Технологические тренды и развитие IT-рынка России: взгляд экспертов The Trends 2025

The session begins with a warm welcome and acknowledgment of the attendees’ effort to arrive despite difficult traffic conditions. The host, a vice-president and development director of MITMA IT—one of Russia’s largest IT associations—expresses enthusiasm for the day’s discussion on the development of the Russian technology market.

"Я как представитель крупнейшей IT-ассоциации... питаю глубокую любовь именно к технологической части рынка и очень уважаю тех кто создаёт инновационные продукты." 0:41

The panel of speakers is introduced, representing a broad spectrum of expertise in finance, innovation clusters, IT startups, and large IT businesses:

• Evgeny Egorov, president of a major financial association (ACI Russia), with deep knowledge of investment and tech markets.
• Alexey Parabochev, CEO of the Moscow Innovation Cluster, a key institute uniting government, science, and business.
• Evgeny Titarenko, president of MITMA IT, an association uniting over 50,000 IT professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs.
• Valentin Makarov, president of Russoft, one of the oldest and largest IT associations representing big business.

"Если мы говорим про МИТМА, мы больше помогаем малым средним компаниям масштабироваться, а Валентин отвечает за таких мастодонтов IT-рынка." 2:17

Key points:

• The session focuses on the Russian technology market’s development.
• Panelists represent diverse sectors: finance, innovation support, startups, and large IT companies.
• The host emphasizes the importance of innovation and technological entrepreneurship.

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Alexey Parabochev opens the discussion by reflecting on the last five years of technological development in Russia, focusing on the venture capital market as a key indicator of technological trends.

"Венчурный рынок для меня важен, потому что это та сфера, в которой частные инвесторы и институты развития выбирают технологические направления, в которые они верят." 4:33

He notes a significant contraction of the Russian venture market since its peak in 2021, but highlights a diversification of investment focus:

• Business software remains the top investment area due to scalability and universality.
• EdTech has shrunk in share but remains relevant.
• New areas like Assistive Technologies (for people with disabilities or rehabilitation) have emerged, marking a shift toward hardware.
• DeepTech investments are growing, focusing on long-term, science-intensive projects with 5-7 year horizons.
• Consumer Goods related to everyday products have appeared in the top segments, linked to import substitution.

"Инвестиционный фокус смещается от чисто софтверных IT-решений в сторону более хардверных и связанных с другими рынками." 8:07

Key points:

• The Russian venture market has shrunk but diversified.
• Software for business remains dominant.
• Hardware and deep science-based technologies are gaining investor interest.
• Consumer goods linked to import substitution are a new venture focus.
• This diversification offers investors a range of options depending on risk and return horizons.

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The conversation shifts to how the Moscow Innovation Cluster supports technological projects. Alexey explains the cluster’s focus on projects that improve urban infrastructure and services in Moscow:

"Нас интересуют проекты, которые касаются развития городского хозяйства... транспорт, здравоохранение, благоустройство, строительство." 10:58

Key areas of interest include:

• Robotics and automation to compensate for labor shortages in basic city services.
• Environmental and urban comfort technologies.
• Autonomous and eco-friendly transport solutions.

The cluster supports projects at all stages—from early teams without legal entities to large companies seeking venture investments over 100 million rubles. They work closely with the Moscow Venture Fund to co-invest alongside private and corporate investors, ensuring market validation.

"Мы стараемся работать с рынком венчурных инвестиций и не давать деньги только от себя, а предоставлять деньги через различные инструменты при условии, что в этот проект инвестируют и частные инвесторы." 14:17

Key points:

• The cluster prioritizes urban development technologies.
• Support spans from idea stage to large-scale companies.
• Co-investment with private investors is a key strategy.
• Services include pilot testing and partial cost compensation.
• The cluster is open to diverse projects beyond the listed sectors.

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Evgeny Titarenko discusses the current trends from the perspective of a large IT association representing mostly small and medium enterprises.

"Если посмотреть на ситуацию 4 года назад, инвесторы редко смотрели на проекты с грантовым финансированием. Сейчас это большой плюс." 17:14

He highlights the importance of combining state support with private investment, noting that government grants and measures are now seen as a positive signal by investors.

He also explains the benefits of becoming an accredited IT company in Russia, including:

• Reduced social insurance contributions (7.6% vs. 30%).
• Lower profit tax rates (5% or zero if in the domestic software registry).
• Additional benefits for Skolkovo residents, including customs privileges.

"Это такой режим наибольшего благоприятствования, который каждый может использовать." 19:47

Titarenko praises the Moscow Innovation Cluster as the most advanced platform in Russia for supporting startups and calls for scaling such models to regions.

He also mentions the importance of direct dialogue between the state and industry communities to shape effective policies.

Key points:

• State grants are now positively viewed by investors.
• Tax and social contribution benefits for accredited IT companies are significant.
• Skolkovo residency adds further fiscal advantages.
• The Moscow Innovation Cluster is a leading support platform.
• Industry-government dialogue is crucial for policy development.

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Valentin Makarov shares insights from the viewpoint of large Russian IT companies and the Russoft association.

"Мы сейчас находимся в шестом технологическом укладе Кондратьева... базируется на искусственном интеллекте, киберфизических системах, блокчейне, квантовых вычислениях." 25:53

He stresses that Russia must think beyond its 1% share of the global market and aim to become a global leader by collaborating internationally.

"Нужно сразу думать, как вы будете мировым лидером вместе с кем-то." 27:13

Makarov notes that the recent growth driven by import substitution is slowing as large companies have filled their niches, leaving medium and small businesses searching for new directions.

He points to opportunities in international cooperation, technology transfer, and export of sovereign technologies, citing examples of interest from countries like India, the Middle East, and Latin America.

"Государство во всём мире является главным сподвижником продвижения на глобальные рынки." 30:26

Key points:

• Russia is entering a new technological era focused on AI, blockchain, quantum tech.
• Global market leadership requires international partnerships.
• Import substitution growth is plateauing; new paths needed for SMEs.
• Russian companies have a window to export sovereign tech globally.
• State support is key to global market access, unlike current limited support for IT exports.

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Evgeny Egorov discusses trends in the financial sector, focusing on the merging of traditional finance and cryptocurrency markets.

"Тренд — слияние классического финансового рынка и крипторынка." 34:29

He envisions:

• 24/7 trading on exchanges like the Moscow Exchange and SPB Exchange.
• Direct participation by investors without brokers, except for multi-jurisdictional trading.
• Introduction of crypto assets on regulated markets, potentially making Russia a pioneer.

He also highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation in crypto trading to align it more closely with traditional financial markets.

"Движение крипторынка к финансовому рынку — это больше регулирования и равных возможностей." 36:24

The discussion touches on the recent U.S. presidential administration’s recognition of crypto as a future financial system, signaling a global trend.

Egrov expresses hope for digital financial assets (DFA) to become a mainstream investment tool, enabling startups to raise funds easily and efficiently.

Key points:

• Traditional finance and crypto markets are converging.
• Russia could lead in regulated crypto asset trading.
• Transparency and regulation in crypto are needed.
• Global recognition of crypto’s importance is growing.
• Digital financial assets may revolutionize startup funding.

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The panel addresses the current lag in Russia’s crypto regulation despite the sector’s significant activity.

"Регулирование крипторынка в России отстаёт... хотелось бы побольше, потому что сейчас не до конца понятно, могут ли банки оперировать криптой." 40:56

They discuss the need for a dedicated crypto committee within Ministry of Digital Development and the potential for the industry community to influence regulatory development.

"У меня появилась идея... подумать, как криптосообществом сделать так, чтобы регуляторика шла в том числе от нас." 42:41

The panel encourages startups and entrepreneurs to engage in consultations and use available support services to navigate the complex regulatory and institutional landscape.

Key points:

• Russia’s crypto regulation is behind global standards.
• Industry calls for a dedicated crypto committee in government.
• Community-driven regulatory proposals are being developed.
• Engagement with institutions is vital for startups.
• Support services and consultations are available for guidance.

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In closing, the moderator asks each speaker to summarize the key trend and advice for IT companies in one or two words:

• Evgeny Titarenko: Regulation — "Лояльное регулирование" (friendly regulation). Advice: design products for global markets.
• Alexey Parabochev: Artificial Intelligence. Advice: leverage regulation to test and implement AI solutions.
• Evgeny Egorov: People — the driving force behind innovation. Advice: unite and generate ideas to influence processes.
• Valentin Makarov: Collaboration — entering an era of international cooperation. Advice: aim for global leadership through partnerships.

"Если вы не занимаетесь внедрением новых технологий, вы не будете лидером." 26:39

The session ends with a playful audience poll on whether trends should be known or actively ridden, reflecting the dynamic nature of the technology market.

Key points:

• Friendly regulation is crucial for growth.
• AI is the dominant technological trend.
• People and collaboration drive success.
• Global thinking and partnerships are essential.
• Companies should actively engage with trends, not just observe them.

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This detailed breakdown captures the rich discussion on Russia’s technology market in 2025, highlighting the evolving venture landscape, institutional support mechanisms, the importance of global market orientation, and the critical role of regulation and collaboration in fostering innovation.