A free acceleration program for IT companies has been launched in Nizhny Novgorod.

      On March 20, 2026, at 16:24, Economy The free acceleration program "Gorky. Accelerator" for IT companies from the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Gorky Tech" started in Nizhny Novgorod. Its opening took place at the site of the Corporate University of the Government of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.

      Fifteen Nizhny Novgorod IT companies with their own products and having passed expert selection are participating in the program.

      “Talented development teams often simply do not know how to promote their product further and whom to turn to with the appropriate request. Meanwhile, their product could potentially become highly demanded. This is the problem we aim to solve by conducting such events for our 'IT specialists.' The task of the accelerator is not just to provide knowledge, but also to create conditions for participants to partner with potential customers and investors,” noted the Deputy Governor of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Yegor Polyakov.

      “The launch of the accelerator is the result of systematic work with IT companies in the region, thanks to which leading funds and corporations have gathered here today, as well as Nizhny Novgorod startups eager to make their mark. They present products in various technological areas – from artificial intelligence-based solutions to software products for industry and cybersecurity. By launching the acceleration program, we will help them 'package' their development so that it meets the demands of business, investors, and the real sector of the economy,” said the Minister of Digital Development and Communications of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Alexander Sinelobov.

      The accelerator program involves a mixed format of training. Online webinars will inform IT company representatives on how to package and scale their product. In-person meetings will address real tasks – from hiring a team to exporting. Key training modules will be accompanied by practical materials. IT companies will receive templates for the product's financial model, instructions for hiring employees, checklists for successful self-presentation, and more.

      “For two consecutive years, the Nizhny Novgorod Region has held leading positions in support measures for the software industry and monitoring their effectiveness, being an absolute leader by providing several types of tax benefits and IT financing programs. The region is rightly considered one of the main IT centers in the country. Therefore, moving towards supporting international cooperation among companies with high export potential is the right step towards IT leadership. I am confident that this accelerator will give companies the opportunity to make their mark and prove the high qualifications of Russian programmers on the global stage,” emphasized the President of the Russoft Association, Valentin Makarov.

      Training within the accelerator will last from March to May 2026.

      “The program is aimed at helping teams build relationships with customers, accurately identify their needs, and adapt their solutions to the real market tasks. Each participant is assigned a personal tracker – a mentor who accompanies the team at all stages, helps focus on key growth points, and systematically develop the product,” said the Director of the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Gorky Tech," Roman Renzin.

      As part of the program, participants will present their projects to the expert community at the key industry event – the conference "Digital Industry of Industrial Russia" ("CIPR-2026"). Work with the teams will continue in the format of post-acceleration support aimed at product development, attracting partners, and entering new markets.

      “The IT holding T1 supports initiatives that help technological startups grow and reach a new level. For us, "Gorky. Accelerator" is an opportunity to get acquainted with promising teams and together shape the future of the Russian IT industry. We are happy not only to be partners but also to conduct a master class for participants as part of the educational program. We will share our expertise and observe how projects capable of changing the market are born in the Nizhny Novgorod Region,” added the project partner, Director of New Directions and Innovations Development at the IT Holding T1, Anton Krasilnikov.

      Let us remind you that conducting such educational programs for IT companies meets the objectives of the national project "Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State." The national project is being implemented from 2025 by the order of President Vladimir Putin.

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