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EKATERINBURG, November 14, 2025 – The closing ceremony of the 12th International Hi-Tech Future Skills Competition took place at the Ekaterinburg-Expo International Exhibition Center. This large-scale event, which brought together over 1,000 competitors and experts from 15 countries, concluded with a vibrant show symbolizing the unity of technology, talent, and innovation, culminating in the awards ceremony.
The awards ceremony was attended by the Competition's key organizers and inspirers, its trusted friends and partners, representatives of federal and regional government bodies, development institutions, and industrial corporations.
Ivan Kulikov, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, emphasized the event's significance for industry: "On behalf of the Minister of Industry and Trade and myself, I congratulate the Competition Final on its successful completion. You are all already winners, as the future of technological leadership is shaped by your knowledge and skill. This is the start of dozens of solutions that will be implemented tomorrow in specific industries. But even the most advanced technology is powerless without people. The intellect of an inventor, the determination of an engineer, and the hand of a master—this is what creates the future. And you, the participants of Hi-Tech, are these engineers, inventors, and masters! Special thanks to the foreign teams and guests—we are erasing the boundaries of technical standards together!"
First Deputy Governor of the Sverdlovsk Region, Alexey Shmykov, noted: "This is the 12th time the Sverdlovsk Region has hosted the International Hi-Tech Future Skills Competition, a significant event for the region. On behalf of the Governor of the Region, I congratulate all participants. You are the energy and driver of change. The Sverdlovsk Region, where industrial enterprises are actively developing, awaits each of you! I would also like to especially recognize the participants of the Youth Festival, who became an important link in this year's competition."
Alexander Vaino, Director of the Young Professionals Division at the Agency for Strategic Initiatives, while awarding the winners, noted the Championship's opportunities and prospects: "The key advantage of Hi-Tech is its platform for active international cooperation. The participation of teams from 15 friendly countries opens up broad opportunities for professional dialogue and the exchange of skills. This year, as part of the Competition, ASI signed three memorandums with key international partners: Indonesia, Iran, and the Republic of South Africa (RSA). The agreements are aimed at developing models for ensuring technological sovereignty. The main areas of joint work include scientific research in the fields of artificial intelligence, energy, new materials, biotechnology, space, as well as the development of creative industries, social entrepreneurship, and tourism," said Alexander Vaino.
Maria Elkina, CEO of the Skills Development Agency, thanked everyone involved in the Competition—the organizers, partners, and experts. She addressed the main characters of the event—the competitors—with special words: “Today there will be winners, and there will be those who will consider themselves losers. This is not true! It won't be long before each of you remembers this Hi-Tech as a happy time. Because together, you were involved in something great and truly important here. Hi-Tech is over, but Hi-Tech is here to stay!” Maria Elkina reminded.
Special awards!
During the ceremony, special awards were presented from leading development institutions.
The Technological Development Agency (with the participation of the IDF) award of 2 million rubles was established to identify specialists committed to continuous improvement. “It is absolutely clear that for the active development of Russian industry, it needs not just workers, but highly qualified specialists ready to improve their skills every day. And the International Hi-Tech Future Skills Competition provides an excellent opportunity to identify exactly such people,” noted Vladimir Pastukhov, Director General of the ATP, presenting a certificate to Alexander Dolgov (Additive Manufacturing and Reverse Engineering) and 2 million rubles to his mentor.
The Industrial Development Fund presented two "Master of Industrial Development" awards, each worth 2 million rubles. "Since 2015, the Industrial Development Fund has been helping domestic companies launch new production facilities, implement advanced technologies, and produce competitive products. That same year, we established a special "Master of Industrial Development" award for participants in the Industrial Professions Championship—those who work directly at enterprises and contribute to the development of the industry. This year, Ruslan Karimov, the winner of the "CAD Engineering Design" competition, and his mentor each received IDF certificates worth 2 million rubles," said IDF Director Roman Petrutsa.
A special prize of 2 million rubles was also awarded by the Competition co-organizer, the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. It was received by the Roscosmos State Corporation team in the "Aerial Robotics" category.
