Maire Partners with Kazakh-British Technical University to Enhance Education and Innovation in Energy Transition

Collaboration to Advance Energy Transition Education

On February 28, 2025, Maire S.p.A. entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Kazakh-British Technical University (KBTU) to strengthen international cooperation in the fields of science and education. This partnership aims to foster the development of skills necessary for the energy transition, a crucial aspect of today’s global environmental initiatives.

Strategic Goals of the Partnership

This three-year agreement addresses a wide range of collaborative initiatives. These include facilitating guest lectures by Maire's industry experts for KBTU students, providing internship opportunities within the company, and offering sponsorships as well as research grants for outstanding students from KBTU. Such initiatives are designed to enhance the academic framework and provide practical experience for future professionals.

Additionally, as part of this collaboration, KBTU is developing a new educational curriculum focused on sustainable energy and innovative technologies. This program aims to create highly skilled specialists capable of addressing the challenges presented by the global need for clean energy solutions. A significant element of this initiative involves the joint supervision of master's theses, enhancing the academic rigor and practical relevance of the students’ research.

The signing ceremony was attended by prominent figures including Prof. Maratbek T. Gabdullin, Rector of KBTU, and Niccolò Heilpern, Vice President of the MAIRE group for Central Asia, Caspian, and Turkey regions. Their collective vision underscores the importance of academia-industry collaborations in tackling the pressing issues related to energy transition.

Empowering Students for Future Challenges

Prof. Gabdullin expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, "This memorandum opens new avenues of opportunity for KBTU students and faculty. Collaborating with Maire will grant our students access to cutting-edge knowledge, technological insights, and invaluable real-world experience within a leading global corporation. We believe this initiative will elevate the training of specialists who are increasingly sought after in the evolving energy sector."

Similarly, Niccolò Heilpern emphasized the commitment of Maire to fostering innovation through this collaboration. "We look forward to initiating this cooperation with KBTU, which is dedicated to fostering academic excellence while sharing our industry expertise in line with our In-Country Value strategy for Kazakhstan. This partnership is set to provide substantial opportunities for KBTU students and contribute to the development of necessary competencies in the regional industrial landscape."

Addressing Workforce Skills for the Energy Transition

This corporate-academic alliance aligns with broader goals revealed in a study conducted by Fondazione Maire titled "Winning Climate Goals Through Skills Development Worldwide." The findings of this study, presented at COP29 in Baku, highlight the urgent need for reskilling efforts targeted at workforce development in Kazakhstan, especially concerning emerging green technologies.

In conclusion, the partnership between Maire and KBTU reflects a proactive response to the increasing demand for skilled professionals adept in sustainable energy and innovative practices. It not only prepares students for the dynamic demands of the job market but also contributes significantly to the national and global agenda for a cleaner, more sustainable future. This initiative marks a significant step forward in fostering a new generation of experts equipped to tackle the exciting challenges that lie ahead in the energy sector.