University Opens Doors for Aspiring Startups

Kozybayev University has signed a cooperation agreement with students Andrey Kazantsev and Daniyal Abuov, the creators of the startup project for the modern digital ecosystem MyNKU.

The project is aimed at improving the efficiency and quality of interaction between students and the university, as well as further advancing the digitalization of educational processes.

MyNKU is a mobile app for students and a functional administrative panel for university staff. The platform allows the automation of key processes, from submitting various requests to managing data and internal communications.

The system’s effectiveness has already been demonstrated in practice: the integration of MyNKU has fully digitalized the student dormitory enrollment process. The platform can process thousands of requests in seconds, significantly reducing staff workload and accelerating service for students.

Under the signed agreement, the university plans to further apply the MyNKU platform in administrative and service processes, while the project’s creators aim to scale it for use in other educational institutions across Kazakhstan. Under the signed agreement, profit from potential users of the digital product will be distributed as follows: 10% to the university and 90% to the student developers.

“This is a fair deal that will motivate you,” said Chairman of the Executive Board and Rector Yerbol Issakaev. “MyNKU is a personal initiative of the students. Today, we can confidently say that we are proud that the university has become a platform where startups are born, initiatives are created, and dreams are realized.”

Daniyal Abuov recalled the background of the app’s creation, explaining that he initially wanted to use it to make students’ lives easier. Together with Andrey Kazantsev, they managed to develop a viable product and increase the number of users nearly fivefold. The students approached the Rector, who provided his support. Today, MyNKU is installed on the smartphones of nearly all Kozybayev University students. Through the app, students can submit questions to the university administration and receive prompt responses, view class schedules and track academic performance, as well as check into dormitories without waiting in lines or facing delays.

Several Kazakhstani universities have already shown interest in the project. We hope this case will serve as strong motivation for other students who are passionate about new ideas and ready to launch their own startups. To support their initiatives, Kozybayev University has created the SKU StartUp Arena — a platform where youth projects can be transformed into real solutions for our region and the country.