Strategic Alliance: MR Group and Sberbank Launch Digital Transformation of Residential Projects
Russia’s largest developer MR Group and Sberbank have teamed up to launch a large-scale digital transformation of residential complexes, aiming to set new standards in smart urban living.
Smart Technologies for Modern Comfort
Under the strategic agreement, MR Group will integrate Sberbank’s ecosystem-based intelligent management technologies into its real estate projects. This partnership is expected to revolutionize urban development and enhance the use of advanced technologies across residential environments.
Sber’s innovative products will enable the automation of residential engineering systems, allowing for real-time energy consumption monitoring, incident prevention, and more efficient resource use. Smart home devices will be embedded during the construction phase, enabling features ranging from security to climate control. Digital platforms will simplify resident interactions with property managers, making requests and service tracking more efficient.
The project’s primary goals include reducing operating costs by 15–20%, boosting energy efficiency, and improving the quality of life. As MR Group CEO Maria Litinetskaya noted, “the current trend in real estate development revolves around digital systems that optimize building management, enhance safety, and streamline resource allocation.”
Prospects for Export and Smart Cities
The MR Group–Sberbank partnership holds significant export potential. The solutions developed for Russian real estate could be tailored to meet the needs of other markets, particularly in the CIS and Asian regions, where Sber is actively expanding its IT ecosystem.
Domestically, these technologies will play a foundational role in federal smart city initiatives. MR Group’s implementation of the Ujin Virtual Dispatcher System, which monitors equipment automatically, is already being tested in the premium-class Hide residential complex and is slated for deployment across all future projects.
The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Construction’s digitalization strategy for housing and utilities, increasing the likelihood of receiving government support.
The Evolution of Digital Real Estate Development
This collaboration builds upon existing trends in Russian urban development. Sberbank previously introduced its 'Smart District' concept in the Rublyovo-Arkhangelskoye area of Moscow, while MR Group has adopted BIM (Building Information Modeling) in partnership with DOM.RF.
The iCITY business district by MR Group features an integrated IT infrastructure for building management. In 2024, the company relocated its headquarters to Moscow City, equipping it with intelligent workplace reservation systems and engineering controls accessible via a mobile app.
According to MR Group, 70% of business-class homebuyers now view smart services as a critical factor when choosing a property.
A Model for the Future
The alliance between MR Group and Sberbank could become an industry benchmark. Integrating advanced digital technologies from the design and construction phase onward promises reduced utility costs for residents and a lower carbon footprint through optimized energy consumption.
The model is expected to see wide regional adoption, especially as government support measures increase. The partners have also announced accelerator programs aimed at training specialists in smart urban development.
“We are proud to offer Sber’s expertise in advancing the digital transformation of residential environments and supporting MR Group’s development projects,” said German Barg, Chairman of Sberbank’s Moscow branch. “Our long-standing financial partnership is expanding into high-tech collaboration, and we are always open to mutually beneficial innovation.”
Industry analysts forecast that by 2030, up to 40% of new business-class housing in Russia will incorporate similar digital solutions, while exports could account for 15–20% of major developers’ business. The partnership will also strengthen Sber’s role as an IT integrator in national and international infrastructure projects.
