On March 27, AlmaU hosted the international case championship “CrackIt 2026”, organized by the AlmaU Institute of Entrepreneurship. The large-scale event brought together school students and college and university students from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.
Participants were challenged to develop solutions for real business problems provided by international companies. The championship aimed not only to generate innovative ideas but also to develop analytical thinking, teamwork, project management, and public presentation skills.
A total of 250 participants formed 59 teams, demonstrating strong interest in practice-oriented learning and real business engagement. The highest number of teams participated in Verigram and BIART cases, with 13 teams each.
Winners of the company cases:
● Verigram – “Adeptus” (AlmaU): Ravil Khusnutdinov, Madi Issayev, Arina Panasyuk, Marsel Mustafin, Violetta Yunyazova
● BIART – “Team” (Academy of Civil Aviation): Ravshan Razulayev, Asatbek Urakov, Timur Ismailov
● Mars Petcare – “Top One” (IITU): Ayan Abak, Temirlan Almukhammed, Daniil Palagutin, Alikhan Tleubaev
● KCELL – “Crackers” (AlmaU): Saida Latypayeva, Elina Karamergenova, Yermurat Turlybekov, Vadim Maltsev
● NYM – “AUCA” (American University of Central Asia): Akmaral Tokonova, Aidana Zarlykova, Ruslan Nurbolot uulu, Aida Klycheva
Additional prize winners by cases:
● Verigram:
“slayeconomist” (Ala-Too International University): Aidana Akylbekkyzy, Felix Alaybekov, Ali Eshimbekov, Altynai Iskenderova, Daria Lavrenova
“raccon team” (Innovative Technical College): Damila Mutali, Anel Alchinova, Darina Mukhametzhan, Amina Danykova
● BIART:
“Flames” (NIS Almaty, Medeu): Assyl Basygarayeva, Botagoz Yeldoskyzy, Aybyn Bult, Nurali Sharipbek
● Mars Petcare:
“Money talks” (AUCA): Akmaral Tokonova, Aidana Zarlykova, Ruslan Nurbolot uulu, Aida Klycheva
“HBandMiras” (Haileybury): Chintan Chokhani, Redeli Biegelan, Miras Bazarbay, Daria Nassimullina, Mansur Uakpayev
“Awwal” (Satbayev University): Alikhan Orazkhan Dinmukhamed, Abilmansur Kadyrali
● NYM:
“normale” (SDU University): Dilyara Satylzhan, Ainur Nurtazin, Ulzhan Asset, Khamida Kurmash
“sdu” (SDU University): Dilyara Satylzhan, Ainur Nurtazin, Ulzhan Asset, Khamida Kurmash
“pulse” (UIB): Kuralai Mendyhan, Nurayym Altybayeva
● KCELL:
“IBE AIU” (Ala-Too International University): Aziret Keneshbekov, Aktan Aktalov, Azret Myrzabekov, Aliya Abilova, Cholpon Kadyralieva
Strategic outcomes of the championship:
● Strengthening AlmaU’s position as a practice-oriented education platform
● Expanding collaboration with business and industry partners
● Enhancing international engagement among Central Asian youth
● Creating new opportunities for career development and skill-building
CrackIt 2026 became an important platform connecting education, business, and young talents, contributing to the development of future professionals ready to solve real-world challenges.