Activating the 'Code of the Future'
Russian middle and high school students now have free access to AI education as part of a nationwide data economy initiative.
From Beginners to the AI-Curious
The 'Code of the Future. Artificial Intelligence' program is open to 8th–11th graders and technical college students across Russia. Delivered entirely online through a digital platform accessible via the national public services portal, the program is designed to offer both accessibility and technical rigor.
Enrollment for the core AI course begins in August 2025. The four-month curriculum includes 54 academic hours and covers AI fundamentals, data analysis, machine learning, chatbot development, and Python programming. The course is structured for both complete beginners and students with some prior coding experience who want to deepen their skills.
The initiative is backed by top-tier digital education platforms including MIPT, Tsifrium, Programmer’s School, Yandex, and 1T. Upon completion, students receive a certificate, laying the foundation for further professional development. Graduates may also qualify for advanced-level AI programming tracks within the broader 'Code of the Future' ecosystem.
Scaling Talent Nationwide
With an ambitious target of 75,000 participants in 2025, the program is reshaping how Russia cultivates AI talent. The impact is particularly significant in regional areas, where access to advanced digital education has traditionally lagged.
By bridging the skills gap between urban and rural communities, the program is laying the groundwork for a more balanced digital economy. On a national level, this initiative strengthens Russia’s talent pipeline and supports the export potential of AI-driven products.
The curriculum is already being integrated into regular coursework at select institutions, and regional branches of leading universities and online academies are joining the initiative. With AI and machine learning now at the core of global tech innovation, the program’s certification paves the way for students to pursue internships and careers with major international firms.
A National Initiative That Connects Regions
Launched in 2022 as a high school initiative, the 'Code of the Future' has now reached nearly 130,000 students. By 2023, the program had expanded significantly, drawing support from prestigious institutions like Bauman Moscow State Technical University, MIPT, Innopolis University, and others.
More than 4,700 in-person training sites have been established across 84 regions. According to the national Digital Economy project, the program aims to train at least 1.2 million teenagers in programming by 2030.
AI coursework may soon become a required component of high school or college curricula. As the program continues to grow, it’s also positioned to expand internationally, enabling graduates to participate in accelerators, internships, and launch their own startups.
New directions—including data science, robotics, and cybersecurity—are planned for the next two to three years. These will come in a range of formats, from hybrid courses to in-person modules and summer tech schools. For students, the AI track offers clear pathways to personal growth, professional achievement, and global collaboration. For regions, the initiative helps establish local hubs of digital innovation.
