Published: 14 July 2026

The 7th educational intensive Yessenov Data Lab (YDL), aimed at training new generation data analysts, has ended in Almaty. The project was implemented by AlmaU in cooperation with the scientific and educational foundation Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation. The 20 best candidates selected from 159 applications from all over Kazakhstan became participants. The program lasted four weeks and was completely free for participants.

As part of the training, participants mastered modern tools and technologies, including GPT, Claude, Jupyter Notebook and Codex. Special emphasis was placed on practical work: students analyzed real data, developed their own AI agents, and studied cutting edge areas ranging from large language models to machine learning, NLP, and approaches like vibe coding.

The Yessenov Foundation fully funded the students' participation, including tuition, accommodation and meals. In addition, a team building was organized for the participants in the mountains of Almaty. According to Program Manager Gregory Lee, AlmaU's contribution has become a key factor in the implementation of the project.

"We are pleased with the results. Every YDL graduate of the past years has already proved that they are able to think more broadly and work more efficiently. Current graduates are not lagging behind, they will become not those who are looking for a job, but those who will be looking for the job itself. This is a step forward for our foundation, for them, and for the country." – Galimzhan Yessenov

As a result of the program, the YDL community was replenished with 19 new specialists, and the total number of graduates exceeded 130 people. Among them are representatives of the country's leading universities, including AlmaU and Nazarbayev University.

Yessenov Data Lab, which has been running since 2018, continues to strengthen its status as one of Kazakhstan's key educational platforms in the field of Data Science and artificial intelligence, forming a new generation of specialists in demand both on the local and international markets.

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Published: 09 June 2026

20 finalists were selected from 159 participants from all over Kazakhstan, who will begin training in the field of DataScience and AI on June 15.
I congratulate and wish everyone to successfully complete this path, gain valuable knowledge and realize their potential.

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Published: 19 April 2026

Significance and International Recognition
Over 10 000 people took to the start line. While Kazakhstanis form the core of the running community, interest from abroad has noticeably grown. This year, 821 foreign athletes from 44 countries came to Almaty, making up about 8% of total participants—this is the absolute maximum in the nine-year history of the half marathon.

The race geography spanned nearly all continents. Leading in guest numbers were:

• Russia — 346 people;
• Kyrgyzstan — 146 people;
• Uzbekistan — 81 people.

Runners from China, the USA, the UK, Ukraine, and Belarus also completed the distances. Participation from athletes in Africa, South America, and the Middle East has firmly established Almaty as a key point on the global map of sports tourism. 

"Sports tourism is one of the most effective tools for promoting the city on the international stage. It's also important that runners rarely come alone: they are usually accompanied by families and friends, which further boosts tourist flow. For many foreign guests, participating in the race becomes their first introduction to Kazakhstan and a reason to return. According to our research, 79.3% of out-of-town and foreign participants plan to come back to Almaty—this means new trips and increased investment appeal for the city." — Galimzhan Yessenov.

Ecological and Social Responsibility
We continued our commitment to sustainable development by implementing strict ecological standards. This year, the team eliminated unnecessary printed materials and single-use structures. Thanks to our partnership with EcoNetwork, plastic collection points for recycling were set up along the course, and an interactive eco-zone operated in the finish village.The event's social focus was supported by the "Warmth" project: participants could leave unwanted items at special stands, which were later donated to those in need.

Comfort and Inclusivity
Almaty Half Marathon 2026 became one of the most comfortable races in the region. At the finish area, the following were available:

• A mother-and-child room;
• Separate restrooms;
• Specialized facilities for people with disabilities (an innovative practice for mass races in Kazakhstan).

Plans for the Season
The 2026 sports calendar is just heating up. Registration is now open for the next major events:

• Astana Half Marathon — May 31 in the capital.
• The 15th anniversary Almaty Marathon — September 27. This event promises to be the largest in its history.

Read more here.

Published: 27 February 2026

The Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation has become the general sponsor of Kazakhstan's national team at the International Earth Science Olympiad (IESO). The agreement was signed between Yessenov Foundation and the corporate fund "Zhas Geolog," which oversees the national selection process for the competition.

Team Selection
This year, IESO will be held in Turin, Italy, from August 20 to 27, 2026 — marking the 19th edition of the olympiad. The national selection drew nearly 100 applications from high school students in grades 9–11 representing cities across the country, including Almaty, Astana, Shymkent, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Aktau, Kyzylorda, and many more.

The selection process took place in Astana at Nazarbayev University and consisted of two rounds:

• February 28 — written testing across core disciplines, including geology, hydrology, oceanography, meteorology, astronomy, geography, and ecology
• March 1 — final round featuring an interview and a hands-on practical assignment

Participants were evaluated by Nazarbayev University professors alongside representatives from both foundations.

Foundation's Support
Yessenov Foundation is providing comprehensive support for the team, covering return flights for all participants and a chaperone, IESO registration fees, visa costs, as well as the production of matching team uniforms and national costumes for the olympiad's cultural program. Following the two-round selection, a team of four top-performing students will be chosen to represent Kazakhstan on the international stage in Turin.

Read more here.