SEDS Professors and Students' Project, Mirai Tech, Wins Grand Prize at NURIS Founders' School and Secures Spot at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco

Mirai Tech, a deep-tech project developed by professors and students from the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences (SEDS) at Nazarbayev University, has won the Grand Prize at the NURIS Founders' School. This victory secures the team a prestigious opportunity to participate in TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, one of the world's leading technology conferences held in San Francisco, USA, from October 28-30, 2024.

TechCrunch Disrupt is a three-day event focused on cutting-edge technology, featuring industry thought leaders driving innovation. At the heart of the conference is the Startup Battlefield 200, where two hundred early-stage startups showcase their groundbreaking developments. From this pool, 20 finalists will be chosen to compete for a $100,000 grand prize on the Disrupt Stage. The event also offers networking opportunities through activations, roundtables, and social events within the tech ecosystem.

Successful companies like Dropbox and Fitbit first presented their innovations at TechCrunch Disrupt before achieving "unicorn" status, with billion-dollar valuations.

Led by SEDS Professor Gulnur Kalimuldina, Mirai Tech presented its AI-driven wearable sensor technology designed to assist children with autism and motor dysfunctions. Developed over five years in collaboration with the Micro/Nano Engineering Lab and ARMS Lab, the sensors provide real-time feedback to caregivers and therapists, enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

"NURIS Founders' School gave us a platform to transform our research into a viable business," said Professor Kalimoldina. "We are grateful to NURIS, the NU Social Development Fund, and the SIT Foundation for this opportunity to showcase our innovation."

A huge congratulations to the entire Mirai Tech team on this incredible achievement! At TechCrunch Disrupt, the team will present its product on a global stage, engaging with investors and exploring partnerships to accelerate its development and commercialization.

Interview with the Founder of the Project, Professor Gulnur Kalimuldina

Can you tell us about your experience at Founders' Weekend? How did your team come together, and what was the biggest challenge you faced during the event?

Our experience at Founders' Weekend was transformative. Our team formed organically—some members had previously worked in a lab together, while others stayed on after completing their capstone projects. The students came from diverse fields, including engineering, robotics, and machine learning. The biggest challenge was time management—balancing creative brainstorming with the need to develop a tangible product and pitch it within a short timeframe. We had to make quick decisions, but the team's adaptability and collaborative spirit helped us overcome these challenges. Founders' Weekend allowed us to shift our mindset about the products we could offer.

Project and Research

Could you share some details about the research project you and the students worked on during Founders' Weekend?

Our project focused on developing AI-powered wearable sensors designed to assist children with autism in improving motor coordination and sensory integration. The insoles we created monitor gait and foot pressure, providing real-time feedback to caregivers and therapists.

What inspired you to choose this particular project, and what impact do you hope it will have?

The project was inspired by the growing need for accessible therapeutic tools for children with sensory and motor dysfunctions. We hope our product will improve the quality of life for children with autism and provide specialists with accurate data to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Team Members

Who were the key members of your team, and how did their individual skills contribute to the success of the project?

Mirai Tech - Nazarbayev University Team:

1. Gulnur Kalimuldina – Founder and Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Doctor of Engineering (Tokyo Institute of Technology), and Director of the Micro/Nanoengineering Laboratory. She leads research projects with a budget of approximately $1 million and a team of 15 researchers.
2. Azamat Eshmukhametov – Co-founder, Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Robotics Engineering, Doctor of Philosophy (Tokai University, Japan), and expert in robotics, mechatronics, and electronics.
3. Medetkhan Altymbek – Project Manager with expertise in robotics, mechatronics, and machine learning.
4. Daniyar Dauletiya – Engineer and robot developer with 5 years of experience. Head of the FabLab Laboratory at the University of Information Technologies.
5. Adelia Anash – Project Manager with a background in mechanical engineering and materials design.
6. Experienced Researchers Team – Researchers with PhD, MSc, and BSc degrees from Nazarbayev University, specializing in sensors, materials, robotics, and machine learning.

Highlights and Takeaways

What was the most memorable moment of the event for you?

The final pitch was the most memorable. Presenting our idea to experts and receiving immediate positive feedback gave us the confidence that our project had real-world potential.

What were some key lessons or takeaways from your participation?

We learned the importance of agility and collaboration under pressure. Additionally, we gained valuable skills in understanding the target market and refining our pitch to clearly communicate the problem and solution. Pitching is very different from presenting to the scientific community—we learned to use less scientific jargon and more accessible language, regardless of the technology's complexity.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

You’re attending TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco, a premier event in the tech industry. What are your goals for the event?

Our goal is to showcase our product on a global stage, connect with potential investors, and explore partnerships to accelerate the development and commercialization of our technology.

What are you most excited about for TechCrunch Disrupt? Are there any particular startups or speakers you’re looking forward to?

We’re excited about networking with cutting-edge startups and industry leaders. We're especially looking forward to sessions on AI in healthcare and wearable technologies, which align with our product vision.

Future Plans

What are your next steps for the project after these events? Are there plans for further development or commercialization?

After TechCrunch Disrupt, we plan to refine our product based on feedback and begin pilot testing in partnership with rehabilitation centers. We're also exploring seed funding to bring the product to market. Our next step is to complete an improved prototype after testing in real-world applications, and we aim to collaborate with the National Children's Rehabilitation and Diagnostic Centers.

How do you see the skills and experience gained from Founders' Weekend and TechCrunch Disrupt influencing your future work or career?

This experience has given us a deeper understanding of startup ecosystems and healthcare innovation. We plan to leverage these insights to drive the commercialization of our product and explore other potential applications of our technology.

Advice for Students

What advice would you give to students interested in participating in innovation or startup competitions?

Focus on solving real-world problems. Start with an issue you’re passionate about and build your project around that. Surround yourself with a diverse team whose skills complement your own.

How can students best prepare for events like Founders' Weekend and international platforms like TechCrunch Disrupt?

Preparation is key. Understand the market, refine your pitch, and practice clearly articulating your value proposition. Don’t underestimate the importance of networking—it can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

Professor Gulnur Kalimuldina and her team's success at NURIS Founders' School is not just a win for Mirai Tech but a shining example of the innovative spirit driving the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences, as well as Nazarbayev University. Their AI-powered wearable technology holds the potential to significantly impact the lives of children with autism, underscoring the vital role of research and collaboration in addressing real-world challenges.

As they prepare for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, the team remains focused on refining their product and exploring new partnerships to accelerate its development. "This journey has shown us that innovation requires not only technical expertise but also adaptability and a clear vision of the impact we want to make," said Professor Kalimuldina.

With their sights set on global recognition, Mirai Tech is a project to watch, and their upcoming participation in San Francisco is just the beginning of their promising journey.