MENLO PARK, Calif. – The second annual Russian Innovation Week Conference will bring together Russian and American government representatives, business leaders, venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in the technology sector to explore investment opportunities and build strategic partnerships.
This year’s events will take place on September 17 in Boston and on September 19-20 in California’s Silicon Valley (see agenda).
The RIW Conference is presented by the Russian Innovation Center, comprised of three Russian development funds – RUSNANO, RVC and the Skolkovo Foundation – and supported by the Russian-American Bilateral Presidential Commission’s working group on innovation.
The conference aims to demonstrate the potential of the Russian innovation sector, and to assist Russian investors and venture funds reach out to American partners while Russian technology companies gain access to sources of funding and international sales channels.
The agenda will focus on topics about innovation, technology and venture capital investments that are significant for Russia, including legal support of intellectual property rights, development of innovation infrastructure, and prospects of cooperation in areas such as energetics, bio-technology, IT, robotics and telecoms, among others.
“Modern economy in high-tech sectors is, before all else, a presence on the international market. As every startup develops it should set itself ambitious targets about entering these markets,” said Igor Agamirzian, CEO of RVC. “RIW is a unique opportunity thanks to its great practical value for Russian startups, whether they are seeking foreign partners and investors or looking for access to international sale channels.”
The plenary sessions and other activities of the Russian Innovation Week Conference will bring together Anatoly Chubais, chairman of RUSNANO, Igor Agamirzian, CEO of RVC, and Viktor Vekselberg, president of the Skolkovo Foundation, as well as Russian and American experts, investors and entrepreneurs.
“Nowadays everyone understands that international cooperation in innovation is a key factor in global economic growth. Experience shows that our international partners need Russia’s innovative technologies. At the same time, it’s vital for Russia to work closely with the international innovation community – both to develop and commercialize technologies, and to build a bridge between Russian hi-tech products and global markets,” said Viktor Vekselberg.
