Russia Allocates Nearly $52 Million to University-Led AI Research

Seven Russian universities will each receive major grants to accelerate cutting-edge AI technologies over the next two years.

The Russian government is investing 4.7 billion rubles (approximately $52 million) in artificial intelligence research. Seven universities will each receive 676 million rubles to carry out breakthrough studies and develop globally competitive technologies. These universities were selected as part of the third wave of research center funding for AI initiatives. Results from the funded projects are expected within two years, according to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who spoke at the Coordination Center.

Chernyshenko noted that the first wave of AI research centers focused on developing trustworthy and secure systems. The second wave targeted applications in healthcare, transportation, industry, and smart cities.

The latest round attracted 19 proposals from centers across 10 Russian regions. The seven winners will be evaluated and supported by SAPPHIRE, a strategic AI development agency operating under the Skolkovo Foundation.

President Vladimir Putin has set a national goal: by 2030, Russian researchers should publish at least 450 papers at top-tier international AI conferences.