On October 12, at the site of Yessenov University in Aktau, we held a Demo day, where 15 creative projects developed by participants of the creative Mangystau creative entrepreneurship training program from Aktau, Beineu and Zhanaozen were presented to investors and experts. The event was attended by more than 100 people.
When we launched the project, there were fears that there may not be enough creatives in the Mangistau region, or that such a project may be held earlier in the regions than in Almaty or Astana. I am glad that the youth of Mangystau proved that we were wrong! Very strong projects, great ideas, good presentations. A very important indicator for me is that the participant from Zhanaozen became the winner of the competition, and the third place was taken by the project from the video. Young people have talent and strong potential everywhere, we just need to create opportunities for them.
The projects covered areas of the creative economy such as craft production, music, marketing, content production, design and architecture. The participants demonstrated innovative ideas aimed at local and international markets. Each project was evaluated by an expert jury, which included representatives of business and public organizations.
The main prize in the amount of 500 thousand tenge and the first place for the implementation of the project was won by Kamshat Nurgali, a participant from Zhanaozen, with a project for the production of handmade tufting carpets. The second place and the ticket to the Riksos in Aktau was taken by the project for the production of designer clothes in the national style of Aktau residents Madina and Zhuldyz Kosmaganbetova, and the third place and the prize of 50 thousand tenge was awarded to Aslanbek Sarsengaliyev from Beineu and Zarina Bayangalieva from Aktau for the project for the production of designer wallpapers with national Kazakh ornaments.
The presentations aroused considerable interest among investors and opened up new prospects for the further growth of creative entrepreneurship in the region. According to the results of Demo day, two projects – Shynar Yermekbaeva with the project of marketing courses for small entrepreneurs and Aikorkem Kozybay with the project of creating a digital art studio-won funding for implementation from investors. This Demo day was the final of the educational program aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills and accelerating startups in the field of creative industries among young people of Mangystau region. By the end of the year, creative Mangystau trackers will continue to work with participants to improve projects and help start implementing initiatives.
I would like to note the contribution of Mediana Services Limited, Rixos Water World Aktau and Tetysblu, Tupkaragan zhastary community, EcoWasteAqtau and Barista Coffee, the intensive work of the entire project team and the general support of the akimat of Mangystau region and Yessenov University to the prize fund, thanks to them!
The initiative was implemented as part of the UNDP project “Strengthening community stability and regional cooperation to prevent violent extremism in Central Asia”, funded by the Japanese government.