Russia Strengthens Its Position in the Global Industrial AI Market
The Skolkovo Innovation Foundation has launched a strategic initiative designed to transform Russian industry through generative AI.
From Research to Scaled Deployment
The Skolkovo Foundation has introduced ProGenAI, a program dedicated to systematically integrating generative artificial intelligence into Russia’s industrial sector. The initiative spans the entire adoption cycle—from early-stage research and development (R&D) to large-scale implementation in real-world production. ProGenAI is positioned as a key driver of digital transformation, moving Russian industry beyond pilot projects and toward full deployment.
A defining feature of ProGenAI is its ecosystem-based approach. The program brings together leading research institutes, including Skoltech and the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (AIRI), as well as major corporate partners and AI platform providers like Sberbank, Yandex, and MTS. They contribute both technological expertise and financial resources.
Integration partners such as Reksoft, Softline, and IC i-Teco leverage experience from more than 300 Skolkovo-backed AI startups to create ready-to-use industrial solutions. Corporations already adopting generative AI—including Norilsk Nickel, Gazprom Neft, NLMK, RMK, and Sibur—share case studies and implementation practices.
The platform currently consolidates over 30 Russian and more than 100 international industrial AI use cases, helping adapt global best practices to local needs and challenges.
Raising Competitiveness Through AI
ProGenAI is not just an experiment. Its deployment is expected to increase manufacturing efficiency, reduce costs, accelerate product development, and optimize logistics. The program also stimulates job creation in AI and digital fields, boosting demand for highly skilled professionals. Importantly, it raises technological literacy among engineers, managers, and operators—laying the foundation for Russia’s long-term digital economy.
Another critical outcome is export potential. ProGenAI’s solutions, once tested and scaled, could attract interest from Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. By showcasing use cases proven under demanding conditions, Russian AI platforms are well-positioned for global adoption.
Massive industrial deployment also fuels the development of Russia’s data infrastructure. As more operational data is collected and processed, AI models become more accurate and effective. This feedback loop strengthens the ecosystem with each new deployment, reducing barriers to entry for smaller players.
Building Talent and Scaling Impact
Beyond industrial pilots, ProGenAI includes training formats—master classes, webinars, industry reports, and specialized courses on generative AI in manufacturing. A highlight is the GenAI Championships, where university teams, startups, and corporations compete to solve real-world industrial challenges with AI-driven solutions.
This builds on a broader track record of Skolkovo investment. Over the past five years, the foundation has funded IT projects worth $19.9 million, including AI-driven solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. In 2025, Skoltech’s AI Center received $3.7 million under the federal AI initiative, with an additional $4.6 million planned for 2026. The funding supports development of the Multi Agent Engineering AI System (MAS AI), a library of autonomous AI agents for engineering automation. By 2026, the MAS AI prototype is expected to cut testing costs by 50% and design expenses by 30%.
ProGenAI thus represents the next stage of Russia’s industrial AI evolution: from research to structured scaling. By 2026, large-scale deployments in both corporate and SME sectors are expected, along with standardized solutions ready for export.
