The first step into space: Satbayev University hosted the first stage of ActInSpace 2026 international hackathon

Satbayev University hosted the first stage of ActInSpace 2026 international space hackathon, a global educational, engineering and entrepreneurial initiative that brought together more than 50 cities in almost 30 countries around the world. The Kazakhstan site became part of a single international space where interdisciplinary teams worked for 24 hours on real technological challenges provided by such major players in the space industry as National Space Research Center (CNES, France), European Space Agency (ESA), Airbus and Thales Alenia Space.

Hackathon was opened with the welcoming speech by Alan Kazkenov, Deputy Chairman of Aerospace Committee at Ministry of Digital Development, RK Innovation and Aerospace Industry, who congratulated the audience, emphasizing the importance of the hackathon for developing the Kazakh space industry:

- In the modern space industry, a wide variety of technical specialists are in demand, - said Alan Amanzholovich, - electronics engineers, programmers, specialists in automation, mathematics and applied systems. It is important that young people understand from their student days in which direction they want to grow, and we will provide them with all the necessary assistance.

ActInSpace 2026 Hackathon is not only focused on evolving the engineering thinking, but also gives young engineers a chance to become the founder of an international startup in one of the most high-tech sectors of the global economy. Winners of the national stage qualifying round will have the opportunity to present their projects at the international finals in France and continue to develop their ideas in incubation and acceleration programs with the support of European Space Agency and French Space Agency.

"We see great interest from young people and the startup community - Kazakhstan has become one of the few countries where the number of ActInSpace participants has exceeded 100 people," said Zhaina Sultanova, head of digital innovation at Team Europe Initiative on Digital Connectivity project in Central Asia. - Young engineers have a completely non-standard, cosmic mindset, and this shows a high potential for evolving the space and entrepreneurial initiatives in the region.

Satbayev University, supporting ActInSpace, considers the hackathon as a tool for integrating the students and young researchers into the international innovation ecosystem, expanding international cooperation and forming competitive engineering staff capable of working at the intersection of science, technology and entrepreneurship.

Winners of ActInSpace 2026 international hackathon in Kazakhstan are:

1st place - "Suniverse" team: Zhanuzak Akmaral Assylbekovna, Talaybekkyzy Gaukhar, Zhanatayul Zhiger, Sakpayev Kanat, Sabituly Meyrbek.

«Internship in aerospace committee’s company» – «EarthAI» team: Artykbay Saurbek Aliuly, Kalzhanov Nurlykhan Yerlanuly.

«Free pass to the incubation program» – «NeuralX» team: Sartayev Aidar, Tokpan Bakhtiyar, Kapash Rassul, Nurpeissov Yerassyl, Saratovkin Oleg.