Innovative companies in Nizhny Novgorod will be able to attract up to 5 million rubles.

      January 12, 2026, 20:00 Economy Small businesses and startups from the Nizhny Novgorod region can compete for grant support within three federal competitions (18+) organized by the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations (FSI). Applications are already open.

      Funding is provided under the programs "Start-Artificial Intelligence-1", "Start-Digital Technologies-1" and "Start-Machine Tool Building-1". All three competitions are aimed at supporting domestic technological solutions within the national projects "Data Economy" and "Means of Production and Automation".

      The "Start-AI-1" program is targeted at small innovative companies engaged in developing products and services using artificial intelligence technologies.

      The "Start-DT-1" competition supports enterprises implementing digital solutions based on domestic developments. Both programs have been operating since 2021 and have already shown high effectiveness.

      The "Start-MachineToolBuilding-1" competition, launched in 2025, is aimed at supporting R&D in the machine-tool industry. It provides an opportunity for small enterprises and novice developers to create new models of equipment and technologies.

      The maximum grant amount for each competition is 5 million rubles.

      The selection of the appropriate competition and assistance with applications are carried out by experts from the regional representative office of the FSI — the Ankudinovka technopark. Specialists help participants at all stages, from submitting the application to project implementation.

      As noted by Maxim Cherkasov, Minister of Industry, Trade and Entrepreneurship of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, FSI programs are an important tool for supporting technology entrepreneurship.

      According to him, 28 Nizhny Novgorod companies have already received about 103 million rubles for the development of innovative solutions, which contributes to strengthening the region's industrial and digital potential.

      Applications for the "Start-Artificial Intelligence-1" competition can be submitted until February 9, 2026. Applications for "Start-Digital Technologies-1" and "Start-Machine Tool Building-1" are accepted until February 24, 2026.

      Timur Radaev, director of the Ankudinovka technopark, emphasized that FSI support allows teams to move from idea to implementation more quickly and to create in-demand solutions.

      Detailed information about the competitions and the application forms are available on the FSI website. Consultations are also available by phone +7 (831) 275-83-46.

      Additional information about business support measures, including federal and regional programs, can be found at the "My Business" center, operating within the framework of the national project "Efficient and Competitive Economy". The center's hotline is 8 (800) 301-29-94; calls are free.

      It was previously reported that Nizhny Novgorod companies will receive another 94 million rubles under six programs of the Foundation for Assistance to Innovations.

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