Russia Invests in Mining Tech Startup to Drive Industry Automation

A billion-ruble investment into a domestic software firm signals growing momentum for digital transformation in the country’s extractive sector.

Russian mining software developer Piklema Group has secured 1 billion rubles in funding from venture firms Kama Flow and Osnova Capital. The investment will be used to scale technologies that automate mining operations, control heavy equipment fleets, and improve extraction efficiency, according to Vedomosti.

The deal was signed at the Innoprom trade fair in Yekaterinburg. Piklema managing director Mikhail Makeev said the company is building an integrated ecosystem for robotic automation and digitalization across Russia’s mining sector. Key products include transport monitoring systems, predictive maintenance tools, and fuel optimization software.

This is the first investment by Kama Flow’s new fund, which targets high-tech ventures. Experts say the market potential for IT in mining is enormous, especially as industries seek smarter, more sustainable operations.

If successful, Piklema’s rollout could serve as a model for other Russian startups combining scientific innovation with real industrial demand. While a billion rubles is a major bet for an IT firm, in a sector where a single machine can cost hundreds of millions, the return on investment could be substantial.