Sber’s SberOS Now Supports RISC-V Architecture, Advancing Russia’s Tech Sovereignty

Sber has introduced RISC-V support for its custom operating system, SberOS, marking a significant step in replacing foreign software and building a self-reliant IT ecosystem.

Unlocking New Capabilities

Sber’s in-house operating system, SberOS, is designed to replace Windows on employee workstations. First rolled out in 2023, it now forms the backbone of the company’s internal user infrastructure. The system allows staff to access printers, scanners, and other peripherals while ensuring software stays current and secure through automated updates. Built on a Linux distribution, the latest version adds support for the open RISC-V processor architecture. This addition enables SberOS to run on modern, energy-efficient processors and reinforces its compatibility with cutting-edge hardware platforms.

Open Architecture, Global Potential

Unlike proprietary alternatives, RISC-V is freely available, modifiable, and royalty-free. For Sber, integrating RISC-V was a strategic move to enhance technological independence. Experts see this as a major development for the Russian IT sector—open architectures reduce reliance on foreign technology and remove licensing hurdles, accelerating local innovation.

Launching SberOS on RISC-V is a critical step toward achieving technological sovereignty and evolving Russia’s IT landscape. This initiative reflects our vision of a future where open standards, freedom of choice, and innovation drive computing progress.

Kirill Menshov

Senior Vice President and Head of the Technology Division at Sberbank

The move also broadens the scope of SberOS deployment. Beyond internal use, the system could be piloted in state-run companies, banks, and educational institutions. Russia has already launched a RISC-V Alliance uniting local hardware and software developers. Should SberOS become publicly available, it could be exported to other countries seeking to break away from Western IT dependencies.

The Road to Independence

RISC-V has gained momentum globally in recent years due to its openness and versatility. It’s now part of the Linux 5.17 kernel and has official Debian, Fedora, and Gentoo ports. In Russia, companies such as Mikron, Progress, Milandr, NIET, and Soyuz are designing processors based on the RISC-V instruction set.

Sber’s release of a RISC-V-compatible version of SberOS reflects a broader shift among Russian companies toward free software and locally produced digital solutions.