From Classroom to Boardroom: NU IEEE Machine Learning Hackathon Winners Secure Industry Internships, Including a Paid Big Four Placement

On February 22-23, 2025, students from NU's IEEE Student Branch, primarily from SEDS' Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, hosted the university’s first IEEE Machine Learning Hackathon.

Over two intense days, 271 students from Nazarbayev University (SEDS, SSH, NUSOM, CPS) and Astana IT University formed 71 teams to tackle AI and Machine Learning challenges developed by three leading industry sponsors: KPMG, Sergek Group, and Desht Lab.

The 24-hour non-stop marathon showcased outstanding performances from students across disciplines, with the highest participation from the Computer Science and Electrical and Computer Engineering departments at SEDS, as well as the Mathematics department at SSH. Winning teams received prestigious prizes, including paid internships and cash rewards from the sponsors.

Beyond fostering competition, the hackathon served as a strategic platform to strengthen NU’s ties with the tech industry. KPMG awarded paid internship to its winners, while Sergek Group provided cash prize, and Desht Lab offered both internship opportunity and cash reward.

An Assistant Professor Carlo Moraldi from SEDS’ ECE Department and Chair of the IEEE Kazakhstan Sub-Section emphasized the event’s impact:

"Many thanks go to the companies that created the technical problems to challenge the students, evaluated the teams’ work, and sponsored the event. Thanks also to the colleagues of Electrical and Computer Engineering Department for their help to support the event. But the deepest thanks go to the members of the NU IEEE Student Branch for their great job and effort to organizing the event. Finally, congratulations Hackathon winners who have proven their worth in this tough, talent-filled competition".

The IEEE Machine Learning Hackathon marks the third hackathon hosted by SEDS students since December, underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering an ecosystem where students apply their knowledge, innovate, and connect with industry leaders.

Winners:

KPMG Hackathon Winners

1st Place - NaN

• Alina Zakeryanova – Computer Science, 3rd Year, NU SEDS
• Artem Chsherbakov – Computer Science, 3rd Year, NU SEDS
• Aruzhan Oshakbayeva – Mathematics, 4th Year, NU SSH
• Danial Sakhpantayev – Computer Science, 3rd Year, NU SEDS
• Nursultan Atymtay – Computer Science, 3rd Year, NU SEDS

Sergek Group Hackathon Winners

1st Place - IAAA

• Adilkhan Alpysbay – Electrical and Computer Engineering, 3rd Year, NU SEDS
• Anuarbek Bektemirov – NU CPS
• Arsen Abulgazimov – NU CPS

Desht Lab Hackathon Winners

1st Place - SlayVectorMachine

• Yernazar Yermuratov – Big Data Analysis, 3rd Year, AITU
• Alyona Abaidulina – Big Data Analysis, 3rd Year, AITU
• Dana Damenova – Big Data Analysis, 3rd Year, AITU
• Amir Abdykarimov – Big Data Analysis, 3rd Year, AITU