What It takes to Win and Grow

Over the course of 4 years, the Yessenov Launch Pad (YLP) Program has gained a reputation as a sought-after initiative, receiving more than 270 applications. Owing to the Program, 34 young Kazakhstanis have acquired skills that drive their careers forward. Each year, the Shakhmardan Yessenov Foundation awards 10 grants, enabling students and young professionals to take essential courses and expand their professional opportunities. Applications are now open for the new competition, which makes it the perfect time to introduce you to two more winners from previous years.

Diana Kurmangali (27) was awarded the Yessenov Foundation grant for additional education in 2025. She is a researcher at the Republican Collection of Microorganisms specializing in molecular biotechnology and biomedicine.

Why I needed new skills
I completed my master’s degree at the L.N. Gumilyov ENU. Like many scientists, I identified a skills gap that would help me work more effectively with the massive amounts of data we collect in the course of our scientific research. There was a lack of knowledge about AI and bioinformatics, yet these fields are becoming increasingly in demand today. The desire to fill this gap emerged a long time ago, but a lack of time and financial constraints stood in the way of making it happen. That is why I applied for the Yessenov Launch Pad competition. I am grateful to my sister for telling me about this opportunity.

The Competition experience
What I remember most was the interview involving a psychologist. It was interesting not only to answer the questions but also to gain a better understanding of myself, my strengths, and my goals through this interaction. In the spring, I attended the annual meeting of the Yessenov Foundation program winners in Astana, and I still have warm memories of it. It was a pleasure to meet my compatriots – students and young professionals – who, just like me, are advancing in their respective professional fields.

Why I won
I believe my motivation and genuine interest in learning played a key role. I truly wanted to gain knowledge in AI and bioinformatics and had a clear understanding of how I could apply it in my professional work. That was the most important thing. I think the Foundation’s experts saw me as someone who does not just want to receive a grant and complete a course, but genuinely plans to apply this knowledge moving forward.

Tips for future YLP competition participants
Apply even if you feel you are not strong enough. Be confident in yourself and share your motivation and goals. Think carefully about why you need this Program and how the knowledge you gain will help you in the future. Don’t miss the opportunities that the skills you acquire will open up for you.

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What I learned
With the YLP grant from the Yessenov Foundation, I completed the AI and Bioinformatics Data Analysis Methods course. Now, I know how to work with cutting-edge AI tools and methods for analyzing biological data. I learned that knowledge should be approached not only from a theoretical perspective but also in terms of its practical application. I gained a more systematic understanding of working with data and discovered how to use AI in scientific research. These are the skills that help me look at my current challenges from a new perspective.

Where I am now
I work at the Republican Collection of Microorganisms LLP, conducting research in microbiology and biotechnology. I am integrating AI into my projects and feel that I continue to grow professionally. I would like to pursue a PhD and continue my career in science.

Hobbies
In my free time, I enjoy drawing – it helps me relax and unwind after work. Returning to the topic of AI, I appreciate how it is being used to create new visual projects, miniseries, and products in other creative formats.

Two years ago, 24-year-old Oleg Smolin participated in the YLP competition held by the Academician Shakhmardan Yessenov Science and Education Foundation. Having won the competition, Oleg, then a student at Kozybayev University specializing in robotics, intelligent systems, and instrumentation engineering, used the grant to complete courses in data analytics and AI implementation.

Choosing a major
The widespread adoption of 3D printers, the increasing use of drones, and the evolution of AI are all modern trends in robotics. At the same time, they represent different aspects of my future profession. I am genuinely interested in this field and have decided to pursue a career in it.

Why I needed additional skills
Driven by a desire to grow professionally, I realized that acquiring additional skills in AI and understanding its application within modern digital infrastructure were essential for me. Unfortunately, I could not afford these courses on my own. The Yessenov Launch Pad grant made this possible.

The Competition experience
A university professor once told me about the Yessenov Foundation. Then I learned about the YLP program and applied. The competition consisted of two stages, followed by a personal interview with the Foundation’s staff. I especially remember a team assignment where a psychologist gave each applicant only fragments of information. Our task was to demonstrate our potential while piecing all the information together. It was really interesting.

Why I won
First and foremost, I think it was because of my creative and academic achievements. In addition, I had already proven myself through my participation in other programs run by the Yessenov Foundation. For instance, in 2023, I was awarded the Shakhmardan Yessenov Scholarship. That’s how I see it.

Tips for future YLP competition participants
Don’t be afraid to take risks and prove yourself. Too many opportunities in life are missed
because of the fear of judgment and rejection by others.

What I learned with the YLP grant
From autumn 2024 to May 2025, I completed two online courses: “AI Implementation Specialist” and “Data Analyst.” I independently managed my schedule for studying and completing practical assignments. I acquired basic skills in working with AI tools, learned to understand their principles and apply them. It was amazing to realize how widely AI is already being used and how rapidly these technologies are developing.

Where I Am Now
A year ago, I graduated from Kozybayev University with a bachelor’s degree. For my thesis project, I designed a clock based on the STM32 microcontroller, modeling it myself and 3D-printing the casing. Currently, I am seriously interested in video editing and sound recording. I know how to write prompts for neural networks – I learned how to format requests correctly in my courses. That makes my work in programming, image and audio generation much more effective. I plan to develop my hard skills and want to explore the field of unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

Interests
I am a cycling enthusiast and spend a lot of my free time riding around the city. I also enjoy 3D modeling and have my own 3D printer, which is actually the one I used to print the casing for my university thesis project.

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