On July 10, 2025, the Institute of Smart Systems and Artificial Intelligence (ISSAI) celebrated the successful completion of its five-week Summer Research Program (SRP) 2025 for high- school students. The program brought together 41 talented participants from leading schools across Kazakhstan, offering them an immersive, hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, programming, robotics, and cutting-edge research.

The program officially began on June 9 and was structured into two major components: Theory and Practice. The first week featured intensive masterclasses by ISSAI’s top researchers on topics such as language models, computer vision, generative AI, and model optimization.

Following the theoretical foundation, students selected their specialized tracks and spent four weeks working under the guidance of ISSAI researchers on individual and group research projects. The projects covered diverse domains such as Robotics, DevOps, MLOps, Avatars, LLMs, and Speech-to-Text systems.

All the projects were exceptionally well-prepared, showcasing the students’ diligent, day-to-day efforts under the close guidance of their mentors. Among these projects were::

• ISSAIBek and  Plazma Voice Cloning: A chatbot based on KazLLM, integrating Whisper, Gemini, GPT-4o, ElevenLabs, and Telegram APIs and a voice synthesis system implementing F5 TTS with Russian language support, coupled with Whisper for transcription; Mentor : Anuar Aryngazin; Team members: Amanzhan Magzhan, Elazraq Marwa, Kassymkan Zhanibek, Khatib Meryam, Omarbekov Dauren, Sabyr Aiym, Sarzhigitov Alpamys, Sarsekey Kabylda, Sovetkhan Shyngys, Taizhanov Nurbek, Terlikbay Alikhan, Yeleuov Rassul, Yerlanuly Adilet, Yerdenov Batyr.
• Small LLM Explorations. Mentor: Vladimir Albrekht; Team members: Sanzhar Sariyev, Akylzhan Sailanbay.
• Continuum Robot: A low-cost, cable-driven soft robot controlled by stepper motors, designed for potential applications in minimally invasive surgery. Mentor: Dr.Azamat Yeshmukhametov, Yersaiyn Bushanov; Team members: Kudaibergenova Leila, Abdu Nurkhat, Baisart Nazar, Tleugazy Zhanibek, Kamila Yespayeva, Sayat Kaztuganov, Abylai Amen.
• In-Pipe Robot: An autonomous robotic prototype designed for industrial inspection of pipelines. Mentor: Dr.Azamat Yeshmukhametov, Dias Akimbay, Team members: Tarenov Karim, Sartayev Sanzhar, Nugiyeva Malika, Algozha Anar.
• Rehabilitation Platform Using Linear Actuators: A motion device with built-in feedback for children with special needs, aimed at enhancing motor coordination and cognitive stimulation. Mentor: Dr.Azamat Yeshmukhametov, Ramazan Zhylkaidarov; Team members: Mereyli Baisariyeva, Daniyar Zhinsiuly.
• Avatars. Mentor: Dr. Zhanat Makatayeva, Team members: Assyl Sagidolla, Adil Yergen, Zhansaya Zhanabay, Tomiris Tungat, Viktoriya Demko.
• SafeEyes. Mentor: Rasul Yermagambet; Team members: Sara Sairanova, Sultanbek Sary, Alisher Rustemov.
• SRP Social Media. Mentor: Rasul Yermagambet; Team members: Aslan Nurali, Nugiyeva Malika, Sarsenbek Iliyas, Alzhan Nurgaliyev
• Web App focused solely on positive content by automatically removing toxic or negative posts. Mentor:  Rasul Yermagambet; Team members: Kishkashbayeva Kamilla, Algozha Anar, Alexandr Yershov, Aldiyar Zhatakbayev.

Throughout the program, students not only advanced their technical and research skills but also developed soft skills, including teamwork, presentation abilities, and scientific communication.

All 41 participants were awarded certificates of successful completion, recognizing their dedication and growth throughout the summer.

We are also proud to announce that Batyr Yerdenov, Sultanbek Sary, and Zhanibek Kassymkhan, participants of the Summer Research Program, emerged as winners of the National AI Olympiad, earning their place on Team Kazakhstan for the upcoming international stage in China.

The ISSAI SRP continues to serve as a unique platform for nurturing the next generation of AI researchers and innovators in Kazakhstan. This summer, students were not just learners — they became contributors to real-world research, engaging with advanced tools and working on ideas that may shape the future of technology in the region.