Skoltech events in Kyrgyzstan began on February 28 at Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after Boris Yeltsin (KRSU). More than 300 students, teachers, and employees from various universities in the country, as well as representatives from business circles and public organizations, took part in the presentations of Skoltech’s projects. The event was led by Alexey Sitnikov, the vice president for communications and community development, and Andrey Shket, the head of Skoltech Endowment Foundation. Professor Philip Khaitovich, the director of Skoltech Neuro, gave a popular science lecture.

The following day, Skoltech continued its events at the Center for Russian Culture and Science (Rossotrudnichestvo) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

The Skoltech delegation’s Bishkek visit also included negotiations with KRSU and the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund (RKDF).

At the end of each event, the Skolkovo delegation presented its latest popular science publication, “Life and Other Stories.” The publication was transferred to the libraries of Kyrgyz-Slavonic University and the Russian House in multiple copies.

Alexey Sitnikov, the vice president for communications and community development at Skoltech: “Today marks the start of a pilot project in Bishkek to establish a network of centers dedicated to the development of advanced skills based on Russian technological experience. This center will provide a platform for technology firms in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and other EAEU nations to establish their presence on. The project’s primary objective is to train skilled professionals for growing economies, create new career opportunities, offer opportunities for young people to develop, and improve the living standards. The project is piloted by Skoltech in partnership with Rossotrudnichestvo. It has received support of Russian President Vladimir Putin during the “Big Ideas for the New Times” forum. This year, the center will launch its first educational programs.”

Artyom Novikov, the chairman of the RKFR board: “Highly skilled specialists in the field of advanced technologies are in high demand on the labor market. It is essential for Kyrgyzstan to develop its infrastructure and implement cutting-edge training programs. These measures will not only contribute to the growth of our country’s economy, but will also enable these specialists to take part in major projects both in Russia, EAEU, and BRICS countries.”

Denis Fomin-Nilov, the president of KRSU: “We welcome the interest of leading institutions and organizations in cooperation with the university. It opens up new possibilities for the development of education and research in the region. The experience of Skoltech would be beneficial not only for the KRSU but also for Kyrgyzstan as a whole.”

Albert Zulkharneev, the head of the Rossotrudnichestvo office in Kyrgyzstan: “Our goal is to make the Russian House in Bishkek a hub for both scientific and cultural activities. It would be wonderful if lectures could be held here consistently, with speakers from Russia and Kyrgyz who are well-respected and admired. Today, we received a visit from Skoltech, a newly established and distinctive Russian university. I look forward to a long-lasting and fruitful collaboration. We always welcome you here, and we are more than happy to organize meetings, lectures, and other events in partnership with our friends and colleagues.”