The Mentor Forum was an opportunity to honor universities and colleges that demonstrated the best results in the competition’s history, as well as the mentors who trained the winners and contributed to the professional development of Russian youth. Pavel Kustarev, the dean of ITMO’s Faculty of Software Engineering and Computer Systems, received diplomas for the university’s wins in three categories – Absolute Champion 2024, Northwestern Federal District Champion 2024, and Winner in Inclusive Projects. Evgeny Nekrasov, a lecturer at the faculty and the winners’ mentor, received a commendation letter for training students who presented innovative projects meant to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities.
This year, projects by ITMO students secured several top places in the competition’s Unlimited Abilities section.
- Artem Meinov: a rehabilitation aid for people with motor disorders
A PhD student in theoretical mathematics and finalist of the national award Russia – Land of Opportunity, he developed a prosthetic rehabilitation aid for people with disorders of muscle activity, including those caused by cerebral palsy or a stroke. The solution can be used at home or at a clinic. Now, Artem is developing a new version of the device that will use AI to detect hyperkinetic or spastic movements. Moreover, Artem participated in the forum’s panel discussion on inclusive education. He shared his path to science and university, as well as his experience of studying in Russia and in Europe. He appealed to his audience to start helping people with disabilities by developing inclusive environments.
Artem Meinov. Credit: National Center Russia
- Dmitry Vasilyev and Danila Lapshin: a mobile app for users with hearing impairments
Students of ITMO’s Master’s program Programming for the Visually Impaired, they created the app Opovestitel (Rus. “announcer” – Ed.), which uses AI and ML to detect important audio alerts, like fire and gas leak alarms, police sirens, and others. The app constantly monitors the environment for external signals and transforms them into a sensory signal that can be felt rather than heard.
- Alexey Lyubimov: a web app for users with cognitive disorders
Some mental disorders can hinder our performance of everyday tasks. The app Sputnik (Rus. “satellite” or “companion” – Ed.) contains a number of algorithms and tasks that guide users through such tasks, from eating to house cleaning. Both mobile and desktop versions are available and can be used by people with disorders or their relatives. With the app, it will be easier to tackle everyday responsibilities and self care.
Alexey, Dmitry, and Danila are working on their projects under the guidance of Evgeny Nekrasov. Within their Master’s program, they are developing an evidence-based database for teaching of engineering subjects to people with visual impairments; the team is also researching voice/screen access technologies.
The IT Planet Mentors Forum. Credit: National Center Russia
Another project from ITMO was named a winner in the Championship of Phygital Sports Tech Innovations 2024 – Wearable Devices and Smart Clothing:
- Marina Shadus: a system for monitoring athletes’ physical indicators
A PhD student at the Faculty of Software Engineering and Computer Systems, Marina has created SportBioRhythm, a system that predicts an athlete’s current performance level by measuring their physiological indicators during training. The data is processed with special software. With the device, it will be possible to minimize injuries received in training and improve the athlete’s performance. Marina suggests a new biorhythm-based prediction method and a system of personalized training sessions.
The finals of IT Planet were held in the spring of 2024. In the six months since, the winners from ITMO have continued developing their projects within the competition’s acceleration program, which prepares them for entering the market.
