Alexander Bukhanovsky: “Creating the Institute of Artificial Intelligence Is a Strategic Investment of Existential Importance”
In St. Petersburg, ITMO University has launched a new Institute of Artificial Intelligence, designed to become a hub for the full innovation cycle—from fundamental research to real-world applications. Among its boldest goals is developing a domestic professional-level artificial general intelligence (AGI). The opening marks a new stage in Russia’s tech push, aimed at global competitiveness and future-defining breakthroughs.
According to institute head Alexander Bukhanovsky, this step was a natural progression for the university, which has strengthened its leadership in artificial intelligence and data science in recent years. The new institute brings together existing competence centers and corporate labs in partnership with companies such as Rosneft and Mosstroiinform, with several hundred researchers already on staff.
A distinctive feature of the new institute is its open full-cycle system, combining science and innovation while leaving educational roles to ITMO’s mega-faculties. Students will be actively involved in real projects, and the institute’s research will feed directly into new academic programs.
The practical side is moving quickly. The institute’s first working prototypes of strong AI systems—applied to chemistry, materials science, and urban planning—are expected before the end of 2025.
