Moscow becomes the world’s runner-up in the development of startup ecosystems

Moscow becomes the world’s runner-up in the development of startup ecosystems

The Moscow government won the WITSA Global ICT Excellence Awards 2021, competition in the field of information technology, taking second place among government agencies in the Startup Ecosystem nomination.

Moscow becomes the world’s runner-up in the development of startup ecosystems

The winners were announced at the 25th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT). First place went to the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

“Even the most disruptive projects and ideas need conditions for growth first. An entire ecosystem has been created for innovators in Moscow. It includes technological parks with all the necessary infrastructure, educational and acceleration programmes, industry competitions, and a pilot innovation programme that is unique in the world. The received award is the result of the well-coordinated work of specialists from city institutions and the professional community,” said Moscow Deputy Mayor Natalya Sergunina.

The jury of the Awards gave a positive assessment to the programmes of the Moscow government for technological entrepreneurship. In particular, the experts noted the activities of the Moscow Innovation Cluster (MIC) aimed at transforming startups into a full-scale innovative business. As Sergunina clarified, the cluster, in fact, united all the main elements of the urban ecosystem for innovators. With its help, you can find partners and investors, organize production, establish cooperation with large companies or industrial, educational and scientific organizations.

In addition, the expert jury highly appreciated the projects of the Moscow Innovation Agency. These include an innovation pilot testing programme that helps startups test their products and services in real-world conditions and get feedback from potential customers and users. At the moment, the project includes over 140 urban and private pilot sites. To date, 110 tests have been completed, 41 are underway. 

Another project is the Moscow Accelerator, designed to scale technology products in different industries in partnership with corporations. For two years of its work, 13 industry tracks have been launched, over 4,800 applications for participation from technology entrepreneurs have been received. More than 40 corporations have become partners of the programme.

Among the projects noted is the StartHub.Moscow technology business development programme. Its residents use coworking spaces at the Start Hub technological hub on Krasny Oktyabr, develop a roadmap for business development, attend specialized events and interact with experts and mentors to achieve their goals. 

The Global ICT Excellence Awards have been granted for over 20 years to recognize the best innovative practices from the private and public sectors that improve the quality of life for people through information and communication technologies (ICT) and the development of the ICT industry. The award is organized by the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), which unites over 80 countries.

The Moscow government submitted an application for participation in the award jointly with the Information and Computer Technology Industry Association (APKIT), which represents Russia in the global alliance of national IT associations WITSA.


https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/6195fd1d9a794799e2234ac5


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