On 2–3 October, Astana hosted the first Scientific and Technological Session (Hackathon) of JSC “NC QazaqGaz”, dedicated to addressing pressing technological challenges in the gas industry. The event was attended by Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Saltanat Satzhan, Managing Director for Development and Privatisation at Samruk-Kazyna JSC; and Alibek Zhamauov, Chairman of the Management Board of JSC “NC QazaqGaz”.

The hackathon, organised with the support of QazaqGaz Scientific and Technical Centre LLP, became a strategic platform for cooperation between QazaqGaz Group enterprises, engineering companies, technology start-ups, as well as leading research organisations and universities of the country, including Nazarbayev University, the Academy of Civil Aviation, the National Laboratory Astana, and the Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, among others.

The initiative’s main objective is to identify and implement innovative solutions for the gas sector.
Minister Sayasat Nurbek stated:
“The gas industry of Kazakhstan faces new challenges that demand the adoption of modern technologies and scientific solutions. The primary goal of today’s scientific and technological session is not merely to discuss these challenges but to identify science-based innovation projects ready for implementation, ensuring technological progress, resilience and competitiveness in Kazakhstan’s gas sector.”

Saltanat Satzhan, Managing Director of Samruk-Kazyna, also spoke at the hackathon, noting:
“Our scientific and technical policy is aimed at long-term sustainability and competitiveness. This is not about one-off projects, but about building an entire ecosystem where companies, universities and research centres work together.”

Following the session, a pool of solutions recommended for implementation across the QazaqGaz Group enterprises was compiled.
Chairman of the Management Board of JSC “NC QazaqGaz” Alibek Zhamauov explained that the company is building a comprehensive scientific and technical system covering the full cycle — from identifying production challenges to scaling up and commercialising R&D outcomes.

“In line with digitalisation and business process transformation, work has begun at the Scientific and Technical Centre to develop a digital platform for QazaqGaz subsidiaries. The platform will support the search, testing and integration of new technologies and innovations, including AI-driven tools. This will provide an additional boost for global technology transfer while supporting domestic technology rights-holders,” he said.

More than 100 participants worked on 19 technological challenges put forward by QazaqGaz enterprises, focusing on:

  • applications of AI in gas transportation operations;

  • ESG technologies and sustainable development;

  • improving the efficiency of gas transport infrastructure; enhancing gas exploration and production efficiency;

  • expanding and optimising the resource base of underground gas storage facilities.

As a result, a portfolio of ready-made scientific and technological solutions was compiled and recommended for deployment across the Group’s enterprises.