Kurgan to Host Major Regional IT Forum on Digital Transformation

Russia is betting on homegrown tech talent and digital sovereignty as the country accelerates efforts to digitize its economy. This month, a two-day IT forum in Kurgan will gather officials, industry leaders, and the next generation of developers to debate the future of the sector.

On September 25 and 26, the Siberian city of Kurgan will host the second Interregional IT Forum, branded “ProIT: Digitalization of the Real Economy.” The event is organized by Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, the non-profit “Digital Economy,” and the Digital Transformation Laboratory.

The forum is designed to unite federal and regional officials, executives of IT companies, industrial enterprises, and leading experts in digital solutions. Its program splits into two tracks: one for industry professionals and another for the next generation of IT specialists.

The youth program is essentially a large-scale practicum. Students and young developers will compete in a web programming hackathon, CTF cybersecurity drills, a BIM challenge, and a 3D modeling contest. Workshops will also give participants hands-on experience with robotics, artificial intelligence, drone piloting, and even “phygital” soccer — a hybrid of physical and digital gameplay.

The centerpiece of the professional track will be a plenary session titled “Digitalization of the Real Economy and Technological Sovereignty,” followed by sector-specific breakout discussions.

Alongside the sessions, an exhibition called “Achievements of the IT Sector and New Business Opportunities” will showcase practical solutions. Russian vendors are set to present software and hardware systems, robotics tools, and computer vision technologies aimed at strengthening domestic innovation.