormitories.

Students shared their impressions from the Serpin Way outreach campaign. In early April, a branded bus toured more than 20 settlements in the south of Kazakhstan, covering over 6,500 kilometers. The team met with high school seniors, introduced them to campus life, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and the achievements of the Kozybayev community, and gave creative perfomances. The journey left them with unforgettable memories and valuable teamwork experience.

We are deeply grateful to Murat Abdulamitovich for his sincere attention to our students! His support is tangible, and students always feel welcome to approach him personally during such visits.

What is Kozybayev University doing in this area?

• The “Serpin Qoldau” office provides individual support to students – from enrollment through to employment.
• Graduates of the program are offered dormitory housing during their first year after graduation, giving them time to arrange permanent housing.
• Over 300 contracts have been signed with major regional employers to support dual education, internships, and employment for graduates.

Kozybayev University is committed to becoming a hub for youth development. We are ready to actively support all initiatives aimed at empowering the “Serpin” students, ensuring their education, employment, and long-term integration in the North Kazakhstan region.