ProIT: Kurgan Emerges as a Hub for Digital Initiatives
No Boring Moments
On September 25–26, Kurgan will host the second Interregional IT Forum “ProIT,” organized by the regional government with support from Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, the Digital Economy autonomous nonprofit, and the Laboratory for Digital Transformation. The forum serves as a platform for sharing best practices and ideas on deploying digital technologies in key sectors of the economy—manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, housing, utilities, and construction.
The business program features hackathons, 3D modeling and BIM challenges, cybersecurity exercises (CTF), phygital soccer matches, and workshops on programming, robotics, artificial intelligence, and drone management.
This format not only identifies talent but also sparks long-term interest in IT careers among young people.
Ideas in Action
The professional track of the forum will focus on strategic issues of digitalizing the real economy and achieving technological sovereignty. The plenary session will address maintaining continuity in digital supply chains, advancing domestic platforms and software, and integrating AI and big data into production processes.
Sector-specific sessions will cover industrial automation, smart cities, digital healthcare, and building IT independence from foreign suppliers. The forum will conclude with cooperation agreements between regions, companies, and universities, along with a large exhibition of innovations—from computer vision systems to robotics and digital twins of industrial facilities.
Why This Forum Matters
For the federal government, such events are essential for identifying successful case studies, replicating best practices, and forming a unified roadmap for the digital economy. The participation of the Ministry of Digital Development and the Digital Economy nonprofit underscores that these forums are becoming part of national digital governance.
For Kurgan, the forum is a chance to position itself as a center of technological initiatives. Traditionally associated with machine building and agriculture, the region is now actively developing IT infrastructure: building technology parks, upgrading colleges and universities, and launching retraining programs. By drawing investors and startups, the forum accelerates the creation of a local digital cluster.
For young people, ProIT offers new opportunities: training programs, participation in real projects, and pathways to careers at leading companies. National initiatives like 'Lesson in Digital Skills' and 'Digital Departments' demonstrate Russia’s long-term investment in developing IT talent pipelines.
Regional Momentum
ProIT is not an isolated case. This year, the Kirov Region hosted the “Digital Upgrade” forum focused on BIM technology in construction, while Perm organized the “Cities of the Future” forum, where big data applications for transportation and energy management were discussed.
In the near future, Kurgan may launch pilot projects that apply AI in agriculture, digitize medical processes, and introduce education programs built on emerging technologies. ProIT could become a catalyst for developing a full-fledged regional IT ecosystem with startups, technology parks, venture funding, and dedicated workforce programs.
Russia’s digital economy is no longer limited to capitals or large IT hubs. Events like the second Interregional IT Forum ProIT show that digital transformation is becoming a truly nationwide phenomenon.
