Russia Launches Digital Platform to Connect Startups With Major Corporations

A new tool on Moscow’s i.moscow platform is designed to solve one of the hardest problems for startups: landing their first big client.

Moscow’s Innovation Cluster has rolled out a new service called the “Customer Showcase,” a digital platform that directly connects local tech developers with some of Russia’s largest corporations. The tool is meant to bridge the gap between startups and big industry, helping young companies scale by securing their first contracts.

The “Customer Showcase” aggregates requests for technological solutions from state-owned giants, large holdings, and private corporations. Among the first participants are some of the country’s most powerful organizations: Roscosmos, Rosatom Nedra, Russian Railways, Absolut Bank, and VTB Accelerator. Already, more than 40 requests for innovations have been posted, with more on the way.

The system offers two types of opportunities for developers: specific technological challenges with deadlines and requirements, and ongoing programs that remain open for solutions. To participate, entrepreneurs simply choose a request on i.moscow, fill out an online form, and submit a detailed description of their technology. There’s no limit on how many proposals they can submit.

If a corporation is interested, the Moscow Innovation Cluster provides full support during piloting and implementation.

This new service strengthens the i.moscow ecosystem, which already brings together organizations from 87 Russian regions and offers access to more than 50 digital tools designed to support high-tech business development.