On 27 July, the Board of Trustees of the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (part of the VEB.RF Group) held a meeting chaired by VEB.RF Head Igor Shuvalov. Skoltech President Yulia Gorbunova presented a report on her first 100 days in office, as well as on the Institute’s performance in target domains and its Strategy 2030 priorities.

The board reviewed the Institute’s performance in terms of education, research, technological development, and international cooperation.

In the field of education, the Institute has maintained the continuity of the training process while improving its educational offerings and developing bachelor’s programs with a focus on artificial intelligence. Skoltech students continue to achieve excellent results, winning high-profile competitions and receiving state and corporate scholarships.

Skoltech remains an indisputable leader in science. According to the Expert journal’s research excellence rankings of Russian universities published on July 1, 2026, Skoltech ranks first in seven subject areas, including computer science, engineering, energy, chemistry, mathematics, and semiconductor technology. The Institute’s publication activity continues to grow, with researchers attending top international conferences and steadily increasing grant support for research. Nine of the 21 new projects that received support from the Russian Science Foundation in 2026 will be led by young scientists.

Skoltech places a strong emphasis on technological cooperation with industrial partners. Over the past 100 days, the Institute has seen impressive growth in collaborations with leading Russian corporations and government agencies, as well as in its project portfolio in artificial intelligence, robotics, photonics, new materials, energy, biotechnology, and other target domains. Currently, 81 contracts are in progress, with funding scheduled for 2026–2027.

International collaborations are expanding, too. In recent months, Skoltech has established three new joint laboratories with universities in China, India, and the United Arab Emirates. The Institute has also strengthened its relationships with prominent international scientific and educational organizations.

The board paid particular attention to Strategy 2030, which outlines the development of the Institute across six interconnected programs: Education, Research, Technology, Technological Entrepreneurship, International Collaborations, and Governance.

Key priorities include establishing world-class research centers, designing new technology programs, promoting the commercialization of intellectual property, expanding international research collaborations, developing infrastructure, and refining the Institute’s governance system.

Following the discussion, the Board of Trustees recognized Yulia Gorbunova’s report on her first 100 days in office and the Strategy 2030 implementation plan.

“The VEB Group, which includes Skoltech, currently covers virtually all areas of investment in human capital. The Institute aims to create and implement new technologies for practical applications. Along with other universities and industrial partners, Skoltech will cultivate a new generation of technology leaders,” said Igor Shuvalov, commenting on the meeting’s results.

“Our goal is to maintain the Institute’s leadership and build on its cutting-edge results. Skoltech has emerged as a pioneer in the country’s landscape of innovative research and technology. Today, we aim to continue blazing new trails in technological development. We intend to consolidate essential competencies around ambitious projects and foster relationships with industry and partners in Russia and abroad,” Gorbunova said after the meeting.