Fifty million for AI implementation: the innovation support was presented at the exposition
On January 17, an expert panel dedicated to technology startups and support for their development was held on the site of the International RUSSIA EXPO as part of the Digital Day. The event was organized by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia.
Today, the country has three major development institutions focused on supporting high-tech and digital companies. These are the Internet Initiatives Development Fund, the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises, and the Skolkovo Foundation. Representatives of each of them spoke about the opportunities offered.
In particular, the Skolkovo Foundation is currently implementing about ten different support programs, which are divided into two groups. The first one is focused on novice startupers who are just beginning to create their own innovative solution. The second helps to bring an already developed product prototype to mass production.
"Our most famous program is the program to support the first large-scale implementation of IT solutions, we launched it in 2019. Grants are provided to customers for pilot implementation of Russian software. Since the beginning of this support measure, the Foundation has already supported 37 companies and provided aid totaling more than 5.1 billion rubles" — said Ekaterina Stolbova, director of the project office of the operator of sectoral digital economy projects of the Skolkovo Foundation.
In turn, the Internet Initiatives Development Fund has created an integral system aimed at comprehensive support of small businesses in the field of Internet technologies. Since 2021, the IIDF is an operator of state support for industry players, and conducts an accelerator program for technology companies. To be included in the program, you only need to meet two conditions - to be a Russian legal entity and to work in one of the fund's priority areas, including AI-based recognition systems, search and gaming services, virtualization systems, and a number of others. You can apply for participation in the Sprint acceleration program until February 16, 2024 on its official website.
The Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises will celebrate its thirtieth anniversary very soon. It also offers entrepreneurs and innovators a wide range of support tools. At the initial stage of project implementation, it is possible to use the resources of the AI acceleration program, having received a grant to undergo the program from accredited partners. Its amount will be up to 800 thousand rubles, and passing the acceleration program will allow you to "pump up" the product in terms of sales and promotion. And for the most advanced projects, participation in the AI implementation program is available, where you can get up to 50 million rubles for a period of 21-27 months as additional funding for the creation of new products.
All these tools work effectively and help to implement the most advanced technological solutions. To confirm this, the organizers invited representatives of several companies that have already received support from Russian development institutions. Among them is the mobile application developer Setka Technology. According to the CEO of the company Sergey Borisenko, their flagship application Setka, which combines the functions of selecting facilities, partners and coaches for tennis, is being successfully promoted on the market today. Participation in the Sprint acceleration program helped make the project commercially successful.
"In three months, we increased the number of subscribers by about two times and revenue by eight times, the cost of attracting a client was reduced by six times without increasing the marketing budget". — emphasized Sergey Borisenko.
The International RUSSIA EXPO is the most important achievements of the country gathered in one place. Throughout the entire period of the exposition, guests will be welcomed with cultural and entertainment events, a rich business and educational program. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal departments, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. The exposition is held at VDNH in Moscow from November 4 until April 12.
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