Russia Launches AI Education Centers at Universities Nationwide

A government-backed initiative is opening AI hubs across Russia’s regions to train a new generation of data science and machine learning specialists.

Russian universities are launching a large-scale initiative to establish Artificial Intelligence Centers aimed at developing top-tier digital talent. One of the first centers has opened at Kuban State University in Krasnodar, according to local news outlet «Krasnodarskiye Izvestiya».

In total, 19 universities across various cities received federal grants to support the creation of AI education centers.

Denis Berezhnoy, First Deputy Head of the Krasnodar Region’s Department of Informatization, said the project will help build a skilled IT workforce and accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies in business and digital industries.

Starting in 2025, the center will offer two new undergraduate programs: 'Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics' and 'Modern Methods in Machine Learning and Computer Vision.' Students will also participate in internships with leading companies working on recommendation systems and big data processing algorithms.

Anton Nemkin, federal coordinator for the 'Digital Russia' project, emphasized that developing AI requires both technical infrastructure and qualified personnel. He noted that it's especially important that these centers are being established not only in Moscow and St. Petersburg, but also across regional cities, promoting more balanced growth in the sector.

Experts believe graduates of these programs will help enhance personalized recommendation systems in media platforms, social networks, and search engines.