A delegation of scientists, educators and ministry officials from India paid a visit Wednesday to the Skolkovo Foundation, on a fact-finding mission to study the opportunities available for Indian students and startups in Russia.
Led by Inder Jit Singh of India’s Ministry of Science and Technology, the 30-strong delegation visited the foundation’s headquarters in downtown Moscow for presentations on programs available to ease entry into the Russian market for Indian enterprises, among others.
Inder Jit Singh of India’s Ministry of Science and Technology at the Skolkovo Foundation.
“It was really interesting for us to find out about this project (Skolkovo),” Singh told sk.ru. “In India we have many similar centers, but they aren’t on the same scale and they have a more narrow focus,” he added.
They were also informed about opportunities for Indian students to study at the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, a new breed of university that puts innovation at the core of its curriculum. Additionally, a summer camp program run by the Skolkovo Open University for students of BRICS countries is starting in 2016, the delegation learned.
The delegation welcomed a program by the Skolkovo Technopark named “Soft Landing” to offer incentives such as simplified visas and administrative support to foreign startups who want access to the Russian market.
India, a key partner country, is to host a Skolkovo Foundation board meeting in Gurgaon later this month.
In July, Aniara, an Indian telecommunications company, ordered two geostationary satellites from the Russian division of the international private aerospace company Dauria Aerospace, a partner of the Skolkovo Foundation, on the sidelines of the Farnborough International Airshow in Britain.
The agreement to design and manufacture small satellites marks the first time in history that a Russian company will build satellites for an Indian customer.
