Business Programme

Russia’s energy strategy for the period until 2050 sets the primary goal of taking the domestic energy sector to a fundamentally new level. This goal encompasses all energy sectors, including carbon, coal, electric power (including thermal power plants), hydropower, nuclear power, and renewable energy. Furthermore, the strategy has such specific goals as achieving technological sovereignty in the fuel and energy sector, ensuring technological leadership, and developing human resources for the industry. There has been a profound technological transformation in the current advancements of energy technologies in Russia, which is implementing projects ranging from the development of space energy systems to energy-efficient solutions for microelectronics and distributed networks. According to figures from the Russian Federal State Statistics Service, electricity generation in Russia increased by 2.4% in 2024 compared with 2023 levels to 1.2 trillion kWh. While thermal generation remains the main source of power in Russia, low-carbon generation (nuclear, hydroelectric, and renewable energy sources) consistently makes up more than 40% of this balance, with nuclear accounting for approximately 20%, hydroelectricity for 16–18%, and new renewable energy sources for 2–3%. Following the completion of the RES-1 Capacity Supply Agreement (CSA) programme, the renewable energy sector transitioned to the RES-2 CSA programme, with an emphasis on equipment localization. Russia has built more than 7 GW of wind and solar generating capacity and has set the goal of increasing the installed capacity of renewable energy sources to 12–15 GW by the end of this decade, while reducing the specific cost per kWh as a result of localized turbines, inverters, and panels. In terms of distributed energy, the fleet of storage systems is expanding. Global battery storage capacity is expected to increase tenfold by 2035 and reach 617 GWh. In March 2024, the Russian government approved a strategic plan for the digital transformation of the fuel and energy industry for the period until 2030. The goal is to achieve a high level of digital maturity among key industry companies and accelerate the energy sector’s transition to new level of management and technology. The plan is to digitalize the energy system by transitioning to smart substations and automated smart metering systems, which involves consumers playing a more active role and a new architecture of control using predictive analytics and cybersecurity. Together, these goals will shape the agenda for the next 5–10 years, as the country seeks to increase the share of low-carbon generation, scale up energy storage systems, and develop process chains that do not depend on imports. Energy losses are critical today for economic sustainability and achieving Russia’s energy efficiency goals. According to the Russian Ministry of Energy and industry statistics, process losses during electricity transmission and distribution in Russia are steadily declining, but remain high at approximately 9–10% of total grid output. However, there is still significant potential for savings: the Russian Ministry of Economic Development estimates that energy consumption could technically be reduced by 20–25% of the baseline level by 2030, with the payback period for most measures ranging from five to seven years. Key focuses of these plans include network digitalization (loss analytics, identifying unmetered consumption, etc.) and the modernization of distribution networks and step-down substations, in addition to other initiatives. The pilot projects that have been implemented for advanced metering systems are already showing a major reduction in commercial losses. Energy storage systems are among the key drivers of the energy transition. Without them, it would be impossible to achieve grid flexibility, ensure the scalable integration of renewable energy sources, or develop new electrical loads. The Russian market is currently in an accelerated stage of development: specialized institutes and industry associations estimate that approximately 300–400 MW of energy storage systems for various purposes have been commissioned and project their total potential at 5–7 GW by 2030. As distributed generation increases and the electrification of transport expands, demand is expected to grow exponentially: Russia had more than 40,000 electric vehicles in 2024. In industry, energy storage systems are becoming a key component of energy efficiency programmes. This session will focus on new technologies for the generation, storage, and conversion of energy, the digital transformation of the industry, as well as prospects for transitioning from pilot solutions to commercially available industrial products and ways to reduce energy losses.

What are the purposes and goals of the national project, and why is it so important for the country? How and when should they be achieved? How are the national project’s goals linked to achieving the country’s scientific and technological sovereignty and global leadership? Who will play key roles? Considering the ten-year planning horizon, what is the best way to recruit and train young people to join the space industry and space science and achieve the goals set forth in the national project.

High speed is the future of transportation: from high-speed trains to hyperloops and supersonic aircraft. However, complex interdisciplinary problems need to be solved to make these technologies a reality. What are some of the scientific and technological barriers in materials science, aerodynamics, energy efficiency, and safety today? What role could physics, AI, medicine, and Earth sciences play? Which knowledge integration strategies are most effective in creating sustainable and safe systems? What are the main challenges that are preventing the widespread adoption of sustainable and safe systems, and what innovative solutions developed by young scientists could help overcome them? How can interdisciplinary collaboration accelerate the development and introduction of sustainable and safe systems, and what are some of the most promising ways to promote such collaboration?

Russia has set the strategic priority of creating an independent and comprehensive scientific basis for its national climate policy. The country’s unique geography, which includes all kinds of natural and climatic zones, requires a balanced approach that takes into account the heterogeneity of the ramifications of climate change for different regions and sectors of the economy. In 2022, Russia launched a key innovative project of national significance: the Unified National System for Monitoring Climate-Active Substances, an unprecedented climate research initiative. This project, which is being implemented by consortia of leading research institutes and universities, creates a reliable basis for obtaining objective and internationally recognized data on the current state of the climate system and developing scientifically sound socioeconomic development forecasts amidst a changing climate. Significant results have already been achieved following the completion of the first stage of the project in 2024: 22 emission calculation coefficients accounting for 28% of total emissions have been updated in the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The accuracy of the carbon cycle description has increased by 20–70%. Russia has created and is already expanding a network for monitoring carbon absorption, which by 2030 will include 1,317 test sites. The first stage of the national monitoring system marked a fundamental step in creating a radically new and dynamic scientific, technological, and educational environment related to climate change issues. The strategic importance of studying the climate and its implications for Russia confirms the need to further develop the project and move on to the second stage. This will make it possible to create a full-fledged scientific and technological ecosystem that can provide the country with reliable tools for managing climate risks and establishing long-term competitive advantages in the context of global climate change. How does the creation of a national monitoring system protect Russia’s economic interests within such mechanisms as CORSIA and CBAM? How does updated data on the absorption capacity of Russian ecosystems (e.g., a reassessment showing a 34% reduction in net emissions) alter the economic benchmarks for achieving carbon neutrality? To what extent is the existing scientific base ready for international recognition, particularly for recording such complex processes as permafrost degradation? Which Russian technologies and monitoring methods (satellite systems, ground stations, climate models) have already proven their effectiveness? Where are the blind spots in the observation system and how can we eliminate them? Which innovative technologies (artificial intelligence, small satellites, new sensors) are most promising for the development of the monitoring system? What systemic and management-related challenges were identified in the first stage? How can transition from large-scale research to the creation of a sustainable, dynamic, and competitive national ecosystem of climate research? How and in what format can monitoring data be used in the real sector of the economy and in the work of government agencies when taking management decisions? What is the best way to build effective adaptation systems for regions with multiple risks based on climate models and monitoring data?

Technological leadership in pharmaceuticals is a strategic task of national importance for Russia that is directly linked to ensuring the country’s sovereignty in healthcare and expansion into international markets. Today, the pharmaceutical industry is no longer solely a technological sector for drug production. It has transformed into a complex, integrated scientific and technological ecosystem that functions at the crossroads of such disciplines as molecular and cellular biology, synthetic chemistry, medical informatics, artificial intelligence, materials science, nanotechnology, bioengineering, and quantum computing. Modern pharmaceuticals represent a kind of data-driven bioscience that is optimized using algorithmic models and implemented through innovative biomaterials and biotechnological platforms. The development of personalized therapies, gene and cell products, and smart targeted delivery systems requires a synthesis of competencies that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. In these conditions, Russia would be unable to achieve technological leadership in the pharmaceuticals sector without the active involvement of young researchers whose scientific approaches are shaped in interdisciplinary fields. Such specialists are the ones who have the necessary skills to integrate biological data, computational methods, and engineering solutions into a single drug development cycle. The country’s national priorities enshrined in the federal project ‘New Technologies for Health Preservation’ set the goal of ensuring Russia’s technological independence in the production of modern pharmaceuticals by 2030 – from RNA therapies and gene editing to nano-formulated delivery systems. However, these goals cannot be achieved within the framework of isolated research entities. Traditional models of scientific activity based on specialization in a specific discipline are not capable of effectively solving the multi-level tasks that are typical of modern pharmaceutics: from predicting molecular targets to validating production processes in accordance with GMP standards. In which specific areas of the ‘pharmaceutics of the future’ (mRNA vaccines, gene therapy, cell products, targeted delivery) should Russia concentrate its resources to achieve the maximum effect in ensuring its national security and export potential? What are some possible mechanisms for transitioning from a focus on technological independence (import substitution) to the creation of competitive products for foreign markets? Which funding model is most effective for breakthrough developments: public-private partnerships, venture funds, or large corporate R&D centres? How can we overcome the barriers between fundamental science (biology, chemistry), applied research, and industrial production? Which institutional formats (e.g., scientific and educational centres, engineering consortia) could be most productive for cooperation among organizations from different fields of science and technology, as well as different forms of ownership? How can we motivate researchers to create commercially viable intellectual property? What educational programmes are needed to train personnel on the interdisciplinary skills needed for large-scale projects to develop innovative pharmaceuticals?

The growing use of bioprinting in preclinical drug trials is becoming a global trend. In regenerative medicine, this technology also helps to create personalized tissue-engineered constructs to restore the lost functions of organs, which has fundamentally altered approaches to treating injuries, degenerative diseases, and the effects of aging. Some countries, such as the United States, have already legislated the use of bioprinting, organs-on-a-chip, and computer modelling in preclinical drug trials, which not only accelerates the development of drugs, but also elevates research ethics to a new level. Clinical trials of printed tissue-engineered constructs in humans are also underway. Russia has not yet decided whether to expand regulatory practices to include bioprinting. Current legislation still requires mandatory preclinical animal testing. However, the scientific community is actively working to develop domestic solutions. Leading universities and research centres have come together to develop domestic bioprinting technologies, which are intended to significantly complement existing diagnostic and treatment methods. Advances in bioprinting will help solve the fundamental problem of donor organ shortages and come up with strategies to find treatments and test next-generation drugs. What scientific and regulatory steps are needed to validate bioprinting technologies and incorporate them into clinical practice? What legislative changes are needed? Is the medical and pharmaceutical community ready to implement such solutions? What do science, regulators, and businesses need to work out a common position on the first steps towards introducing bioprinting into clinical practice and preclinical research?

Cell and gene therapy is rapidly evolving – from experimental approaches to clinically significant solutions that are revolutionizing the treatment of hereditary, oncological, and autoimmune diseases. The success of these approaches has fuelled the active development of a fundamentally new field – regenerative biomedicine, which aims to restore cells, tissues, and organs that have been damaged or lost as a result of disease. This new generation of technologies is becoming increasingly integrative, combining advances in synthetic biology, bioengineering, and artificial intelligence. This interdisciplinary synthesis is paving the way for the creation of effective and safe therapeutic platforms. Introducing advanced therapies into clinical practice not only requires constant attention to safety and accessibility, but also the creation of a new model for the clinical adaption of effective solutions based on flexibility, collaboration, and technological compatibility. What is the optimal way to build a path from laboratory discoveries to the introduction of effective therapy into medical practice? What solutions can accelerate clinical use while maintaining a balance between speed and safety? What are some of the key technological transitions that are shaping the evolution of cell and gene technologies? What challenges do researchers, clinical physicians, and regulators face on the path to the medicine of the future?

More than half of all illnesses are caused by malnutrition, especially in early childhood. Establishing domestic food production is a fundamentally important goal in terms of import substitution, since it helps to ensure the country’s food security, develop the baby and therapeutic nutrition industry, and set up high-tech, full-cycle production facilities in Russia. In some regions, schoolchildren who suffer from various illnesses that require specialized nutrition are unable to receive it. It is crucial to consider the issue of developing and introducing individualized diets that include therapeutic and preventative products. For these individualized approaches to work, diets must be developed based on an analysis of the actual nutrients, energy, and the diversity of the foods consumed, taking into account their individual needs and regional aspects. A government working group is currently discussing the establishment of uniform universal requirements for the procurement of foods for schools and kindergartens, as well as ensuring state oversight over child nutrition. Why is the disease incidence rate rising? Why isn’t anyone producing baby food or therapeutic nutrition? What needs to be done to promote import substitution? What are the priorities and prospects for the scientific and technological development of the Russia-Belarus Union State, specifically its programme to establish innovative technologies and equipment for the production of specialized baby food?

The development of promising high-tech Russian solutions for critical information infrastructure (CII) requires cooperation and the creation of a complete cycle – from research tasks to the launch of a product. The special attention that the government has paid to this issue in recent years has significantly bolstered the technological foundation and human resources potential of the sector. Industrial competence centres are functioning, educational programmes have been updated, and Russian solutions are being rapidly introduced in both the growing domestic and international markets. The IT industry has been proactive in its efforts and is ready to achieve the goals of ensuring Russia’s technological leadership. Given the growing demand for and increasing complexity of solutions based on information security requirements, the optimization of computing resources, data quality, and the limitations of AI models, there is demand for new forms of cooperation in the industry. As a result, new laboratories and research and production associations are emerging at universities and research institutes, while teams of young researchers are expanding and working full-scale on advanced industrial projects. Science is ready to conduct complex research and test hypotheses in multithreaded environments amidst uncertainty about the results, dynamic task setting, and the heterogeneity of data, which is typical for future IT projects. However, the quality of such research and development is dependent on data that is mostly restricted for official use or is highly confidential. Such conditions hamper both analytical research and experimental work, as well as the ability to publish scientific articles and use data for educational activities. To improve research and development in matters concerning CII, it is crucial today for industry and academia to develop effective models and formats for exchanging and working with restricted-access data. A special organization or association, including a decentralized one, could serve as a hub and intermediary in such tasks. How research-intensive are prospective R&D projects in CII, and is a long-term plan for their implementation even possible? What capabilities do scientific and educational organizations have in terms of conducting research about CII? What kind of demand is there for industry for such work? Do mechanisms currently exist for transferring relatively closed corporate and industry data on CII to universities and research institutes for research and scientific purposes? What format should it take – an intermediary or bridge between science and industry – and what is needed to ensure it functions properly? Is industry making more complex demands and orders from universities and scientific organizations? What interaction models are already yielding results? How can we effectively provide advanced IT developments with both human and financial resources? Is it realistic for owners of CII facilities, regulators, and research organizations to cooperate when conducting prospective research? Who is the customer?

Studies show that childhood is a key period in a person’s development, and the link between science and practice in this regard dictates the development of a country’s human capital. It is essential that scientists, educational practitioners, and businesspeople focus their dialogue on the introduction of science-based technologies and tools to support child development, as well as promoting opportunities to take part in interdisciplinary research initiatives. What psychological approaches are effective in supporting children who have been exposed to stress factors? What are the main methods for supporting and strengthening children’s adaptive potential in the family environment? What strategies do preschools use to reduce stress in children and boost their resilience? How can interaction between families and preschools help to improve a child’s psychological well-being?

In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of scientific experiments in low Earth orbit that have been launched or planned. Discussions have also been held about the exploration of the Solar System, something humanity can achieve thanks to federal projects as part of Russia’s national space programme: ‘Space Science,’ ‘Space Atom,’ and ‘Personnel for Space’. None of this can be achieved without the efforts of countless scientists, engineers, and designers. What technologies will help humanity learn more about space, and how can we train future specialists for this purpose?

The discussion will focus on the current popularity of Soviet science in the professional and media spaces. The Forum will bring together scientists, writers, filmmakers, and creators of projects celebrating the Soviet scientific legacy – the achievements of prominent scientists, schools of scientific thought, and engineering movements. Participants will discuss the significance and potential of the Soviet scientific project, the reasons for its popularity, its influence on our memories of the past, and the state of cultural identity. They will also identify points of (mis)alignment between professional and media memory and summarize the main features of how the past is represented – current strategies and design. Citing specific projects as examples, participants will engage with such questions as: How can we foster an emotional connection with the history of Russian science while avoiding distorting the past? What tools exist in the scientific and educational space that can help us do this?

As technological progress continues to accelerate and global competition expands, the aviation industry needs a systemic revamping of its research and engineering approaches. What promising trends in research could shape the next stage of evolution in aviation technology? What key trends, methods, and tools are needed to create an innovative strategy and implement projects of varying complexity?

Biotechnologies have been developing for centuries throughout the entire history of humankind, dating back to the baking of bread and the production of wine. The current level at which biotechnologies are developing has led to the emergence of molecular biological methods for studying wildlife, which have created new opportunities for a wide range of specialists. Each branch of modern science that studies wildlife uses a wide range of molecular biological methods in its routine practices. Nucleic acid amplification methods, first-, second-, and third-generation nucleic acid sequencing, genetic engineering methods, and genome editing are all already an integral part of our lives. Utilizing the full arsenal of these methods could ensure Russia’s technological leadership and biological security. One of the country’s strategic national priorities is scientific and technological development, including in biotechnologies. Russia has the potential needed to ensure technological leadership in this regard. The foundation for creating innovative biotechnological solutions is to develop and introduce fundamental and applied scientific research, as well as to reduce the time it takes for developments to transition from theoretical to practical application. Establishing the production capacity needed to ensure the industrial manufacturing of high-tech products in quantities that are sufficient for the country’s own needs as well as exports is a crucial factor. What molecular biological research methods are being developed and integrated into routine practice today? What experience do we have using various biotechnological approaches? What are some of the challenges associated with developing the biotechnology industry in Russia?

The introduction of advanced technologies is turning the modern transport system into a driver of economic growth. Russia’s national project ‘Effective Transport System’ has set a course for creating smart and adaptive infrastructure, where technologies act as drivers of development and enhance the comfort and mobility of the population in such a large country. The digital integration of various modes of transport is creating a single ecosystem and optimizing logistics processes. Predictive analytics technologies are reducing costs and enhancing the efficiency of transportation. How is the implementation of the national technological leadership project ‘Industrial Support for Transport Mobility’ progressing? How does technological development affect the end user – passengers and customers? Innovative solutions are transforming every segment of the transport industry. Smart airport systems are being developed in aviation, smart traffic control systems are being integrated into railway transport, and water and road transport are mastering autonomous control technologies. How difficult is it to introduce innovations in the transport system? What pilot projects have already been implemented and what effects have they produced in the regions where they have been applied? The economic potential of technological transformation can be seen in the creation of new business models, the development of digital services, and the formation of innovative ecosystems. Integrating various modes of transport creates a synergistic effect and enhances the overall efficiency of the country’s transport system. How will approaches to passenger and cargo transportation change in the largest country in the world in the future?

Climate change has created conditions that expand the range of certain invasive species of animals, plants, and microorganisms. This, in turn, heightens the risk that some biological diversity could be diminished in regions where these invaders spread. A Decree of the President of the Russian Federation has designated the technologies that are used to preserve biological diversity and combat alien (invasive) species of animals, plants, and microorganisms as critical technologies. What are the current forecasts for such phenomena today, and how can modern digital and biotechnologies be used to control the spread of invaders and protect existing natural and agroecosystems? How can businesses be incentivized to actively take part in developing and introducing technologies that reduce the risk of a loss in biodiversity and prevent the spread of invasive species? Does the regulatory and/or legal framework for such issues need to be improved?

Modern research increasingly relies on artificial intelligence technologies, which opens up new opportunities for data analysis, simulating complex processes, and accelerating scientific discoveries. It is crucial to discuss some of the key aspects of how AI should be used in science – from conceptual foundations to real cases involving the introduction of AI – and to answer the question: is AI not only accelerating the pace of scientific research, but actually transforming the very essence of science? Is AI-augmented research a reality or something for the near future? What tools are most in demand in scientific research today? How do autonomous systems help in processing data, generating hypotheses, and optimizing experiments? What breakthroughs are expected in the coming years and how should we prepare for these changes?