From a Student Project to a National Strategy
A new Siberian student-led startup shows how technological sovereignty can emerge not only from chips and servers but also from the way people work, rest and live every day
Smart Furniture, Siberian Style
Students at the Institute of Economics and Management of Tomsk State University have launched an ambitious startup called Edelraum, aimed at creating a fundamentally new line of ‘smart,’ ergonomic and digitally integrated furniture.
The project received a grant of $11,000 through the Student Startup program of the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations. Its first product is a smart desk — a multifunctional workstation equipped with height adjustment (including standing-mode), wireless charging, USB ports and, in future versions, posture-control sensors and reminders to stretch.
By December 2025, the team plans to introduce the desk to the Russian market and then expand the line to nightstands, cabinets, chairs, wardrobes and even kitchen modules — all capable of integrating with smart-home ecosystems.
Furniture as Part of a Digital Ecosystem
For Russia, Edelraum represents more than a promising student project. It directly addresses internal technological and economic challenges. According to industry data, domestic furniture production grew by 8.6 percent in the first half of 2023, reaching 26.8 million units — signaling a revival in the industry and growing readiness for innovation.
Developing Russian smart furniture aligns naturally with the country's technological-sovereignty strategy. Everyday items like desks and cabinets increasingly act as nodes in digital ecosystems, equipped with sensors, automation and device-integration capabilities.
For consumers, the benefits include spine-health support, improved comfort, automation of routine tasks and seamless connectivity with personal gadgets. For businesses, the project opens a new market niche where Russian IT developers and furniture producers can combine expertise and deliver competitive products.
Export potential exists as well. Countries focused on budget and mid-range solutions may find attractive the combination of moderate pricing and advanced features. However, large-scale international rollout will require improvements in manufacturing, certification and logistics.
Riding a Global Market Wave
The Edelraum concept fits neatly into global market dynamics. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global smart-furniture market will grow from $5.08b to $8.74 billion by 2030. The adjustable-desk segment is expanding even faster: Future Market Insights estimates growth from $8.7b in 2025 to $14.8b by 2035.
This growth reflects sustained demand for ergonomic and tech-enabled solutions — a trend amplified by widespread adoption of remote and hybrid work. People increasingly expect furniture that protects health, boosts productivity and integrates into their digital environment.
Under these conditions, Edelraum not only meets current consumer expectations but also positions Russian manufacturers as participants in a fast-growing global niche.
From Student Idea to Export Potential
The success of the Tomsk startup will depend not only on the relevance of the idea but also on the team’s ability to solve practical challenges: scaling manufacturing, completing certification, building logistics and ensuring a competitive balance of price, quality and functionality.
If they succeed, the project could become a catalyst for a new segment of Russia’s domestic market — and may eventually gain export traction.
Edelraum represents a contribution to technological modernization of traditional industries, a synergy of IT and manufacturing and a strengthening of Russia’s economic sovereignty in everyday consumer environments.
