Vladimir Putin Set ITMO University Team as Example to Students

Celebrating the Day of Knowledge, Vladimir Putin made a speech at a concert on Sept. 1 at the Center for Gifted Children “Sirius” in Sochi. The President congratulated all Russian students with the start of the new academic year, gave a nod to ITMO University team for their victories in the international programming championships and urged young people to work for the betterment of their country, like their St. Petersburg peers.

“Many examples set by your peers show the opportunities that Russia opens for educated, determined and gifted people. For example, the student team of the St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics for several years in a row now has been confidently winning world programming championships. With that, the stars of the university stay after graduation in Russia and go to work for Russian high-tech companies, launch their own startups and teach at their alma mater,” said President Putin in his speech.

Previously, the President had mentioned the achievements of ITMO University team on June 19, 2015 at the plenary session of the second day of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum. Mr. Putin congratulated ITMO University team with its sixth victory in the International Collegiate Programming Contest ACM ICPC, noting that their success was unparalleled.

The full text of the speech is available on the President's website.