Now 28, Nikita Serov first came to ITMO to get a Master’s degree, where he studied materials science, later switching to AI. Here’s how he describes his path: “AI offered appealingly simple solutions to experimentally challenging problems that used to take me months.”
In 2023, the Center for AI in Chemistry opened at ITMO. A year later, Mr. Serov founded his own Laboratory for Generative Design of Enzymes and Aptamers at the center, with its team conducting research that can help develop personalized medicines and mobile devices for lab diagnostics. To date, the laboratory has managed to secure 28 million rubles in funding from St. Petersburg’s Foundation for Support of Innovation and Youth Initiatives, ITMO University, as well as various industrial clients – within dedicated projects.
Moreover, Nikita Serov has won multiple research competitions – for instance, as part of a team, he developed a digital platform for predicting physical and chemical properties of magnetic nanomaterials. Among the most known applications of such materials are MRI and magnetic hyperthermia, used in cancer treatment. However, the creation of nanomaterials with target properties is only possible via experiments, which requires time and effort. With the solution from ITMO, materials chemists will be able to set the necessary properties and experimental conditions in a special template, with the platform putting out the predicted values. This project won the first Blue Sky Research competition.
Read also:
New Lab at ITMO: Using AI to Build Molecular Machines for Therapy and Diagnostics
ITMO Scientists Develop Algorithm to Predict Nanomaterials Toxicity
Forbes Russia has been compiling their 30 Under 30 rankings since 2020. Winners are selected not only by the editorial team, but also by a professional jury and the journal’s readers, who vote for nominees. Those who made it on the list are specialists who by 30 years received professional recognition in Russia or internationally with their achievements in one of ten fields: Science and Technology; Entrepreneurship; Finance and Investments; Management; Sports and eSports; Social Practices; New Media; Music; Art; and Fashion and Design.
ITMO graduates regularly make it on the ranking. For instance, through the years, it featured Greg Tkachenko, a co-founder of AI Factory and manager at Snap; Daniel Galper, the founder and CEO of Grow Food; Ilya Chekh, the founder of Motorika company; as well as Elena Konstantinova, the founder of Aerospace-Agro.
