Russia Launches Regional Accelerators to Boost IT Innovation
The “Digital Kama” accelerator in Perm trains tech specialists and funds the country’s most promising startups.
In the city of Perm, Russia has opened its first specialized accelerator for IT companies — Digital Kama. The program is designed to fast-track the growth of tech startups and nurture local talent through an intensive six-week course. Participants will study six key areas: goal-setting, marketing, financial planning, pitch presentations, sales management, and government support programs.
Industry leaders and public-sector experts will serve as mentors, offering hands-on training and strategic guidance. The goal is to help local teams scale their innovations — and keep their technologies within the region.
“We Want Our Technologies to Stay Here”
By December, participants will pitch their projects to investors and government representatives. The most promising startups could receive grants of up to 5 million rubles (around $55,000) for development.
Digital Kama marks a broader national trend: across Russia, regional accelerators are emerging as mini-ecosystems that train, support, and fund homegrown innovation — helping tech talent thrive far beyond Moscow’s borders.
