The week-long intensive course will take place on April 3-9 in the city of Almetyevsk. Its faculty will be composed of the staff of the AES, as well as representatives of the industry and entrepreneurs. Together, they will share insights and techniques essential for scientists making their way into business, explain how to establish connections, and where to find investments.

Among the experts are: Andrey Anfinogenov, the dean of ITMO’s Faculty of Technological Management and Innovations and founder of more than 15 companies; Igor Rozhdestvensky, a co-founder and board member of the Innovation and Technology Brokers Association; Fedor Novikov, a co-founder of Molecular Technologies and Fusion Pharma, as well as independent science advisor at RBV Capital; Aleksandr Ulesov, the head and founder of two startup studios and CEO of Novabiom; and many others.

Among the topics of discussion at the school will be: digital services, sector-specific trends, state venture foundations, financial models, goal-setting, performance metrics, and KPI. At the end of the course, a series of workshops will familiarize the participants with market assessment and competitor analysis, as well as invite them to tackle a case concerning the launch of a startup-studio at a university.

As the final result, the students will form a career path and ideas rooted in their scientific background, learning about the relevant tools along the way. Then, the participants will need to defend their project road maps. The defense will take place at the Tatneft Corporate University, where the projects will be examined by experts and representatives of the company.

Joint event between AES, Almetyevsk State Oil Institute, and Tatneft. Photo courtesy of the organizing team

Joint event between AES, Almetyevsk State Oil Institute, and Tatneft. Photo courtesy of the organizing team

Alexander Vinogradov, the head of ITMO’s Advanced Engineering School:

“Everything is changing around us. 2022 has shown us that scientists, PhD students, and PhDs should be shifting towards a more well-structured system of product-based logic. For that, you must possess all sorts of competencies. First of all, these are leadership and management skills, as well as an understanding of the market. Of course, you must be familiar with the subject area, too, but for that you must understand the ever-changing landscape of opportunities. That’s why we’ve invited professionals who themselves have gone through major startup launches, both here and abroad. Experts in IT and natural sciences, as well as those who’ve worked on the creation of venture foundations, will gather with the participants to personally discuss the creation of project road maps and career paths, taking all opportunities into consideration.”

How to participate

The school welcomes young scientists – PhD students and PhDs – who specialize in natural sciences.

In order to participate, you should fill out the form on the school’s website and attach a resume and motivation letter in Russian. All applicants chosen for participation will be provided free accommodation; there are no participation fees. The organizing team will contact the participants by email.

Applications are accepted until February 19, 2023.

Read more about the school and participation conditions here (in Russian). You may also want to follow the school on VK or Telegram.

ITMO.NEWS editorial office