Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Oleg Tarasov, a graduate student at RUDN University's Graduate School of Management, has led a project team developing the online platform "USE Breakthrough." This platform is transforming the way schoolchildren prepare for exams. The project, based on artificial intelligence, has joined the RUDN.VC 3.0 accelerator.
"Russian schools are experiencing a severe shortage of strong math and computer science teachers, so families are turning en masse to tutors and online schools. However, the platforms of most online schools are essentially 'content warehouses' with a standardized course 'for the average student': the material is presented in a fixed sequence, without regard for each student's existing knowledge, specific goals, or time constraints; there is no real individualized educational trajectory for each child," noted Oleg Tarasov.
As the student notes, according to research by the Digital Education ANO, approximately 70% of schoolchildren physically lack the time to adequately prepare for exams, even if they spend all their free time on it, further increasing the demand for more effective and personalized preparation formats.
AI as a personal mentor
"The key feature of the USE Breakthrough platform is its flexible, micro-modular learning structure, which allows for personalization of the educational process for each student. Instead of standardized courses, the system analyzes the student's knowledge level and creates an individualized learning path, adapting it in real time. This allows for accurate diagnosis of knowledge gaps and automatic selection of tasks based on the student's difficulty, vocabulary similarity, and cognitive characteristics," noted Oleg Tarasov.
The project is based on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning methods, which aligns with government policy priorities in the area of digitalization of education and the implementation of innovative technologies.
"We're developing this startup because we're confident that exam preparation can be done without stress and endless cramming—through clear steps, honest analysis, and a sense of progress, not constant anxiety. We believe that technology and a well-designed methodology can support students just as well as a strong mentor, but in a way that's accessible to thousands of families across the country. A large team of engineers, analysts, and methodologists works on this product every day, and our shared goal is to make preparation for the OGE and USE not a devastating marathon, but a manageable and predictable process in which children understand, 'I can do this,'" Oleg Tarasov emphasized.
According to the student, the project team expects a measurable increase in OGE and USE scores for platform users and a reduction in preparation time through more efficient use of each class hour. After all, students won't be studying "math in general," but rather the types of problems that currently limit their performance.
For parents, this means fewer hours and less money spent with a more predictable exam outcome, and for the team, a sustainable return-to-market economy and expansion to other subjects. The project operates in the B2C segment as an online school offering personalized exam preparation, with the potential to scale to new subjects, grades, and levels (from basic support to Olympiad and specialized preparation).
Achievements and support
"Our solution is already attracting interest at the government level. In December 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the expansion of AI use for supplementary education and counseling for schoolchildren. A register of such solutions is currently being compiled, and USE Breakthrough was invited to join the few projects participating in the pilot, opening up prospects for further integration into federal and regional programs," noted Oleg Tarasov.
The project received high praise from the expert community. It was a finalist for the Moscow Mayor's Prize in the "Project of the Future" category and won:
At the All-Russian EdTech Projects Competition organized by MIPT; at the All-Russian Education Innovation Competition organized by the "Towards Change" Foundation; at the TELE2 competition (in the "Promising Business Solution" category); at the federal "Create OURS" competition.
The "USE Breakthrough" project is a shining example of how RUDN University students are applying their acquired knowledge and modern technologies to create socially significant solutions that can transform education for the better.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.