This article originally appeared at Fort Russ
Innopolis is a new Russian city built from scratch in the spirit of big Russian projects from the Soviet times.
It’s mission is to foster the potential of innovation in Russia by reversing the “brain drain”. Possible future capacity is 155 thousand people.
It’s cornerstone is Innopolis University – the first Russian IT University.
Innopolis City officially opened on June 9, 2015
On 9 June the opening ceremony of the city of Innopolis was held. Celebratory events were attended by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, the Minister of Communications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation Nikolay Nikiforov and acting President of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. [yes, it’s in Tatarstan!]
The culmination of the celebration was the opening of a small architectural model “Innopolis”, which was installed at the site before the Technopark.
“Three years ago this place was an ordinary meadow. And now there is a city, which was built from scratch,” – addressed the audience Dmitry Medvedev. “I am confident that it will create many thousands of new, innovative, modern products. I truly envy those who will live here!”
Dmitry Medvedev together with Rustam Minnikhanov and Nikolai Nikiforov pressed a symbolic button, after which Innopolis was officially launched to life.
During his visit to Innopolis, the Prime Minister visited the all-Russia Robotics Olympiad, which takes place at Innopolis University, examined the residential campus of the University, the sports complex, and also held a meeting of the of the Presidential Council of the Russian Federation on economic modernization.
The mayor of the city of Innopolis, E. A. Ivanov:
“Innopolis is the first Russian city built and opened in the 21st century. Innopolis must become one of the drivers of the development of our IT industry and a point of attraction for professionals working in IT and high tech fields.
For this all conditions have been created in the city. A special economic zone, a modern residential infrastructure, beautiful nature and ecology, very compact environment – all these factors should help attract highly qualified specialists from all over the country, as well as the largest and most promising high-tech companies.
We will do everything to ensure that our residents feel very comfortable here and could daily enjoy all the benefits of living in Innopolis”.