University
Three years after a comprehensive rehaul, the ITMO Accelerator is at full steam: each year, more than 100 new startups graduate from the training program. At the latest Demo Day, 60 such teams presented their projects before an expert board, with winners vying for major grants and prizes from ITMO and Yandex.
Among the top projects this time around is: an all-new AI service for beauty product aficionados, a versatile video call “stenographer,” and a scientifically advanced noise-canceling material that “breathes.” ITMO.NEWS spoke to each project’s team to learn more.
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Last week, the university’s Advanced Engineering School and Faculty of Biotechnologies welcomed some 250 experts from around the world to BIOCON 2023 – a brand-new conference in biotechnologies, hosted in association with oil-and-gas producer Tatneft in the city of Almetyevsk.
Along with scientists and researchers, the event welcomed representatives of the pharmaceutical, recycling, and food industries, as well as many others. Together, the participants discussed everything from sustainability and agriculture to genetic engineering and nanotech.
Read more: First International Conference of ITMO’s Advanced Engineering School Attracts Over 200 Participants
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And in yet another collaboration with the oil-and-gas industry, the university and its partner Rosneft have announced plans for a joint laboratory that will develop digital solutions with the help of AI models. Their tasks will vary: students and scientists alike will assess new equipment, design industrial robots, and engage in mathematical modeling. Current projects include RN-Seism – a software product that assists users in drilling and extraction – and machine learning algorithms that can predict the movement of ice in the Arctic.
Read more: New Corporate Lab: ITMO and Rosneft to Develop IT Solutions for Geological Exploration
BIOCON 2023. Photo courtesy of ITMO's Advanced Engineering School
People
In the face of climate change, a rapid and timely transition to biofuels may be our best chance to protect the planet and ourselves. But how can such a complex process be accomplished throughout the world? ITMO.NEWS spoke with Prof. Meisam Tabatabaei, an eminent Malaysian expert on bioenergy and participant of BIOCON 2023, about the intricacies of biofuel, what makes it advantageous over the likes of solar and wind power, and the surprising products that can help replace conventional energy sources.
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This November, the Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN) held its eighth annual congress in Yerevan. The organization, which seeks to promote ethical and professional research and education, named Prof. Natalia Iakovchenko, a lecturer and researcher at ITMO University, as its current Ambassador for the Russian Federation.
In a special report, we delved further into Prof. Iakovchenko’s latest research into the benefits of plant-based milk, learned about her plans and responsibilities as a new USERN Ambassador, and discussed the importance of scientific literacy.
Read more: Natalia Iakovchenko: Bridging Scientific Borders as USERN Ambassador for Russia
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Image by ITMO University
Of course, it wouldn’t be an ITMO New Year without something cool, creative – and totally new. Kittens, sports cars, and firefighters – they’re all great calendar material, but what about scientists? The Big Style Theory is our special holiday project dedicated to the true trendsetters: the bright minds that are building the world of tomorrow. Click the link below to check it out!
Read more: Travelers, Bikers, and Fashionistas: ITMO's 2024 Calendar Makes Science Cool
Cover image by Freepik
