One of the global leaders in software development, SAP, has launched its first student hackathon in Kazakhstan. This initiative aims to foster a collaborative innovation ecosystem, where hackathon participants will tackle challenges posed by SAP clients across various industries, developing digital solutions for major Kazakhstani enterprises.
Over the course of two months, 11 teams will work on creating innovative solutions based on real business cases from SAP clients: "Kazakhmys Corporation," Qarmet, and Bereke Bank.
"We believe that events like this, which bring together young talents and modern technologies, will serve as a bridge to provide our clients with innovations, while also offering young professionals the chance to enhance their skills and expertise," noted Julia Stepantsova, a member of the board of directors at SAP Kazakhstan.
Last year, the international company SAP celebrated its 50th anniversary and reached this milestone with significant achievements: today, SAP clients account for 87% of global trade volume. SAP solutions span 26 industries and encompass 12 business areas, each already integrating elements of artificial intelligence. According to Julia, interest in AI usage continues to grow in Kazakhstan, just as it does globally, and this is not merely a trend. Expert assessments indicate that the economic potential of applying AI in business exceeds 11 trillion euros. This opens up excellent prospects for young individuals pursuing IT specializations, including within Kazakhstani companies.
To support student teams and ensure the success of their projects, resources and assistance will be provided by SAP, clients, and partners, including mentorship, collaboration with industry experts, online and offline training, opportunities for international certification, as well as access to the SAP Build Work Zone tool on the SAP Business Technology Platform for prototyping ideas.
Partners of the company, including integrators Sarmat Technologies, msg Plaut Central Asia, and Telecon, have joined in coaching and supporting the teams. "As a partner, we share values with SAP, such as the desire to support young talents and provide them with opportunities to grow in digital solutions and technologies," said Ilmira Kaipova, business development director at Telecon. "The idea of this hackathon resonates with us, as we want to grow and not stagnate. An experienced eye can become complacent; we get used to following familiar paths. However, the youth represent a breath of fresh air for us, seasoned market participants."
Alexander Shepteev, executive director of Sarmat Technologies, emphasized that SAP conducts such events worldwide, and Kazakhstan's involvement in this movement is a very positive development. "There are at least five stakeholders who benefit from this hackathon: the government, as it imports the latest technologies and nurtures new talent for a vital sector; students, who find jobs and enhance their qualifications; clients, who get answers to their questions; and us, the integrators and vendors," Alexander Shepteev is confident.
Anatoly Bolotov, business development director at msg Plaut Central Asia, explained that for his company, the hackathon is an opportunity to transform the IT landscape in Kazakhstan. "There's an unfortunate trend in the market: in every sector, there are three to four companies that understand modern technologies and are developing them. The rest merely explain why it's impossible for them at this stage. Another unfortunate trend is when companies try to gather a team of developers in a makeshift garage and reinvent the wheel for an imaginary motorcycle. We see a significant mission in changing the IT industry," said Anatoly Bolotov.
"Talented youth and the right approach to utilizing innovations are the secret ingredients for the success of any innovative project," believes Julia Stepantsova. "Our student hackathon helps uncover this secret ingredient." Julia expressed hope that each team will reach the finals with strong results. Winners will have the opportunity for employment with clients and partners, as well as the chance to complete the implementation of their ideas as part of a project team at SAP.
Bakhyt Kurmanov, director of digitization at "Kazakhmys Corporation," shared that his company would like to help bridge the gap between theoretical research conducted by universities and its practical application. "The developments that students create, if they are successful, we will definitely implement in our production. Overall, we would like to develop the team, include new members, and having youth in the team is crucial," noted Bakhyt Kurmanov.
Speaking about what modern youth need to succeed in the IT sector, Aigerim Safina, chief accountant at Bereke Bank, highlighted the importance of analytical thinking; technological proficiency; creative thinking that allows for problem-solving in complex situations; engagement and results-oriented work; and the desire to develop soft skills.
"It's often the case in a team where one person rushes ahead, unafraid to be creative, while another meticulously double-checks everything. They complement each other, creating an energy exchange, and that is essentially what teamwork is about. The ability to work in a team is another crucial skill needed by both young and experienced professionals," believes Aigerim Safina.
According to Sergey Rogovoy, deputy director of IT at Qarmet, the five most essential skills for youth are digital literacy and knowledge of the latest technologies; critical thinking and the ability to approach problem-solving in unconventional ways; flexibility and adaptability; communication skills; and teamwork. "It's important for these skills to coexist in a single person, and especially vital when technical skills are combined with creativity," explained Sergey Rogovoy.
The hackathon partners presented participants with cases related to process automation, mobile applications, and artificial intelligence. Among the cases from "Kazakhmys," notable examples include "Inventory Management – Planning and Forecasting of Inventory (using IT assets as an example)" and creating a mobile application for the information system for accounting and issuing personal protective equipment and specialized clothing. Qarmet proposed tasks for developing a mobile application called "Active Employee" and creating a chatbot for user support, answering frequently asked questions, and solving simple tasks. Bereke Bank selected cases including the development of a mobile application for "Inventory of Fixed Assets" and creating a robotic service for automating the registration of creditors and debtors in ERP.