63 KFU projects supported by Student Startup funding

In total, 1,235 student projects in the country are to receive 1 million rubles each from three stages of the contest.

Of the 242 winners from the Republic of Tatarstan, 63 represent Kazan Federal University.

Among the new recipients is Artyom Zakharov with his Development Compass project aimed at career guidance for high schoolers.

“We want to address the issue of low awareness among 9th – 11th graders about contemporary jobs. Development Compass will include videos, tests, and a university database to help them choose their educational tracks,” says Zakharov.

Another project, Youth Media (Streaming Platform), was pitched by journalism student Ilya Andreev. He had the opportunity to personally present his idea to Minister of Science and Higher Education of Russia Valery Falkov. He is currently in touch with the Ministry and experienced colleagues in regard to the platform. Andreev plans to hold meetings with maintenance experts, journalists, and media managers to discuss cooperation.

“The objective is to launch a streaming media for the under-35 audience. The project will cover all Russian provinces. We hope to attract leading universities as partners in content creation, including lectures, analytical shows, news, social projects, and documentaries,” he adds.

Of all the winners, the majority (481) have ideas in the digital technology domain. Over 200 are in creative industries, and over 170 – in new devices and intelligent manufacturing.

The evaluation panels included businesspersons, scientists, startup investors, and public officials.