Several Russian high-tech development institutions like Boeing, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft, MIT joined hands in opening the American office of Skolkovo Innovation Center (Skolkovo) in Silicon Valley as well as OAO ROSNANO and the Russian Venture Company (RVC).
The new office will act as the U.S. representative office. It will support and organize major collaborations and technological cooperation in the areas of IT, biomedicine, aerospace, nanotech, nuclear and energy efficiency among reputed American and Russian firms.
Alexei Sitnikov, Director of International Development at the Skolkovo Foundation, has stated that the inauguration of the new American office in Silicon Valley shows Russia’s dedication in building a flourishing technology industry. He mentioned that they will bring both expertise and business spirit of the Silicon Valley to Russia to develop innovative products and services derived from advanced research. He added that they will also share their ideas and experience with firms located in Silicon Valley.
According to Sitnikov, the new center will accelerate ongoing collaboration discussions with IBM, Google and many other major companies. He also highlighted the collaboration being made with Stanford University and the designation of Roger Kornberg, Professor of Stanford University and Winner of Nobel Prize, as the Skolkovo Academic Board’s Co-Chairman.
The Russian Innovation Center has received investment from several major companies including Alstom, Bouygues, EADS, Nokia, Philips, Siemens and TATA. Skolkovo, Rosnano and RVC are part of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s initiatives of advancing and diversifying the nation’s economy. Joe Biden, Vice President of the US, made a visit to the future Skolkovo Innovation Center site during his Russian visit two weeks before.
The launch of the Russian Innovation Center was declared by Sitnikov at the 8th Annual Global Technology Symposium, which was held in Menlo Park between March 23 and 25. Alexandra Johnson, Venture Capitalist of Bay Area, Alexei Beltykov, Vice President of Skolkovo Foundation’s Planning and Development, several officials from Cisco and Microsoft and various reputed investors of Silicon Valley VC participated in the event.
Almaz Capital Partners, IBM, Intel, Google, and Microsoft have signed agreements with Skolkovo to develop software and IT infrastructure. Boeing is building a design center at the technopark to hire 300 IT professionals to assist commercial aircraft development. Siguler Guff has offered $250 million worth investment for digital infrastructure and IT services.
Source: http://www.i-gorod.com