SmartEarth 2026 Hackathon brings together students (Graduate, Post Graduate), innovators, technologists, environmental scientists, and sustainability experts to develop technological solutions addressing our planet's environmental challenges. We believe in harnessing collective intelligence to create practical, scalable innovations that can make real impact in environmental conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
The Center of Excellence in Medical Robotics & Research
The Center of Excellence in Medical Robotics & Research (CEMRR) at Nazarbayev University focuses on developing innovative medical robotic devices and AI-based solutions for healthcare. The center creates rehabilitation robots for limb disabilities, including a gait rehabilitation robot ready for production, and a robotic system for balance improvement. Key innovations include an autonomous robotic system for femur fracture reduction, improving efficiency and safety for orthopedic professionals. CEMRR also conducts advanced AI research for cancer radiomics, computational pathology, and orthopedic treatment planning, utilizing MRI/CT imaging, 3D reconstruction, and 3D printing. The center prioritizes high-quality research, commercialization, and industry engagement for sustainability.
The Center of Excellence in Medical Robotics & Research has the following objectives:
- Conduct state of the art research for the development and innovation in robotics and artificial intelligence in medicine.
- Creation of the clinical translational platform with innovation in prevention, diagnostics and therapeutics driven improvement in health indicators.
- Creation of product pipelines to strengthen medical industries.
Nazarbayev University's Mission
The mission of Nazarbayev University is to be a model for higher education reform and modern research in Kazakhstan and to contribute to the establishment of Astana as an international innovation and knowledge hub through the following objectives:
- To develop innovative academic programs integrated with research, scholarship, and innovation.
- To promote interdisciplinary approaches addressing local and global challenges.
- To nurture future leaders with deep scientific knowledge and entrepreneurial skills.
Core Values
The essential drive of Nazarbayev University is reflected in its commitment to excellence and innovation in education, research, and community engagement:
- Academic Freedom: We uphold the highest standards of intellectual inquiry and academic freedom.
- Global Integration: We connect Kazakhstan to the global knowledge economy through international partnerships.
- Environmental Stewardship: We promote sustainability and responsible management of natural resources.
- Social Responsibility: We believe in the transformative power of education to create positive social impact.
- Innovation Culture: We foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship to address real-world challenges.
Qaz.AI
The Qaz.AI Association for the Development of Artificial Intelligence was founded in 2023 by a group of AI enthusiasts and researchers united by a shared dream — to expand the boundaries of what artificial intelligence can achieve. A dream remains just a dream until it becomes a goal — and to make it a goal, you need a team. That is how the idea of creating Qaz.AI was born. The mission of the Association is to become a central hub for AI enthusiasts, researchers, and companies in Kazakhstan, fostering a sustainable ecosystem of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge.
About SmartEarth 2026
Our Purpose
Hackathon Philosophy
SmartEarth 2026 was conceived from Nazarbayev University's commitment to addressing Kazakhstan's environmental challenges while contributing to global sustainability efforts. Our hackathon focuses on the intersection of technology and environmental science, encouraging participants to develop innovative solutions in areas such as climate monitoring, sustainable resource management, renewable energy implementation, and environmental data analytics.
Event Goals
To fulfill our mission, SmartEarth 2026 has established these strategic goals:
- To catalyze innovative technological solutions for environmental challenges in Kazakhstan and globally
- To foster interdisciplinary collaboration between technologists, environmental scientists, and industry experts
- To develop a pipeline of environmentally-focused innovation projects with implementation potential
Our Commitment to Diversity
SmartEarth 2026 is committed to bringing together diverse perspectives, disciplines, and backgrounds. We believe that the most innovative solutions emerge from the intersection of different fields of expertise, cultural viewpoints, and lived experiences. We actively encourage participation from all genders, nationalities, and academic backgrounds.
The event will take place on June 6-7, 2026, at The Center of Excellence in Medical Robotics and Research, Nazarbayev University Kazakhstan. Our facilities are fully accessible, and we welcome participants with diverse abilities.
Join SmartEarth 2026
SmartEarth 2026 exemplifies Nazarbayev University's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological solutions for environmental challenges. By bringing together diverse minds from across Kazakhstan and internationally, we're creating opportunities for participants to develop meaningful projects with real-world impact while building the skills and networks needed for future environmental innovation.
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