Four graduates from Tomsk received 200,000 rubles for their startups
In the vibrant academic landscape of Tomsk, Russia, universities are making significant strides in various fields, as evidenced by the recent "Startup as a Diploma" competition and other achievements.
The "Startup as a Diploma" competition, a platform that rewards students for their innovative ideas and projects, has seen four graduates from Tomsk universities emerge as winners. Each of these victorious students received a grant of 200,000 rubles to bring their projects to life. The winning projects span a wide range of fields, from technology and animal control to materials science.
One of the winning projects, an innovative motion capture suit, promises to revolutionise the world of virtual reality and gaming. Another groundbreaking project involves the creation of fire-resistant materials from Tomsk clay, a sustainable solution that could have far-reaching implications for construction and safety. Additionally, a technology for printing electronic boards and an animal control service are among the diverse array of winning projects.
Winning the competition not only brings monetary rewards but also access to free expert consultations. Winners can use their grants to purchase equipment, pay for rent, or obtain business licensing, further boosting their chances of success.
Anna Gomozova, head of the Department of Labor and Employment, has noted the presence of many talented students in Tomsk. This talent is not only showcased in competitions like "Startup as a Diploma" but also in Tomsk's active engagement in international academic collaboration. For instance, students from the Higher School of Economics' International Prep Year presented research at the Third International Conference "Scientific Initiative of Foreign Students and Postgraduates" held at Tomsk Polytechnic University.
Tomsk universities are also expanding their enrollment, with a strong increase in student enrollment under special quotas at Tomsk State University (TSU) in 2025. This growth reflects broader social policies linked to the Ukraine conflict, with more than half of these students exempt from entrance exams.
Moreover, Tomsk universities have been strengthening their industry partnerships, particularly with major oil companies like Gazprom and Lukoil. This partnership enhances career prospects for graduates, with a reported 95% employment rate within six months and average starting salaries of $45,000–60,000 USD annually.
In response to academic integrity concerns, Tomsk University has formed a commission to address complaints about problematic publications, underlining its commitment to scientific responsibility.
In summary, while direct information on the winners and projects of the "Startup as a Diploma" competition is not available from the current search results, Tomsk universities are actively expanding their enrollment, deepening industry ties, enhancing research collaboration, and responding to academic challenges—all contributing to a vibrant economic and academic ecosystem. The "Startup as a Diploma" competition is just one example of how Tomsk universities are supporting the development of new economic directions and nurturing the next generation of innovators.
- The success of the "Startup as a Diploma" competition, an event that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship among students, is a testament to the focus on education-and-self-development within Tomsk's academic landscape.
- The winners of the "Startup as a Diploma" competition, who received grants to bring their innovative projects to life, demonstrate the potential for self-development and fostering new economic directions in Tomsk's universities.
