OREANDA-NEWS. "Russian Grids" announced the start of the competition "Energyinsight-2015" on 4 March in Moscow. This is the third competition in succession, in which annually more than 100 innovative projects participate. According to the results of last year’s "Energyinsight" several finalist teams had an opportunity to cooperate with enterprises of "Russian Grids". The winners will also be able to count on the support of the Foundation "Skolkovo". Developers of innovative projects in the electricity sector are invited for participation.

The today's press conference discussed the significance of the contest kicked off, the preliminary results of the previous "Energyinsight", which was attended by Roman Berdnikov, Deputy General Director for Technical Policy of "Russian Grids", Nikolay Grachev, Vice-President, Executive Director of the cluster of energy efficient technologies of the Foundation "Skolkovo", Artem Oganov, an outstanding Russian scientist-crystallographer, the founder of unique methods of computer design of crystal structures, MIPT Professor and Robert Urazov, Deputy Director of the direction "Young Professionals" of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives.

Roman Berdnikov, speaking first, said that "Russian Grids" (more than two million different power grids across Russia) takes "Energyinsight" extremely important, because the company continues implementing innovations in the electric grid sector, despite the containment of tariffs. "We just need to continue to upgrade, we need innovative technologies in the field of smart energy. The company sees the solution of these problems, primarily due to the implementation of technologies that are at the intersection of science and industries, such as IT, electricity and telecommunications. In the synergy of different scientific disciplines the uniqueness and peculiarity of this competition is," stressed Roman Berdnikov.

Nikolay Grachev spoke on the detailed objectives of "Energyinsight-2015", saying that "Skolkovo" and other partners expect from the contest participants "both the search for new hardware projects and solutions in the field of software". "For us as a development institution this competition is really special," said Mr. Grachev. "It stands out from the others, especially because we have such a partner as "Russian Grids", which really gives the finalists the opportunity to pilot test technologies at its electric grid facilities. Thus, the teams immediately get a start in life. And it is very important for us and for start-ups. Our main goal is to create working businesses," stressed Nikolay Grachev.

Robert Urazov told about the social significance of the competition: "It is a great opportunity for the contestants not only to showcase their projects, but also to develop their competence. In fact, it is a social lift for young people."

The outstanding Russian scientist-crystallographer Artem Oganov took the final word: "I have long worked abroad, but I am now back in Russia, because there are now created conditions for young scientists. I am very pleased that despite the difficult economic situation, "Russian Grids" did not give up holding this year’s contest. I am sure that such competitions help prevent "brain drain".