A powerful new chapter in women’s entrepreneurship has begun in Central Asia. At Karaganda Industrial University, an ambitious initiative titled “Catalyzing Women’s Entrepreneurship in Higher Education” has emerged as a dynamic platform empowering young women to turn ideas into action and leadership into impact.
This is not just another academic program. It is a movement designed to reshape mindsets, strengthen confidence, and cultivate the next generation of female leaders in Kazakhstan, DKNews.kz reports.
The initiative was launched with the support of Swedish pracademic, founder, and honorary patron Mr. Alex Matrsson. His distinctive approach bridges academic rigor with real-world business experience, transforming the program into a true laboratory of entrepreneurship rather than a traditional lecture series.
Feel Big. Think Big. Do Big.
At the heart of the initiative lies a clear and inspiring philosophy: encourage young women to “feel big, think big, and do big.” In a rapidly evolving global economy, this means developing the courage to lead, the strategic mindset to innovate, and the resilience to build sustainable ventures.
The opening seminar, led by Mr. Alex Matrsson, provided participants with deep insights into business fundamentals, innovation processes, and global entrepreneurial trends. Rather than focusing solely on theory, he emphasized how ideas can be transformed into viable, scalable business models with real-world impact.
The next phase, the business clinic, offered student teams personalized mentorship. Participants presented early-stage concepts and received strategic feedback to refine their ideas. Projects were strengthened through structured analysis, risk assessment, and long-term planning.
The high-impact pitch session marked a defining moment. Students presented their ventures before a selection committee, demonstrating not only creativity and innovation but also professional communication skills and strategic depth.
The program concluded with the celebratory event Rise and Lead. Outstanding participants were awarded Certificates of Global Competence, recognizing their innovation, discipline, and ability to develop projects with both local and international relevance.
Inspiration Through Art and Excellence
A particularly inspiring highlight was the participation of Dr. Kadisha Onalbayeva, a distinguished Kazakh pianist, composer, and educator. Her keynote address deeply resonated with participants, illustrating how talent, discipline, and determination can open extraordinary doors.
She reminded students that success requires courage and inner strength - whether on stage, in academia, or in business.
Aligned with Kazakhstan’s Long-Term Vision
The initiative aligns closely with Kazakhstan’s long-term national development priorities, including the “Kazakhstan-2050” Strategy and the country’s commitment to building an innovation-driven, knowledge-based economy.
By empowering young women with entrepreneurial skills, leadership acumen, and creative thinking, the program contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
It also advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
This initiative is not merely about teaching business. It is about cultivating systemic thinking, where entrepreneurship becomes a powerful tool for social and economic progress.
Who Is Mr. Alex Matrsson?
Mr. Alex Matrsson is a Swedish pracademic, entrepreneur, senior lecturer, researcher, and international business advisor.
His professional experience spans launching and managing businesses across global value chains, working with investors, SMEs, multinational corporations, government agencies, universities, and multidisciplinary research institutes.
He actively advocates for business strategy, industrial marketing, commercial diplomacy, and research commercialization. In education, he emphasizes synergy-making, innovation, and serendipity as foundational principles.
His goal is not simply to transfer knowledge but to develop reflexive thinkers capable of applying state-of-the-art concepts constructively to drive social and economic prosperity.
His scientific work focuses on trade promotion, emerging markets, business resilience, and the network approach to internationalization. On a personal level, his interests range from blue whales and Arabian horses to classical music, ethical capitalism, Nordic culture, the GCC region, and Central Asia - particularly Kazakhstan.
Scaling Across Central Asia
The Karaganda initiative is only the beginning. Mr. Alex Matrsson plans to expand the project across universities throughout Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries.
Today, it is an educational initiative. Tomorrow, it could shape a new economic reality.
