The purpose of the collaboration is to combine the scientific and educational potential of the university with the practice of large business. The focus is on training personnel to meet the demands of companies, conducting applied research and launching solutions that are in demand in key industries in southern Russia.

"We are creating a platform where education is combined with industry. The support of a partner like AVALAB is extremely important to us. Students will see how IT technologies solve specific business problems and will be able to apply their knowledge in practice. This is an opportunity to get involved in real projects while still studying," said Gennady Veselov, Director of the SFedU Institute of Computer Technology and Information Security.

As part of the agreement, the parties plan to jointly train IT specialists, develop student startups, and implement digital solutions for the economy of Southern Russia.

"For us, this is not a formality, but a step towards uniting the academic and industrial environment. Combining the knowledge base of the SFedU School of Engineering and AVALAB's experience in digitalizing the economy will allow us to get specialists for specific business tasks and implement solutions that work here and now. We are investing in students who will become the foundation of the country's digital transformation," said AVALAB Director Hrachya Aleksanyan.

The agreement provides for AVALAB's participation in the university's educational programs, as well as joint work on the implementation of digital solutions and support for students' technological projects.

Experts note that such business and university collaborations are critically important for import substitution in the IT sector and the development of the regional economy. The creation of an educational startup ecosystem directly affects the consolidation of talented specialists in the regions.

Background information:

AVALAB is an IT division of the AVA Group of companies specializing in the development of digital solutions for various sectors of the economy. The company promotes the development of the IT community in the region, supports technology startups and implements projects in the field of digital transformation.

Southern Federal University (SFedU) is a leading scientific and educational center in Southern Russia, founded in 1915. The University is one of the leaders in higher education, confirming its status by participating in federal projects and programs "Priority 2030", "Artificial Intelligence" and "Advanced Engineering Schools", whose activities are directly aimed at strengthening the scientific and technological potential and independence of the country.