2025, July 22
Share this articleThree Nazarbayev University students took part in the prestigious HKUST Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, gaining hands-on startup experience at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
The program brought together more than 80 students and young professionals from 14 leading institutions of the Asian Universities Alliance (AUA), including NU.
From July 6 to 12, Diana Bekeshova (School of Sciences and Humanities), Nursultan Saukimov, and Symbat Gaziz (Graduate School of Business) took part in a full-cycle startup experience — from ideation to prototype development — while gaining hands-on knowledge on launching a business in real-world conditions.
“The program wasn’t just about startups — it was about mindset,” said Diana Bekeshova. “We went through intensive workshops with entrepreneurs and mentors, learned how to conduct market research, build prototypes, and pitch ideas in a way that inspires belief. Most importantly, we realized our idea could turn into a real product — and that’s incredibly motivating.”
Beyond the academic component, participants were immersed in the dynamic environment of one of Asia’s largest innovation hubs. A highlight of the bootcamp was a networking dinner aboard a ferry in Victoria Harbour, where students connected with venture capitalists, startup founders, and ecosystem leaders.
“What impressed us most was visiting the LU Jockey Club Gerontech X Lab, where we saw technologies designed to support the elderly — from smart chairs and mobility aids to devices that stabilize movement,” shared Nursultan Saukymov. “It reminded us that true innovation is not just about tech, but about empathy — about creating real-life solutions that matter.”
The Asian Universities Alliance (AUA) is a coalition of leading Asian universities, established in 2017 to foster academic collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint research. Nazarbayev University is a founding member of the AUA and maintains active partnerships with 15 member institutions, including Tsinghua University, the National University of Singapore, and HKUST.
