Bridging Research and Industry Through Regional Innovation Networks
Representatives of the International University of Engineering and Technology (METU) took part in the Eurasian Forum for the Commercialization of Science, hosted at Turan University in Almaty. Organized in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Union for Science Commercialization, Skolkovo Foundation, and other leading institutions, the forum provided a collaborative platform for accelerating the transformation of scientific research into real-world economic and technological solutions.
The event brought together scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers from Kazakhstan, the CIS region, and global innovation hubs, offering diverse formats for dialogue and exchange. Among the forum’s key highlights were:
- DEMO DAY sessions focused on industry-academia integration;
- An Innovation Exhibition showcasing technologies from Kazakhstan and neighboring countries;
- A Business Mission featuring startup leaders from the Skolkovo Foundation;
- The inaugural Kazakhstan Science Commercialization Conference.
A Regional Platform for Investment, Innovation, and International Collaboration
Participants praised the forum’s practical orientation and its emphasis on connecting scientific talent with market opportunities. Through panels and exhibitions, researchers presented breakthrough technologies, while investors explored opportunities to support and scale promising innovations.
METU’s delegation contributed to discussions on the commercial potential of university-led research, reinforcing the university’s role in advancing Kazakhstan’s innovation ecosystem. The event also facilitated:
- Interdisciplinary collaboration across research domains;
- Networking between young scientists, industry experts, and policymakers;
- Strategic dialogues on investment-readiness, innovation policy, and cross-border cooperation.
With strong interest from venture capital firms and active participation from international innovation leaders, the forum underscored the importance of science commercialization as a driver of sustainable economic growth and regional development.
