< strong>MOSCOW, July 8The Skolkovo Foundation supports startups that integrate into the production and business processes of large industrial enterprises, said Alexey Belyakov, Deputy Chairman of the Board for Cooperation with Partners, Chief Managing Director of the Skolkovo Foundation.
He stated this during the session of the Innoprom-2024 exhibition “Outlines of Innovation in Industry: Main Industrial Trends for the Years Ahead.” 
According to him, over the past 2-3 years, a large number of successful alliances have formed between residents of the fund and large industrial players.
«Literally half an hour ago at the Skolkovo Foundation stand, an agreement was signed for the joint development of robots by a large integrator. Such robots can be used in various verticals. The company plans to use them for personnel training. This is the one an example of collaborations that Skolkovo has been actively building over the past few years,” noted Belyakov, whose words were quoted by the foundation’s press service.
He recalled that a year ago, at the Innoprom-2023 exhibition, a solution was presented that simulates the condition of expensive tires for BelAZ vehicles and allows them to be serviced with a 10 percent saving. This solution was implemented and scaled.
«A year later, we see that the manufacturing company is of interest not only to buyers, but also to strategic investors, including the largest industrial integrators. This is an excellent example of a compact solution in a small niche that has generated serious investment interest. And I can give many such examples,» the speaker emphasized.
In addition, Belyakov added that today there is an increasing trend towards digitalization of secondary business processes. Thus, large retailers and marketplaces are investing a large amount of funds in logistics solutions and warehouse robotization. Another priority area is developments related to personnel management. 
Today there is only one human resource of the most scarce. Any solutions that allow you to manage personnel, track the development trajectory and effectiveness of employees are becoming very popular, he emphasized.
“The Skolkovo Foundation plays the role of moderator and orchestrator. We must nurture, support and educate startups that will subsequently be integrated into the production and business processes of large industrial enterprises. We have already accumulated a critical mass of such startups: we have success stories and technologies which are competitive here and abroad,” Belyakov said.
During the session, representatives of technology companies, large industrial integrators and ministries discussed a number of issues related to both industry nuances and innovation policy in general. The speakers agreed that the focus should be on creating new products. Many of today's solutions are aimed at improving operational efficiency, but there is a ceiling. From the point of view of innovation, the development of new products provides much greater potential and impetus for development.
Government support also plays a big role. In addition to basic measures, the state offers tax preferences and benefits, and is also actively implementing subsidy programs. The state’s priority is full life cycle management systems, machine learning and development technologies that shape the face of modern industry, increase productivity and safety.
