Visually-Impaired Version 
On April 24-25, Astana Urban Tourism Ideaton 2025 was held at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU). The event became a platform for tourist brainstorming, where students presented their ideas on the development of tourism in Astana.
Ideaton is more than just a hackathon. This is a format that combines elements of a startup project and a strategic session aimed at generating innovative solutions. The participants presented their projects in three key areas, such as the concept of events with the integration of tourist attractions, the creation of new tourist locations and points of attraction in unsettled territories, and improving the service and infrastructure of the capital’s airport. The event was organized by the MNU School of Liberal Arts in cooperation with the Akimat of Astana, the Center for Tourism Development “AstanaTourism” and dedicated to the 85th anniversary of the honorary rector of MNU, statesman and public figure Maqsut Narikbayev.
«The tourist potential of the capital is growing annually. About 200 international events are planned this year, which is 40% more than last year. I am sure that this Ideaton will become not only a platform for generating new ideas, but also an important step in improving the tourism sector of the capital», -said Maksat Zhanabayev, Deputy Head of the Astana Investment and Entrepreneurship Development Department.
The prize fund of the competition was 1 million tenge. During the event, students developed prototypes of projects, received expert feedback and presented their solutions to the jury members. The best ideas were awarded prizes, cash certificates and recommended for possible implementation.
«I am very pleased that the quality and content of innovative student projects is growing and improving every year, which means that MNU’s educational programs are tailored to meet the current needs of the market and prepare competitive and ambitious specialists, entrepreneurs and founders of innovative start-up projects. We wish good luck to all participants in all further initiatives» – said Madina Lukpanova, Head of the educational programs “Tourism” and “Hospitality”.
The Ideaton once again affirmed that Maqsut Narikbayev University is a vibrant hub where innovation, youth-driven initiatives, and projects aimed at national development come together on a single platform to drive real change. Recently, MNU also made headlines by hosting the first-ever International Legathon MaxUP 2025 in the CIS.
