OREANDA-NEWS. November 05, 2015. RUSNANO and the Astrakhan Region today signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Moscow, with the intent to deploy joint efforts to introduce nanotechnologies and support innovation companies in the region. The document was signed by Aleksandr Zhilkin, Governor of the Astrakhan Region, Anatoly Chubais, Chairman of the Executive Board of RUSNANO, and Andrey Svinarenko, CEO of the Fund for Infrastructure and Educational Programs, in the course of the Moscow International Forum “Open Innovations”.

The parties to the agreement will jointly develop the innovation infrastructure of the Astrakhan Region, stimulate the demand for nanotechnology products and contribute to the promotion of industrial innovation projects using RUSNANO’s portfolio companies’ or independent companies’ products in the region.

“We are going to create a full infrastructure for the nanotechnology industry in the Astrakhan Region. This includes not only the construction of new facilities, but also staff training and the commercialization of advanced research projects at the initial phase, to which end RUSNANO is ready to consider the opening of a nanotechnology center in the region. This agreement enshrines the dynamics of the development of our cooperation”, said Anatoly Chubais during the signing ceremony.

The Government of the Astrakhan Region will promote the introduction of nanotechnology products, energy-efficient solutions and innovative technologies into the capital construction, housing and utilities, energy and transport sectors, with a particular focus on the use of innovative technologies and materials, including nanotechnology products, in the construction of facilities in a special economic zone called “Lotos”. “Nanotechnologies will provide the region with real economic benefits. In particular they will help us to reduce energy losses in the housing and utilities sector and extend the service life of the pavement. Owing to its fruitful cooperation with RUSNANO, the Astrakhan Region will become even more attractive for innovation companies”, said Aleksandr Zhilkin.

The regional authorities will also explore the possibility of co-financing investment projects that are of priority to the region and will support the interaction between innovation companies and their potential business partners from among RUSNANO’s portfolio companies.

Raising the awareness of the local population of nanotechnologies, their applications and efforts to commercialize such technologies makes up an important part of the agreement. Regional nanotechnology companies are to be involved in the development of professional standards and educational programs.

RUSNANO will help the Government and companies of the Astrakhan Region to establish relations with other regions in order to attract co-investors and accommodate nanotechnological manufacturing plants. RUSNANO will provide expert support for the implementation of state innovation programs in the Astrakhan Region and will consider investing in regional nanotechnology companies.

Reference

The Fund for Infrastructure and Educational Programs was established in 2010 in accordance with federal law № 211-FZ On Reorganization of the Russian Corporation of Nanotechnologies. Its purpose is to develop innovative infrastructure for nanotechnology, including realizing educational programs and infrastructure projects earlier begun by RUSNANO.

The chairman of the Supervisory Council, the fund’s highest governing body, is Dmitry Livanov, minister of education and science of the Russian Federation. As stipulated in the charter of the fund, the council determines the priority areas of the fund’s endeavors, sets its strategies, and establishes its budget. Anatoly Chubais, RUSNANO CEO, is chairman of the Management Committee. The fund’s CEO is Andrey Svinarenko.