In Apil 2017, Commissioner of "EXPO-2017" Rapil Zhoshybayev had familiarized himself with the projects of scientists from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, which were later presented at the World Specialized Exhibition in Astana. He also met with students, visited the technopark, and the university's "green technology" center.

The rector of KazNU, academician Galym Mutanov, briefed the guest on the achievements, scientific, innovative, and educational activities of the university, as well as on projects of scientists and students in the field of future energy. It was planned that the national pavilion "Kazakhstan" would feature innovative developments such as a device for separating a hydrocarbon gas mixture into components using the convective diffusion method; plasma-fuel systems to improve the environmental and economic performance of thermal power plants and coal-fired boilers; an autonomous solar installation for obtaining thermal and electrical energy; the development of a silicon solar battery with planar concentration. In addition, the exhibition pavilion showcased the project of the first Kazakh nanosatellite; energy-saving gas discharge lamps with increased luminous intensity; small-scale installations for the production of carbon nanostructures; technologies for generating electricity using piezoelectric elements in road pavement and the production of a catalyst for hydrogenation of vegetable oils, and many others. The university noted that Zhoshybayev highly appreciated the scientific potential of KazNU, noting that the university, as a leading innovation center, is becoming a growth point for the "smart" economy of the country and a driver of "green" energy. The participation of KazNU scientists and young researchers in "EXPO" was a good opportunity not only to demonstrate their developments but also to gain valuable experience, be in the midst of innovative ideas from around the world, find partners and like-minded people. At the meeting with students, the exhibition commissioner talked about the progress of preparations for "EXPO-2017" in Astana, emphasizing that the event would be a grand event on a global scale. More than 100 countries and 10 international organizations participated in it, and residents and guests of the capital awaited more than three thousand cultural events. It was planned that more than two million people would visit the exhibition. Zhoshybayev invited teachers and students to visit the exhibition, support their colleagues presenting projects, and expressed confidence that they would see many interesting things and get a lot of pleasant impressions. During the meeting, students received answers to their questions, took part in a quiz, and the best of them were awarded souvenirs and memorable gifts. According to Al-Farabi KazNU, on the eve of "EXPO-2017," a "green technology" center was created at KazNU, which represented an urban "Mini-EXPO". Projects of "green energy" are being implemented using innovative energy production technologies: wind, solar, geothermal, hydro, and biogas energy. Specialists were trained at the center based on science-intensive engineering. An environmentally sustainable and comfortable "green" environment is being created on the territory of the KazNU campus. Work is nearing completion on the improvement of the Kerengulak riverbed with treatment facilities. Water from the river will be used in the artificial ecosystem "Aquaponics" being created. It will become a unique recreation area for students, guests of the university campus, and residents of Almaty, as well as a practical base for teaching students how to maintain and breed decorative and valuable species of fish and plants.