Skoltech has become one of the eight universities participating in the University of Entrepreneurs — a new initiative by Moscow’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, and the Human Capital Development non-profit organization. Starting September 1, 2025, Russian entrepreneurs will use the scientific expertise and infrastructure of partner universities to set up their own workshops, where they will collaborate with students and researchers to develop new business projects. The agreement was signed at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).

Representatives from 20 leading market companies, including VkusVill, Teremok, Motorika, and others, have already confirmed their participation in the project. The University of Entrepreneurs will serve as a hub where business leaders gain direct access to cutting-edge research from top Russian universities, scientific infrastructure, laboratories, and intellectual capital. The collaboration is expected to result in hundreds of tech startups, the integration of scientific advancements into business practices, and the formation of a sustainable innovation ecosystem. 

Skoltech President Alexander Kuleshov emphasized: “For several years, Skoltech has positioned itself as a ‘technology factory,’ actively developing its own programs in innovation and entrepreneurship education. At the same time, we maintain a traditional academic approach — our programs involve structured curricula, professors, and homework. The University of Entrepreneurs sets a more radical goal: creating innovation workshops within active businesses, led by industry leaders. We wish our colleagues success in this ambitious endeavor and will support it in every way — through technology, expertise, and specialists.” 

Kristina Kostroma, who heads Moscow’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development, noted: “Modern universities have the potential to become key players in the innovative transformation our country is undergoing. Through research and high-tech projects, universities are turning into centers for generating ideas and innovative solutions. The University of Entrepreneurs, based on the synergy of business and science, will help fundamental projects quickly find real-world economic applications, fostering startups and the commercialization of scientific developments.” 

At the SPIEF session named “Collaboration Between Science, Business, and Government as the Foundation of Russia’s Technological Sovereignty” and organized by the Moscow Government and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, experts discussed the development strategy and implementation plan for the 2025 program. Key focus areas included overcoming coordination challenges between universities, the scientific community, and businesses in bringing technological products to market. Participants explored mechanisms for effective collaboration, essential for successfully launching and executing projects aimed at achieving Russia’s technological sovereignty.