News

On 20 November 2025, the opening meeting of the MANAS E-LAB Project, conducted within the scope of Erasmus+, was held at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU).

The meeting was attended by KTMU Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan, Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Almaz Ibraev, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kamalbek Karymshakov, Secretary-General Dr. Fatih Ramazan İstanbullugil, Chief Advisor to the Rector Prof. Dr. Oktay Özgül, Kyrgyzstan National Erasmus+ Office Coordinator Gulnara Isaeva, Erasmus+ Office Representative Nurgul Kasenova, project partners and representatives from Naryn State University, Spain’s San Jorge University, İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University, Creative Industries Association, and press members.

The program started with the screening of the KTMU promotional film.

“The Project Strengthens the Brotherhood Bridge Between Two Countries”

Rector Prof. Dr. Alpaslan Ceylan emphasized that the MANAS E-LAB Project carries special importance in terms of academic and international cooperation.

Prof. Dr. Ceylan stated: “We are pleased to host such an important event here. Manas University is a strong brotherhood project founded on common ideals by Türkiye and Kyrgyzstan. This common effort has strengthened the friendship and cooperation bridge between the two countries day by day. Our university being ranked among the 1000 universities in the world is a concrete indicator of this shared vision.” Prof. Dr. Ceylan further emphasized that international projects bring new and innovative perspectives, and that the university attaches great importance to raising qualified entrepreneurs. He added: “I hope that this comprehensive and long-term 36-month project will achieve great success. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to this process.”

“It Is an Honor and Also a Responsibility”

Deputy Rector Prof. Dr. Ibraev underlined that the project carries strategic importance for KTMU. He stated: “This is a very valuable step for us as we start this comprehensive project with you. Being part of this international initiative is both a great honor and an important responsibility. We hope this is our first project, but not our last. We are all on the path of transformation, and this project will make a significant contribution to our academic and professional development.”

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Karymshakov noted that MANAS E-LAB has a structure that responds to modern needs: “We are pleased to launch this project. This initiative, which will contribute to integrating education and production, is an important beginning. We hope that this cooperation will not be limited to 36 months and will continue for many years.”

“Youth Have High Entrepreneurial Potential”

Prof. Dr. Burmaoğlu, academic staff member at İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University, stated that young people have high entrepreneurial potential and added: “I have had the opportunity to work with many young people and found that they have remarkable entrepreneurial potential. Many of them dream of working abroad, but I believe that if we provide an ecosystem that supports valuable activities in their own country, it will create great advantages both for the youth and for the country. Four years ago, we established our first student club in the field of entrepreneurship and supported many entrepreneurial activities. We carried out various efforts toward establishing an incubation center. I sincerely hope that this experience will be further strengthened through the MANAS E-LAB Project, and I am sure that the project will be an important step in expanding students’ horizons.”

“It Is a Great Achievement to Be Selected Among 26 Projects”

Kyrgyzstan National Erasmus+ Coordinator Gulnara Isaeva stressed that the selection of Manas University’s project was a significant and valuable achievement. She stated: “At a time when competition among higher education institutions is very high, being selected as one of the five projects out of a total of 26 carries great importance. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Manas University for this success. I hope that the experience you have gained will integrate with strong cooperation and transform into an inspiring and motivating journey.”

The program continued with the introduction of the main coordinators of the MANAS E-LAB Project and concluded with a group photo. The project aims to expand students’ vision, develop their entrepreneurial skills, and strengthen academic cooperation between the two countries.