MAKETHON TOM: KYRGYZSTAN
Makethon is a 72-hour marathon where inventors, developers, and engineers (makers) design assistive devices to improve the lives of people with disabilities. During the prototyping process, engineers are supported by real children with disabilities and their parents, for whom the inventions are gifted at the end of the Makethon.

In Kyrgyzstan, the Makethon is organized by the Fair and Sustainable Development Solutions public foundation, which is the official representative of the TOM: Global movement in the country.

TOM: BISHKEK 2020
In 2020, "TOM: BISHKEK 2020" was dedicated to COVID-19. Over three days, four teams of young inventors from different regions of Kyrgyzstan developed and presented devices aimed at combating the coronavirus. According to the decision of the jury—composed of representatives from the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, the business sector, medical professionals, and event organizers—the winner was the team “SHANS” from Naryn, who received a prize fund of $1000.

Ulukbek Bukaradinov and Almaz Chomonov presented their project, sharing that the idea for an automated sanitizer was born during the pandemic, when the country was in dire need of technical assistance.

“We are very happy that our idea won first place. It was unexpected for us—we simply believed in our idea and kept working. We want to thank all the participants for their support, and the organizers for hosting such a wonderful Makethon event that highlights vital issues faced by people with disabilities. Thank you!” said Ulukbek Bukaradinov.

RESULTS
1st Place: “SHANS” (Naryn) – developed an automated sanitizer
2nd Place: “KOMPAS” (Naryn) – developed a doctor-robot for checking children's temperature and disinfecting hands
3rd Place: “MAKER SPACE” (Bishkek) – developed an automated door handle sanitizer
4th Place: “CARING IS SHARING” (Tokmok) – developed a bactericidal air recirculator for disinfecting air in rooms and clinics