Innovations in AIRR Regions: Digest, October 5

Key trends of the week in innovation, technology and regional development across AIRR regions.

The Arctic: Science, Technology and New Talent
The All-Russian Forum of Young Scientists “Polyus” was held in Arkhangelsk, bringing together 300 researchers from more than 60 regions of Russia and other countries. Interdisciplinary teams worked on challenges related to the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route, ranging from energy-efficient processing of industrial raw materials and sustainable energy supply to the development of materials for extreme conditions and the training of specialists for emerging professions. Sixty research solutions were presented during the final project defense. Three projects from the Arkhangelsk Region received grant support from the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs totaling 6 million rubles.

The “SudStroyProfi” education and manufacturing cluster opened in Severodvinsk, Arkhangelsk Region. Sevmash, the Zvezdochka Ship Repair Center, the Arctic vocational education organization, and five professional educational institutions are participating in the cluster. Training programs were developed jointly with employers, while the renovated workshops received more than 330 pieces of equipment, including CNC machines and a programming and design laboratory.

Technology for Education
The “Rail Transport” manufacturing cluster opened in the Novosibirsk Region at the College of Transport Technologies. Training is provided in five skilled trades and two vocational specialties. Since 2023, nine Professionalitet manufacturing clusters have already been established in the region, while four more applications have been approved for the following year.

Industrial Cooperation: AIRR Regions at INNOPROM in Minsk
The Ulyanovsk Region is expanding industrial cooperation with Belarus. Promising areas include aircraft manufacturing, automotive engineering, radio electronics and machine-tool manufacturing. The parties proposed establishing a joint venture to produce a union machine tool at the Ulyanovsk Machine-Tool Plant.

At INNOPROM. Belarus, Yakutia is discussing the expansion of technological cooperation with Belarusian manufacturers. The main areas of focus include the supply and servicing of BELAZ and AMKODOR equipment, including autonomous open-pit and underground technologies for the mining industry.

Industry: Efficiency and New Technologies
The Tomsk Region presented interim results from its industrial cluster for electronics and unmanned technologies. The cluster includes 13 participants implementing six import-substitution projects. The first mass-produced products—self-propelled unmanned vehicles for the gas industry—are expected to be delivered as early as this year. To scale up the projects further, the region is seeking additional capitalization of the Industrial Development Fund.

Scientific Discoveries
Russian physicists have developed a fiber-based biphoton source with a record level of correlation. Scientists from KNRTU-KAI in Tatarstan are participating in the project.

Scientists from Tomsk Polytechnic University have found a simple and environmentally friendly way to enhance the luminescence of fluorescent ceramics.

Novosibirsk State University has developed a new cement composition resistant to extreme cold. It is based on low-grade magnesium oxide and industrial waste from coal-fired power plants.

In the Samara Region, scientists from Togliatti State University, Sirius University of Science and Technology, and Samara State Technical University have improved the effectiveness of antibiotics.