AI Laboratory for Arctic and Nuclear Applications Opens in Tomsk
Tomsk State University (TSU) has launched a trusted‑AI laboratory equipped with the high‑performance LinQ accelerator to support nuclear energy and Arctic operations, marking a significant step toward deploying advanced autonomous technologies in environments where safety and reliability are paramount.
Laboratory Launch
On 5 December 2025, Tomsk State University (TSU) officially opened a new laboratory for intelligent systems designed for edge computing, representing a major advancement for Russia’s scientific and technological base.
The joint initiative of TSU’s Institute for Big Data and AI and the HiTech company has received exclusive access to the Russian LinQ HPS accelerator, capable of performing 960 trillion operations per second. Attending the opening ceremony, Russia’s Minister of Science and Higher Education, Valery Falkov, praised the university’s leadership in strengthening national technological capacity.
Falkov congratulated TSU on maintaining its leading position within the federal “Priority 2030” programme–a long‑term initiative aimed at developing world‑class research and high‑technology ecosystems–emphasizing the challenge of sustaining such performance. The laboratory brings together integrated hardware‑and‑software solutions for trusted‑AI systems, forming a technological foundation for safe deployment of AI in strategic sectors. This approach is expected to significantly expand practical applications of AI in both nuclear and Arctic operations.
Nuclear Power Applications
The laboratory is focused on developing intelligent systems specifically for nuclear power facilities, where operational safety is the highest priority. A central project involves designing autonomous radiation‑monitoring robots capable of operating in high‑risk areas without exposing personnel to danger. These developments align with the broader integration of AI into modelling and operational processes at nuclear power plants, a direction previously highlighted by Rosatom.
In parallel, researchers are creating UAVs capable of operating with navigation systems suitable for GPS‑denied environments, enabling search‑and‑rescue missions alongside energy‑efficient remote monitoring systems.
All projects are engineered for the extreme conditions of the Arctic and Far North, where conventional technologies often fail. This focus strengthens the digitalisation strategy of the nuclear sector by improving the resilience and reliability of critical infrastructure.
Technology Framework
TSU provides a strong ecosystem for innovation through advanced research expertise, high‑performance computing resources, and close partnerships with industry.
HiTech contributes its LinQ hardware platform and practical experience in optimising the accelerator for real‑world industrial tasks. TSU is the first institution in Russia to receive access to this technology, opening new opportunities for edge‑computing applications in nuclear and Arctic domains where cloud‑based computing is often impractical or undesirable.
The integration of trusted‑AI hardware and software creates a unique development platform for strategic industries. This accelerates project timelines and stimulates demand for domestic neural‑network technologies and supporting infrastructure. Under current sanctions, such technological autonomy carries particular importance by reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
Education and Workforce Development Hub
The laboratory is becoming a centre for training future specialists, opening its doors to students, postgraduate researchers and early‑career scientists. Faculty members actively employ AI tools to enhance teaching quality, embedding state‑of‑the‑art developments into academic programmes. Falkov noted that this approach helps leading institutions like TSU maintain their roles within national priority frameworks.
The “Priority 2030” programme reinforces TSU’s status as an innovation leader. Students gain access to industry‑grade research projects, ensuring practical training aligned with real technological needs. This creates a workforce pipeline essential for critical sectors of the Russian economy.
Export Potential
A standardized AI ecosystem for a broad range of infrastructure facilities is expected to emerge in the near future. Arctic‑grade solutions may be supplied to BRICS countries. Sanctions have accelerated Russia’s path toward technological independence, while certified trusted‑AI systems strengthen the country’s position in the global nuclear‑technology market.
