The new center continues the SFedU's course in ensuring the country's technological sovereignty by radically shortening the cycle of development and implementation of new materials.

The opening ceremony was attended by Denis Sekirinsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Yuri Slyusar, Governor of the Rostov Region, Inna Shevchenko, Rector of SFedU, representatives of the regional government, as well as heads of leading industrial partner companies: GC Titan, SIBUR, RT-Epaflex and representatives of leading industrial enterprises in the region and others.

The center is positioned as a unique end-to-end technology platform that eliminates the expensive and lengthy "pilot" stage. Thanks to an intelligent microfluidic platform controlled by artificial intelligence, a direct transition from laboratory techniques to full-scale production through linear scaling is possible. This will make it possible to provide Russia's high-tech industries with new materials and chemical products as soon as possible.

The work of the new center was launched in a solemn atmosphere: the implementation of the metal synthesis project began with a symbolic push of a button. The reactor plant was launched by Yegor Demyanenko, a student of the 11th grade of the physics and mathematics department of the Specialized Educational and Scientific Center of the Southern Federal District, winner of the municipal stage of 2025 and 2026 in physics, winner of the regional stage of 2025 in chemistry.

Denis Sekirinsky, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, noted the strategic importance of the project.

"This center is one of the first results of the national project "New Materials and Chemistry", and its creation became possible thanks to the systematic support for the development of pilot and low—tonnage production at universities. Here, in Rostov-on-Don, we see the rebirth of a mighty triad: the university, anchor industrial partners and the regional government," Denis Sekirinsky noted in his speech.

The Governor of the Rostov region, Yuri Slyusar, focused on the role of the region and the practical benefits of the center.

"Students here gain new knowledge and competencies, scientists develop unique technologies and materials, and industrial partners receive the very products that are urgently needed, especially when access to low–tonnage chemical products has been closed. The development and even the survival of entire industries depends on these products, from the production of weapons to petrochemicals. But the main thing is that after the technologies are created and tested, industrial plants should be located in the Rostov region, and specialists should remain working in the region," said Yuri Slyusar.

SFedU Rector Inna Shevchenko stressed that the ceremonial launch of reactor and microfluidic installations is the start for two pilot processes. The first is the synthesis of unique metal—organic frameworks (MOFs) for energy and environmental solutions: safe hydrogen storage, carbon dioxide capture, and selective extraction of valuable components. The second is the controlled production of functional silicones, which will form the basis for new materials, from ultralight aerogels and highly efficient catalysts to solutions for pharmaceuticals and composites.

"We shared a common dream with our scientists about creating a large technological chain — from world-class fundamental research to their practical implementation in production. Our task was not just to build a platform, but to put into it such technological solutions that would allow Russia to make a breakthrough in import substitution. Today, when the world relies on new technologies, you can only catch up and overtake them by creating them yourself.

As our outstanding scientist Evgeny Grigoryevich Fesenko said, the university teaches us to do what the country needs today — competently, responsibly and with full dedication. This thesis is the whole point of what we are launching today," Inna Shevchenko said.

"The opening of the center for low—tonnage chemistry is an important step for modern science. Today, the high-tech industry relies heavily on the scientific potential of both research organizations and universities. The emergence of such centers is becoming a real pillar for the industry: it is impossible to build a full—fledged work with a business through one laboratory - at best it is a "window" for interaction. And the creation of a specialized center is already a "door" that opens up opportunities for the development and implementation of real industrial technologies," said Evgeny Golosov, Director of the Federal Research Center for Chemical Physics and Medicinal Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Alexander Orlov, head of a separate division of the Titan Group of Companies in Moscow, a representative of the partner company, noted that the center will become an important link in the production of new modern materials for the needs of domestic enterprises.

"Systematic cooperation between science and industry is a key condition for the formation of new-level technological competencies. Combining the scientific infrastructure of the Southern Federal University and the applied potential of the Titan Group creates an effective interaction model in which research results are quickly transformed into industrial technologies. This format of cooperation strengthens the scientific and technological base of the region and contributes to the formation of a sustainable chain of development, scaling and implementation of innovative solutions to ensure Russia's technological sovereignty," emphasized Alexander Yurievich.

Vyacheslav Grokhovsky, Chief Expert of the Laboratory of Organic Synthesis at the SIBUR Innovations Research Center, spoke about the effective cooperation between the university and the company:

"Today, micro- and low-tonnage chemistry is becoming the foundation for the development of new materials and key processes from the creation of catalysts to compounds for microelectronics. In our work, it is important to understand as early as possible whether the development is viable from the point of view of technology. The new center creates a convenient platform for collaboration and allows us to quickly test different approaches, identify limitations and adjust processes to accelerate the transition to pilot production stages."

After the official part and a tour of the laboratory and technological complex, which was conducted by Evgeny Mukhanov, SFedU Vice Rector for Strategic Development, and Alexander Soldatov, scientific director of the SFedU department, a networking discussion took place. It discussed the scientific and human resources of technological leadership, confirming the course towards close integration between the university, the state and business.

During the discussion, they discussed the "Possibilities of the SFedU Center for Micro- and Low-Tonnage Chemistry and Chemical Engineering for the region and the country," as well as the "Digital Map of the country's chemical Industry."

In addition, an important issue of staffing the technological breakthrough was discussed, announcing the launch of the program "Governor's School of Scientific and Technological Special Forces of the Rostov Region", which will become a living tool for training new types of specialists capable of solving complex technological tasks. The dialogue was attended by Yuri Slyusar, Governor of the Rostov Region, Inna Shevchenko, Rector of SFedU, Vyacheslav Grokhovsky, Chief Expert of the Laboratory of Organic Synthesis at the SIBUR Innovations Research Center, Alexander Orlov, head of the Moscow division of the Titan Group, Evgeny Mukhanov, Vice Rector for Strategic Development of SFedU, Alexander Soldatov, Scientific Director of SFedU.

Research will also be conducted in the new space as part of the implementation of the strategic technology project "Technologies for accelerated development and transfer of strategically important materials to micro and low-tonnage production" of the SFedU Priority 2030 program (national project "Youth and Children").