From Idea to Finished Product: How Moscow Startups Strengthen the Country's Technological Sovereignty

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The capital is creating conditions for the development of high-tech companies capable of replacing foreign solutions and entering the market with competitive products. The "Academy of Innovators" program helps teams move from idea to finished product, finding partners and customers. The "Moscow Innovator" competition supports scientists and inventors whose developments can form the basis for new industries and technologies.

"We're seeing steady growth in import-substituting solutions through our support programs. Finalists of the Moscow Innovator competition and leading startups from the Academy of Innovators are creating competitive domestic alternatives. The teams are working in strategically important areas, such as industry, new materials, and housing and utilities. Such projects not only address the needs of the Moscow market but also build a long-term technological reserve for the country," she said.

Kristina Kostroma, head of the capital's Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development.

One striking example is the company Karbontex, which launched the first mass production of a 3D-fabric-based composite material in Russia. This new technology allows the creation of ultra-strong parts without manual layering, replacing imported counterparts. Winning the "Moscow Innovator" competition helped the team acquire equipment, open a production facility, and expand into the aerospace, oil and gas, mechanical engineering, and medical industries.

Another participant, Rusgrafen, is developing graphene-based materials for industrial and electronic applications. The team has created a thermal paste for cooling computer processors and gaming consoles. The product is already being sold on marketplaces, research and development is underway, and sales have doubled.

In the agricultural sector, the Minicor project helps replace imported feed additives. This innovative bioproduct is a 100% Russian development, including its raw materials, technologies, and probiotic. It reduces antibiotic consumption and improves the efficiency of livestock farming. The team is preparing to launch the product on the market following successful trials.

The startup Polisens is developing domestic production of components for flexible solar panels, sensors, and other organic electronics. The idea arose as a response to the shortage of imported materials and months-long delivery delays, which hindered the commercialization of Russian developments. The company creates materials from scratch, from formula development to pilot production. Initially focused on semiconductors, the project expanded its product range to include finished electronic components. Polisens is currently developing its own product line, developing small-scale production, protecting its intellectual property, and strengthening its team to accelerate the development of flexible and thin-layer electronics technologies in Russia. In 2025, the project won the Innovator of Moscow award in the "Reality Changing" category.

Another striking example is the Labadvance project, winner of the Moscow Innovator competition in the Innovation Leaders category. The team develops microengineered devices that significantly accelerate complex chemical and biological experiments. Their technologies help extract oil more efficiently, reducing costs and ensuring a stable energy supply. In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology fields, Labadvance's laboratories accelerate the development of new drugs and materials and create portable diagnostic devices. The project has attracted investment from leading venture capital funds, and the team is negotiating partnerships with partners in the Middle East to expand into the international market.

The startup Mikrofluidika is also focused on developing import-substituting materials for the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The company creates technologies for the production of various substances, including a universal solvent used in microelectronics, batteries, and petrochemicals. In 2025, the project became a finalist in the "Moscow Innovator" competition and entered the top 15 in the fifth cohort of the "Innovators Academy."

During the acceleration program, the team signed a contract with one of Russia's largest petrochemical companies, received approval for funding rounds totaling 34 million rubles, and received orders from the V.G. Khlopin Radium Institute of the Rosatom State Corporation. The startup also won a grant of five million rubles and created Russia's first facility for producing a valuable chemical component—a substance that converts liquid resin into durable plastic used in the manufacture of boat hulls, swimming pools, fishing rods, and auto parts. The facility's capacity is 40 tons per year. These developments will reduce Russian companies' dependence on imports, lower costs, and improve production safety.

City programs go beyond supporting individual developments—they form a fully-fledged ecosystem where startups gain opportunities to scale, find customers, and enter the market. The projects are overseen by the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization "Human Capital Development," which is subordinate to the Moscow City Council. Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development.

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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.

Sobyanin: More than 100 types of payments, compensation, and benefits are available to Muscovites online.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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The Social Treasury is helping more than five million city residents receive payments and benefits. Sergei Sobyanin announced this on his channel in MAX messenger.

"The country's first single center for providing social support measures has been operating for almost two years. A single center handles the entire application process—from submitting applications on the mos.ru portal to assigning preferential statuses, issuing certificates, and disbursing payments," the Moscow Mayor wrote.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel in MAX messenger 

The Moscow Social Treasury was established almost two years ago as the country's first single center for providing support programs. Its establishment significantly simplified the process of applying for social support programs for city residents. Over 100 types of payments, compensation, and benefits—almost 100 percent of socially significant services—have been converted to electronic form. They are now available to Muscovites 24/7 with a single click. The institution's specialists process approximately 10,000 requests daily.

A key element of the Social Treasury's work has become a unified information system, enabling the efficient and efficient processing of city residents' applications without the hassle of paperwork (previously, information had to be verified from five disparate systems). Confirmation of payment assignment or benefit status is sent to the applicant's personal account on the mos.ru portal within minutes of the decision, and status notifications are sent immediately after the application is processed.

As a result, the processing time for applications has been reduced from eight to six business days, and the time it takes to credit funds to accounts has been reduced from five to two business days. Furthermore, the complete elimination of paper personal files has resulted in significant resource savings.

The most popular service provided by the Social Treasury in 2025 was the provision of city support measures for families with children. Specifically, over 400,000 children from large families and children with special needs received annual compensation for the purchase of school uniforms without requiring an application. One-time compensation for the birth of a child was paid to over 80,000 families. Large family status was granted to 11,000 families for the first time, and it was extended for 10,000 families. Over 30,000 Muscovites received a one-time payment upon registering for pregnancy before the 20th week.

The Mayor of Moscow has instructed the continued improvement of the social assistance system for Muscovites, with a particular focus on simplifying the procedure and reducing the timeframe for receiving assistance, as well as improving the targeted nature of the support measures provided.

Subsidies and benefits for housing and communal services

A key part of the capital's social support system is the provision of subsidies and benefits for housing and communal services (HCS), which are received by approximately 2.5 million city residents.

As of July 1, 2025, the City Center for Housing Subsidies was absorbed into the Social Treasury, and its functions were fully integrated into the institution's unified operating model. One of the priorities was the implementation of artificial intelligence in the subsidy allocation process.

The system analyzes documents during the application process, automatically identifying errors and missing information. As a result, Muscovites receive notification of their application status and recommendations for document corrections within an hour. This system will gradually be expanded to other social services, significantly reducing the processing time for city residents' applications.

Feedback services

Residents have access to the "Without Leaving Home" service, which allows them to receive a remote consultation from a Social Treasury specialist in an average of 15 minutes. It is available daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM via the unified contact center at 7 495 870-44-44. A callback function is also available for convenience. Contact center operators receive over 3,000 calls daily.

On the mos.ru portal, you can chat with a specialist via videoconference. Since the beginning of 2025, more than 3,000 video consultations have been held.

For hearing-impaired residents, the "Speak with Your Hands" service is available daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM by calling 7 926 870-44-44. You can send a request via Telegram (@GovoriRukami_chat), email (GovoriRukami@mos.ru), or on VKontakte.

In 2025, the contact center's work received high praise from the jury of the annual professional excellence competition "CCGuru Awards | Crystal Headset" – it won the "Best New Contact Center" category, as well as being a winner in the "Most Effective Strategic Transformation Program" and "Public Services" categories.

Furthermore, the capital's Social Treasury won the "Company | Person of the Year" award in the "Social Project" category. The expert jury highly praised the "Without Leaving Home" service.

Extending Moscow's experience to other regions

The Moscow model for providing social support to citizens is recognized as unique nationwide. The work of the Moscow Social Treasury is becoming a benchmark for other regions of the Russian Federation.

"The Social Treasury is unique in Russia. We share best practices in digitalization, processing applications, and staff training with other regions," the Moscow Mayor added.

Source: Sergei Sobyanin's channel in MAX messenger 

In 2025, representatives from 73 constituent entities of the Russian Federation—from the Kaliningrad Region to the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug—visited the institution to exchange experiences.

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More than a thousand New Year trees have been installed in Moscow.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Specialists urban economy complex More than a thousand New Year's trees have been installed in the capital. This was announced by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing, Utilities, and Urban Development. Petr Biryukov.

"The capital has traditionally been decorated for the New Year and Christmas holidays—lighted decorative structures have been installed throughout the city, creating a special festive atmosphere and providing additional illumination at night. In total, over four thousand three-dimensional structures have been installed, including over one thousand fir trees decorating squares, streets, parks, and gardens," noted Pyotr Biryukov.

New Year's trees, ranging from six to 28 meters tall, are decorated with colorful baubles, stars, garlands, and other ornaments. The tallest trees can be seen on Lubyanka Square, near the main entrance to Gorky Park, in Khodynka Field Park, on Poklonnaya Hill, and in Luzhniki Stadium.

Light arches have been installed, among other places, on Pushkinskaya Square and Novopushkinsky Square, on Tverskaya and Manezhnaya Squares, and in Gazetny and Kamergersky Lanes. They have undergone technological upgrades and now operate in full color with the ability to control lighting and color scenarios.

The pedestrian areas of the Boulevard Ring were traditionally decorated with light tunnels and the numbers 2026, and a giant Christmas tree ball was installed in Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill.

Light tunnels decorated Moscow in anticipation of the New Year.A Christmas tree ball was installed on Poklonnaya Hill.

The head of the city's infrastructure department emphasized that modern energy-saving LED lighting is used to decorate the city. These lights consume tens of times less electricity, are safe, and are designed to operate in all weather conditions.

In recent years, Moscow has accumulated a sufficient stock of decorative elements, allowing for the complete beautification of the city. All lighting and decorative structures are multifunctional, reusable, and can be customized.

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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.

Two more commuter routes to Khimki and Dolgoprudny will begin operating.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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On December 20, Moscow's public transportation will begin operating on two commuter routes. Route 1342 will run to Khimki, and route 1472 will run to Dolgoprudny. Nineteen modern, large-capacity buses will operate on this route.

"Following Sergei Sobyanin's instructions, we are working with the Moscow Region Government to develop the Moscow Transport network of suburban routes. On December 20, we will launch two more routes to the nearest suburbs, replacing the regional carrier. The line will be operated by modern, Russian-made buses, equipped with everything necessary for comfortable and safe travel for all categories of passengers. The buses will run from the Belomorskaya and Skhodnenskaya metro stations to the Khimki and Dolgoprudny urban districts," said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.

Maxim Liksutov.

How to pay for travel

For routes #1342 and #1472, the fare will depend on the distance. You must validate your card twice—on entry and exit. For example, the fare on bus #1342 is 63 to 72 rubles when paid with a Troika card, and 64 to 73 rubles when paid with a bank card. On bus #1472, the fare will be 63 to 120 rubles (with a Troika card) or 64 to 121 rubles (with a bank card).

The following will be available on both routes:

— travel using unlimited “Unified” passes for the “Suburban” zone for 30, 90 or 365 days;

— unlimited “Unified” season tickets for the “Suburban” zone for 30 and 90 days using the Muscovite card for students;

— free travel with the Muscovite card and the Moscow region resident card for privileged categories of citizens, similar to Moscow city routes;

— free travel on all adjacent routes in Moscow (between Moscow and the Moscow region) is also provided to privileged categories of citizens of the Moscow region, including individuals under 60 years of age with the right to free travel on regional routes.

Discounts for transfers to the metro and other routes are not available. The Strelka card will not work. For free transfers to other modes of Moscow transport, you must use the 30-, 90-, or 365-day "Unified" passes for the "Prigorod" zone.

You can purchase and top up your Troika card at Moscow Metro ticket offices and ticket vending machines. This can also be done online via the Moscow Metro or Moscow Transport mobile app. Remote top-ups must be activated at any validator on board the bus.

Moscow transport standards

By 2025, 25 existing commuter routes are planned to be integrated into the Moscow transport system, operating in the northwest and west directions. This was made possible thanks to an agreement between the governments of Moscow and the Moscow region.

City routes #1342 and #1472 will replace suburban routes #342 and #472. They will adopt Moscow public transportation standards. Schedules will be convenient and intervals predictable. Professional drivers will operate the buses.

Modern buses feature climate control, USB ports for charging devices, and media panels. Low-floor buses are suitable for transporting passengers in wheelchairs, bicycles, and strollers.

By 2028, the Moscow transport system plans to integrate at least 30 percent of existing suburban routes. This will make travel more comfortable and provide additional impetus to the development of transport infrastructure in the Moscow region, including the installation of modern bus shelters, dedicated bus lanes, the construction of new and the renovation of existing transport hubs, and increased use of various modes of public transport for daily travel between the Moscow region and Moscow.

In accordance with the objectives of the national project Infrastructure for Life Moscow is focusing on modernizing its social and public infrastructure, including increasing the number of convenient public transportation routes and upgrading its rolling stock. More information about Russia's national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.

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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.

A participant in a fair in the Central Administrative District sends building materials and tools to the SVO zone.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

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Every six weeks, a participant in Moscow's weekend fairs sends a truckload of lumber—timber or sawn timber—to special military operations forces. This lumber is used to reinforce bunkers and engineer combat positions.

Farmer Alexey has been selling fruits and vegetables at weekend markets for several years. He brings produce from his farm in the Tambov region. Like other market participants, he wants not only to sell his harvest but also to contribute to the common cause. He believes that helping the soldiers is the duty of everyone on the home front.

"The guys come themselves and tell us what's most needed right now. We collect it, and they deliver it. We buy tools on request, like screwdrivers. We just need to help—everyone can do what they can," Alexey said.

Moscow fairs feature products from over 40 regions of Russia. Entrepreneurs receive free space. Each supplier guarantees the quality and freshness of their products, and specialists State Veterinary Service of the City of Moscow check the products before sending them to the shelves.

More information about the activities of the capital Department of Trade and Services can be found inofficial Telegram channel departments.

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Preferential rental rates for city premises have been approved for small businesses and NGOs for 2026.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The city has established preferential rental rates for non-residential properties for businesses and non-profit organizations, which will be in effect in 2026. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital's Department of City Property.

"Support for businesses and socially oriented non-profit organizations is the driving force behind the city's development. Moscow's system of various benefits and opportunities in the property sector is aimed at sustainable economic growth, strengthening its competitiveness, and improving its balance. One of the measures supporting entrepreneurs is the opportunity to receive preferential rent for city real estate. The Moscow government has approved preferential rates for 2026. Around a thousand companies, non-profit organizations, and private educational institutions will be able to take advantage of them," said Ekaterina Solovyova.

Small businesses that lease city real estate without a tender and are engaged in socially significant sectors, as well as those who employ individuals with disabilities, can receive a preferential rental rate of six thousand rubles per square meter per year. In this case, they must contact the Interdepartmental Commission for the Provision of Property Support to Small Businesses.

In addition, all tenants applying for a preferential rate must be included in the Unified Register of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses and have no outstanding rent or penalties.

Socially oriented non-profit organizations and equivalent categories of institutions will be able to lease premises from the city for 4,500 rubles per square meter per year.

For private educational institutions operating in this area and holding a license to do so, the rate in 2026 will be 2,400 rubles per square meter per year.

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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.

Annual auto exports through the Chinese-Tajik checkpoint of Karasu exceeded 20,000 units for the first time.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

URUMQI, December 17 (Xinhua) — The annual volume of automobile exports through the Karasu port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will reach 20,000 units for the first time in 2025, according to data from the local border control agency.

The Karasu checkpoint is the only land transport corridor on the border between China and Tajikistan through which commercial vehicle exports have been carried out since 2023. Currently, this checkpoint primarily handles Chinese-made vehicles such as electric vehicles, dump trucks, and engineering and construction equipment, which are then shipped to markets in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and other countries.

Due to the steady growth in automobile exports, the Karasu checkpoint has implemented a number of measures to simplify procedures and expand throughput capacity, resulting in a reduction in customs and border control time for each export consignment by more than 50 percent.

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The economic zones of China and Kazakhstan signed a cooperation agreement to jointly create an investment platform.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

URUMQI, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) — The Ganquanpu Economic and Technological Development Zone in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Aktobe Special Economic Zone in Kazakhstan's Aktobe region recently formally signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the field of an international cooperation park, creating a new platform for international trade and investment.

This important achievement in cooperation marks the transition of interregional cooperation between China and Kazakhstan to a new stage of practical implementation, giving a strong impetus to industrial synergy, resource sharing, openness and win-win situation between the two countries, the Ganquanpu Zone stated.

According to the agreement, the Ganquanpu and Aktobe zones will, by fully utilizing their resource and industrial advantages as core assets, strive to establish a system of cross-border cooperation in all areas and at various levels, with an emphasis on developing cooperation in key areas such as synchronizing industrial development, expanding the scale of trade and economic cooperation, and creating a platform for cross-border innovative cooperation and the exchange of experience.

This new cooperation not only continues the traditional friendly partnership between the two countries but also represents an innovative expansion of bilateral cooperation into new areas. It will infuse cooperation between China and Kazakhstan with a more meaningful and dynamic interregional dimension, said Ding Hui, Deputy Director of the Ganquanpu Zone Administrative Committee.

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Mainland China ready to help Taiwanese businesses seize development opportunities, official says

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, December 17 (Xinhua) — The Chinese mainland is ready to help Taiwanese enterprises seize development opportunities provided by China's 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development (2026-2030), Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at a regular press conference on Wednesday.

She said the Chinese mainland will continue to improve policies and mechanisms to promote economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait to deepen comprehensive development.

Zhu Fenglian expressed hope that Taiwanese people, including the business community, will cooperate with the mainland to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and advance the achievement of national reunification.

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China does not accept any external interference in the Taiwan issue.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Beijing, December 17 (Xinhua) — State Council Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian reiterated China's firm opposition to external interference in the Taiwan issue.

She made this statement at a press conference on Wednesday, commenting on Taiwan's Prime Minister Lai Qingde's plan to purchase weapons from the United States.

"We have the will, confidence, determination and ability to defeat any separatist attempt to achieve 'Taiwan independence,'" Zhu Fenglian said, adding that the process of Chinese reunification cannot be stopped.

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.