In Nizhny Novgorod Region, AI Will Help Citizens Access Public Services
A regional government portal in Nizhny Novgorod has introduced an AI assistant. For now, it handles simple requests, but it may soon evolve into a fully fledged digital assistant.
Round-the-Clock Support
On August 21, the Nizhny Novgorod regional public services portal launched an AI assistant powered by GigaChat, developed by Sber Business Soft. Also available via the mobile app, the assistant is currently operating in test mode. Its functions include helping users phrase requests in plain language and independently processing simple queries. When more complex issues arise, a live operator steps in.
By deploying AI assistants on regional portals, users gain 24/7 support, instant answers, and simplified query formulation. Regions that adopt such tools enhance their image as hubs of digital development and innovation. These initiatives also align with the federal push toward digital governance and the roadmap of the national project 'Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State.'
A Model for the Entire Country
This case may become a model not only for other Russian regions but also internationally, showcasing the potential for digitalizing government services with Russian AI solutions. For now, the focus is domestic. Still, the initial success of the assistant in its pilot phase lays the groundwork for nationwide rollout.
Additional advantages of the virtual assistant include concierge-style service, multilingual capabilities, integration with other IT platforms, and expanded use cases for both regional and federal services.
Digitalization as a Regional Trend
This is not the first AI initiative in Nizhny Novgorod. Since July, the region has applied AI in its 'Digital Forest' system for analyzing satellite images, which has already identified over 400 changes in forest cover.
In June 2025, the regional government signed an agreement with Sber to develop neuromorphic technologies and AI, opening opportunities for further innovation in digital services. On August 13, sixteen AI services from Nizhny Novgorod were presented at the federal level for use in public administration.
These initiatives demonstrate that digitalization and AI deployment are not one-off projects but a consistent development strategy for the region.
More Functions, Export Potential
The integration of the AI assistant into Nizhny Novgorod’s public services portal is a significant step in digitalizing citizen-government interaction. The platform includes feedback forms, allowing user responses to be systematically collected and analyzed. The project also fits naturally into the federal strategy for digital governance.
Successful completion of the test phase and functional expansion will likely lead to scaling the assistant to other regional portals and integration with federal chatbots. In the longer term, enhancements such as multilingual support and multitasking capabilities could unlock export potential for the technology.
