Innovations in AIRR Regions: Digest, October 12

Key weekly trends in innovation, technology, and regional development across AIRR regions.

AI in Innopolis
At the “Innopolis Digital Days” forum in Tatarstan, more than 40 pilot projects were launched to implement AI in education and science. The republic plans to invest RUB 5 billion in this field over five years. Tatarstan has a dedicated regional program supporting AI infrastructure, talent development, and research. Valery Falkov, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia, stated that by 2030, AI should be used in 70% of scientific research, while at least half of researchers in 80% of research organizations and universities should be able to work with these technologies.

Rustam Minnikhanov, Head (Rais) of Tatarstan, noted that the university has implemented more than 600 science and technology projects and created around 70 products included in the unified register of Russian software. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko has been re-elected Chair of the Board of Trustees of Innopolis University.

Industrial Infrastructure and Business Digitalization
Perm Krai is expanding its industrial infrastructure. The region has secured federal support for the construction of the Perm-City and Krasnokamsky technology parks, both scheduled for completion in 2028. Another project, the Druzhba.Perm technology park, is expected to be completed by the investor in 2027. The region is also continuing to expand preferential financing and support for the robotization of enterprises.

Transport Projects Are Reshaping Regional Economies
For the Moscow–Nizhny Novgorod high-speed rail project, Russian Railways and the region are beginning a feasibility study and preparing technical specifications for infrastructure design. The line is expected to strengthen links with the Moscow market and expand the opportunities of Nizhny Novgorod’s research and education hub.

Workforce Development: From College to Workplace
In Yakutia, nine new training workshops have opened at colleges and technical schools in Yakutsk, Kysyl-Syr, and Aldan. Students are learning to work with road machinery, metalworking, non-destructive testing, drone operation, and oil-and-gas industry technologies. Since 2020, 110 modern workshops have been created in the republic, with total funding exceeding RUB 867 million. Employers, including Rostelecom and Polyus Aldan, are involved in equipping the workshops and training students.

At the VII Northern Forum on Sustainable Development in Yakutia, participants discussed human capital in the AI era. The republic is already implementing more than 20 AI-based solutions in healthcare, public administration, and the preservation of cultural heritage, including the Yakut language. The region intends to expand the use of such developments, develop computing infrastructure, and train specialists.

Science: New Opportunities for Regions
On October 14, the All-Russian Science Festival “Science 0+” begins in Novosibirsk, dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s first spaceflight. The program includes an exhibition of scientific and technological developments, discussions, laboratory tours, and interactive events for young people. The festival helps young people explore modern research and choose careers in science or engineering.

Science-Based Environmental Solutions
Khanty-Mansiysk has opened Russia’s first digital laboratory for environmental and climate data. The project, involving Gazprom Neft, the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, and Yugra State University, will combine data from research sites across the district to study the carbon balance. The research results will help assess the role of Yugra’s ecosystems in carbon absorption, train specialists, and adapt economic sectors to climate change.

Campuses as a Tool for Human Capital Development
The Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education is launching the “Campus for People” pilot project. Novosibirsk is one of the four pilot sites. The system will study students’ needs through field research and analysis of digital data in order to improve the university environment and make campuses more attractive. Following the pilot, a unified methodology is expected to be developed, with successful practices extended to other regions.