Skolkovo: One of the Leading Incubators in Russia

What Does Skolkovo Do?

Skolkovo was established to support innovative businesses and promote technological developments in Russia. Key areas of activity include:

1. Support for Startups and Innovative Companies
   Skolkovo not only provides startups with access to office space, laboratories, and equipment but also assists in attracting investments. Startups can obtain Skolkovo resident status, granting access to various privileges, including tax incentives and development grants.

2. Expertise and Mentoring
   Skolkovo residents have access to a network of mentors and experts who help develop their business, provide consultations, and assist in solving technical and managerial challenges. This can include support in areas such as intellectual property, marketing, business strategies, and financial management.

3. Funding and Grants
   Skolkovo offers startups funding in the form of non-repayable grants, as well as aids in attracting venture investments and partners. The grant sizes may vary depending on the project's development stage and potential.

4. Educational Programs and Events
   As part of its activities, Skolkovo organizes educational programs for entrepreneurs, technology conferences, and business forums. This helps startups stay up-to-date with current trends and network with potential partners and investors.

Open Oil Market — Skolkovo Resident

My company Open Oil Market is a resident of Skolkovo and enjoys all tax benefits provided by the center. As a result, we are exempt from corporate income tax, property tax, and VAT on certain goods and services. This allows us to significantly reduce costs and allocate more resources to develop and scale our business. Additionally, resident status gives us access to grants for research and development, helping us accelerate the implementation of innovative solutions in the oil products market.

Key Programs of Skolkovo

1. Resident Program

   Skolkovo resident status allows startups to receive tax incentives, grant funding, and access to specialized infrastructure. To become a resident, a company must meet specific criteria and present a project with potential for innovative development.

   • Tax Benefits for Residents: Skolkovo residents are exempt from corporate income tax, property tax, and VAT on specific goods and services. This allows for considerable cost reduction in business development.
   • Grants and Funding: Residents can apply for grants from the Skolkovo Fund. Grants are provided for conducting research and experimental development, creating prototypes, and preparing for commercialization.

2. Startup Village

   Startup Village is an annual event organized by Skolkovo that gathers startups, investors, experts, and businesspeople from around the world. Participation in this event provides an opportunity to present projects, compete in startup contests, and receive valuable advice from experts.

3. Educational Programs

   Skolkovo conducts various educational events, courses, and training for entrepreneurs and startups. The programs cover a wide range of topics — from marketing and project management to legal protection and financial planning. This helps entrepreneurs develop their skills and manage their businesses more effectively.

4. Investment Attraction Program

   For Skolkovo residents, there is a program supporting investment attraction. Specialists at the center assist startups in preparing investment presentations, conducting negotiations with potential investors, and closing capital attraction deals.

Examples of Successful Startups That Have Passed Through Skolkovo

1. Motorica

   Motorica is a Russian company specializing in the production of bionic prosthetics for upper limbs. By becoming a Skolkovo resident, the startup gained access to infrastructure and grants, helping the company develop prototypes of high-tech prosthetics. Today, Motorica produces bionic prosthetics that can connect to the internet and be controlled via a mobile app, as well as export its products abroad.

2. VisionLabs

   VisionLabs is a leading developer of solutions in the field of computer vision and artificial intelligence. The company became a Skolkovo resident and used the incubator's resources to develop innovative face recognition technologies and video stream analysis. VisionLabs solutions are applied in security, retail, and the financial sector. The company attracted investments from international investors and secured contracts with major Russian and foreign companies.

Benefits of Participating in Skolkovo Programs

1. Tax Incentives and Cost Savings

   Skolkovo provides tax incentives for residents, significantly reducing financial expenses. This is particularly important for startups that need to invest significantly in research and development.

2. Access to Unique Infrastructure

   Residents gain access to laboratories, research centers, modern offices, and other facilities that help accelerate the development of innovations.

3. Network Connections and Investment Attraction Opportunities

   Skolkovo actively assists startups in establishing connections with potential partners and investors by organizing meetings and events aimed at attracting funding.

4. Support in Intellectual Property Matters

   Skolkovo provides consultations on intellectual property protection issues, which is crucial for startups developing new technologies and products.

The Skolkovo incubator plays a vital role in the development of startups and the promotion of innovations in Russia. Through its support programs, grants, educational events, and tax incentives, Skolkovo helps entrepreneurs grow faster and enter international markets. Examples of successful companies such as Motorica and VisionLabs, as well as my startup Open Oil Market, demonstrate how the incubator can facilitate success and promote the implementation of innovative solutions.