Contract Research

Science that Works: Satbayev University and Industry Reach New Heights 

Satbayev University is now the primary bridge between science and large-scale business in Kazakhstan. We have moved beyond "science for science's sake" to solving the real-world challenges faced by factories and mines. 

The results speak for themselves: over the past five years, industry trust in our researchers has grown sevenfold. In 2025, the volume of orders from industrial companies reached a milestone of  2 billion tenge. 

Our Projects and the UN Global Goals (SDGs)  For international recognition (QS World University Rankings), it is essential that our developments not only generate revenue but also contribute to a better world. We have aligned our key projects with the Sustainable Development Goals: 

• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9):  35 projects. Developing  new technologies  for industry leaders such as  KAZ Minerals  Aktogay,  ERG, and  Karajanbasmunai. 
• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7):  12 projects. Helping  KazTransOil  transport resources more efficiently with minimal losses. 
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12):  10 projects. Implementing "green" technologies together with  KAZGEOLOGY  and  Meerbusch. 
• Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6):  6 projects. Exploring and protecting groundwater resources alongside  Ken-Sary. 

Growth of Investment in Our Ideas: 

• 2020:  276 million tenge – the beginning of our journey. 
• 2023:  1.6 billion tenge – a major leap (63 large contracts). 
• 2025:  2.016 billion tenge  – an all-time high! 

Why does this matter?  Every tenge invested by companies into our research translates into new patents, jobs, and eco-friendly production. We are proving that Kazakhstani science can and must be both profitable and beneficial for the entire planet. 

Contract Research 

Contract research is an effective instrument for interaction between science, education, and industry, enabling companies and organizations to use the scientific, human, and infrastructural potential of Satbayev University to address pressing industrial, technological, and engineering challenges. 

Satbayev University provides services for conducting research and development (R&D) and research, development, and experimental design work on a contractual basis. The University implements projects of various levels of complexity aimed both at applied research and at the development of practical solutions for the real sector of the economy. 

We offer full-cycle project support: from problem identification and analysis to technology development, testing, preparation of scientific and technical documentation, and formulation of recommendations for the implementation of results in production. 

Cooperation with the University within the framework of contract research enables the customer to gain access to modern scientific approaches, specialized equipment, the expert knowledge of scientists and researchers, as well as interdisciplinary teams capable of solving complex tasks in the interests of business and industry. 

Who Can Be a Customer 

Satbayev University may conclude contracts for R&D and experimental development work with both legal entities and individuals. 

Individuals may apply to the University when there is a need to solve specific scientific, technical, or engineering problems requiring specialized knowledge, laboratory facilities, calculations, analysis, testing, or expert support. 

Legal entities - industrial enterprises, manufacturing companies, subsoil users, energy, oil and gas, metallurgical, machine-building, construction, and other organizations - may use the scientific potential of the University for: 

• development of new technologies and technical solutions; 
• improvement of existing production processes; 
• conducting applied research and testing; 
• expert, analytical, and engineering support; 
• creation of new products, materials, and solutions; 
• scientific and technical support of innovative and investment projects. 

Main Areas of Activity 

The University carries out R&D and experimental development work in a wide range of scientific and technical areas, including: 

• geology and geological exploration; 
• mining and geomechanics; 
• oil and gas industry; 
• metallurgy and mineral processing; 
• chemical technologies; 
• ecology and rational environmental management; 
• energy; 
• materials science; 
• digital, engineering, and manufacturing technologies. 

The implementation of contract research in these areas is aimed at solving the urgent challenges of enterprises, increasing production efficiency, reducing technological risks, introducing innovations, and developing the scientific and technological potential of economic sectors. 

Formats of Cooperation 

Within the framework of contract research, Satbayev University offers the following formats of cooperation: 

• execution of research work; 
• execution of research and experimental design work; 
• laboratory and analytical studies; 
• engineering calculations and modeling; 
• scientific and technical expertise; 
• development of technological recommendations; 
• pilot and experimental studies; 
• consulting and expert support for projects. 

What the Customer Receives 

As a result of contract research, the customer may receive: 

• a scientific and technical report; 
• an analytical conclusion; 
• test and research results; 
• implementation recommendations; 
• technical and technological solutions; 
• design, calculation, or engineering documentation; 
• a prototype, methodology, or process flow diagram; 
• scientific support for implementation of the results. 

Advantages of Cooperation with Satbayev University 

Cooperation with the University in the framework of contract research ensures: 

• access to qualified scientists, researchers, and industry specialists; 
• use of modern scientific, laboratory, and engineering infrastructure; 
• an interdisciplinary approach to solving complex problems; 
• adaptation of solutions to real production conditions; 
• project support at all stages of implementation; 
• focus on practical results and implementation; 
• strengthening of the customer’s innovative potential and competitiveness. 

The University places special emphasis on the practical applicability of research results, their implementation in production processes, and the subsequent commercialization of scientific and technological developments. 

Partners 

Satbayev University actively cooperates with leading enterprises, national companies, research centers, and industrial organizations. Such interaction contributes to the development of applied science, the creation of востребованных technological solutions, and the strengthening of ties between the University and the real sector of the economy. 

Among the University’s partners are: 

• ERG Research and Engineering Center LLP; 
• Kazakhmys Corporation LLP; 
• Atyrau Oil Refinery; 
• KazTransOil JSC; 
• Astana Motors Motor Company LLP; 
• Khorasan-U LLP; 
• Kazakhaltyn LLP; 
• Semizbay LLP, and others. 

Joint projects with these organizations are aimed at solving relevant scientific, technical, industrial, and technological challenges, fostering innovation, improving process efficiency, and implementing research results in the practical activities of enterprises.