'Avito' Launches AI R&D Center: From Marketplace to Technology Leader
Russian marketplace 'Avito' is moving beyond its role as a trading platform with the creation of a dedicated artificial intelligence research and development center, supported by more than $150 million in planned investments
From Marketplace to Research Hub
'Avito' has announced the launch of its own scientific R&D unit fully focused on artificial intelligence. The company will invest more than 1 billion rubles (≈ $12.5 million) over the next three years, with total investment in generative AI projected to exceed 12 billion rubles (≈ $150 million) by 2028.
This is more than an IT expansion—it marks a transformation from being a consumer of technology to becoming a creator. The new center will prioritize applied research, with prototypes designed for rapid transition into real-world products.
The center is headed by Alexander Ryzhkov, a prominent figure in the AI community: four-time Kaggle Grandmaster, creator of LightAutoML, and former lead researcher at Sber’s AI labs. Ryzhkov brings not only academic depth but also practical expertise in applying complex models to business processes.
Smarter Services for Millions of Users
For millions of users, these investments mean a more intelligent, personalized, and secure platform. Among the first AI-enabled features to roll out:
- Generative AI assistants to refine descriptions and photos in ads.
- Automated 3D visualization of products from standard photos.
- Deepfake and fraud detection systems analyzing user behavior and context.
- Context-aware recommendation engines that go beyond similarity to understand intent.
These are not simple upgrades but steps toward transforming 'Avito' into an intelligent intermediary between buyers and sellers.
Strengthening Russia’s AI Ecosystem
The launch of the R&D center signals a shift for Russia’s digital landscape. A platform once viewed as conservative is now investing in fundamental research. This effort strengthens domestic AI expertise, attracts talent, and supports a self-sustaining development cycle.
A key element of the strategy is talent development. 'Avito' is partnering with leading universities—including MIPT, HSE, ITMO, and TSU. In fall 2025, specialized master’s programs, AIRI summer schools, and other educational initiatives will begin. The goal is to build a closed-loop ecosystem: from students to researchers to developers.
International Reach
While focused primarily on the domestic market, 'Avito' has ambitions beyond Russia. Applied R&D opens pathways to exporting technologies such as multimodal models, computer vision, voice interfaces, and content generation tools.
The company plans to participate in global conferences, publish research, and collaborate with international research centers. For Russia, this is not only a matter of commercialization but also of contributing to global science.
Other Russian companies are also investing in AI R&D. Yandex and MIPT launched a joint AI lab in 2019; Sber opened its “AI for Science” center in 2024; and T-Technologies (part of T-Bank) announced its own hub in 2025. But 'Avito' distinguishes itself with its emphasis on generative AI and rapid commercialization. Experts forecast that by 2028, revenue from 'Avito’s' AI-enabled products could reach 21 billion rubles (≈ $262 million).
Toward Technological Sovereignty
If today 'Avito' is still a marketplace, by 2028 it could become a full-fledged technology hub, exporting solutions beyond online classifieds.
By the end of 2025, the company expects to launch its first research projects, participate in international conferences, and begin new education programs. By 2028, a mature R&D ecosystem with fully commercialized generative solutions is expected.
