Tatarstan among leaders in number of applications for "Neurofest-2026"
The republic has ranked among the top four most active regions in submitting applications for Russia’s first national programme dedicated to AI solutions development for culture, Neurofest-2026, with a total of 48 innovative projects. At the same time, Kazan Federal University (KFU) became the leading Russian university in the number of applications.
Among the projects from Tatarstan competing for the longlist and further implementation are innovative developments from the region’s leading universities, including:
"Echo of Style": an AI platform that identifies a personalized visual archetype of the user through masterpieces from the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, transforming museum collections into a living tool for self-discovery.
"Generative Design of Heritage sites": a unique solution at the intersection of AI and parametrics, enabling architects to design structures three times faster while preserving local cultural codes and regional identity.
"Edu-File-Repo": a digital hub with an AI assistant for students and educators that quickly creates summaries of extensive academic manuals and educational materials.
"Compass GIS": an interactive map of public spaces in Tatarstan that uses AI technology to monitor and improve urban environments in real time.
"Tatarstan possesses significant potential for creating various AI solutions. In 2024, the region launched Russia’s first generative platform, "GosPrompt", designed for government officials and teachers. Recently, this service received recognition as a finalist at the national "PROF-IT.Innovation" competition. Additionally, our republic became the first in Russia to launch its own AI development program aimed at making these technologies accessible across key sectors,” said Bulat Gabdrakhmanov, Deputy Minister of Digital Development of RT.
"Neurofest" is a programme launched by the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Leninka Art" aimed at implementing a digital transformation within the cultural industry. The main goal is to unite creative ideas with the capabilities of technological giants and establish a “National AI Solutions Bank,” which will be integrated into museums, theaters, and libraries across the country.
The scale of this initiative is confirmed by the support from the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and a grant from the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives (PFCI). The fund approved funding for the full cycle of the program, enabling not only the organization of a competition but also the creation of a robust digital infrastructure and methodological materials for the entire sector. Among the partners are Rosatom, Yandex, Sber, Skolkovo, RGB, ArtMasters, Tretyakov Gallery, Soyuzmultfilm, and others.
A total of 1,048 applications were submitted from 75 regions across Russia. Based on preliminary expert review, a longlist of 150 projects will be formed, which will be considered by the Expert Council on June 23. Leading experts from Rosatom, Yandex, Sber, Skolkovo, and other tech companies will conduct an in-depth evaluation of the longlist solutions and select finalists for participation in an acceleration program.
For developers and creators from Kazan, participating in "Neurofest" offers a powerful career boost and access to resources of industry leaders:
Pilot implementations: the top projects from finalists will be deployed in major cultural institutions across the country.
Skolkovo residency status: the three best teams will undergo expert review and become Skolkovo residents, gaining access to tax incentives and grants for prototyping.
Grants from Yandex Cloud: participants will have access to Yandex AI Studio capabilities, and the most promising products can apply for grants of up to 1 million rubles.
Personal mentorship: teams will work directly with top management from Sber AI, Yandex, Rosatom, and Alfa-Bank.
The project’s culmination will be a festival and the awarding of Russia’s first national AI creators award in September 2026 in Moscow.
Our university-developed solutions fully align with the strategic goals of the "Data Economy" national project, helping domestic enterprises increase efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign solutions.