Investing in the Future: RuCode Launches Award for AI Advocates and Practitioners
The RuCode festival, a nationwide initiative hosted by Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, has introduced a new award to honor students, teachers, and influencers who promote artificial intelligence in education and research.
Big Talent Meets High Tech
Founded in 2020, RuCode brings together novice and seasoned IT specialists in science, education, and engineering. The festival’s lectures, workshops, and competitions help participants sharpen their skills in artificial intelligence and programming. Its debut year attracted over 30,000 participants; last year, nearly 400,000 joined.
This year’s theme—'Artificial Intelligence in the Space of Science and Technology'—aligns with Russia’s declared Decade of Science and Technology, supported by a grant from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Applications are open until September 30. From October 1 to 10, an expert jury will compile a shortlist of nominees. A key feature is the public voting element in categories like 'AI Guru' and 'Master of Generations,' scheduled for October 11–20. Final evaluations by the expert council will take place in late October, with an award ceremony in Moscow on November 13.
From Application to Recognition
RuCode has already earned four national and one international award. With its own prize, the festival now recognizes those devoted to AI. This move supports the growth of a community capable of driving Russian science and education forward. On the international stage, RuCode’s algorithmic programming competition is gaining global recognition starting this year, expanding opportunities for collaborative research projects.
Other Russian contests like 'Digital Breakthrough,' which recruits talent for the digital economy, or the 'I Am a Professional' Olympiad, with more than 70 disciplines, also play significant roles. Still, RuCode stands out for its emphasis on outreach and its exceptionally broad reach.
From Passion to Achievement
The RuCode award is more than a one-time event; it is a strategic investment in the country’s technological future. It creates a seamless pipeline of engagement—from sparking interest in schoolchildren to professional recognition and scientific success. By celebrating both trailblazing innovators and those who make complex technologies accessible, the award fosters an ecosystem for growth.
In the coming years, it is likely to become a landmark event for Russian AI specialists and a notable milestone for the global AI community.
