Young talents gathered at Russia’s OstroVa Forum in Sakhalin to explore careers in AI, green technology, robotics and creative industries.
YUZHNO-SAKHALINSK: A major youth initiative is shaping the future of Russia’s Far East, with more than 600 young talents, experts, and volunteers gathering at the All-Russian Youth Forum “OstroVa” in Sakhalin to explore next-gen careers in artificial intelligence, green technologies, robotics, and creative industries.
Held in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the forum welcomed 100 young professionals to an educational platform focused on future-ready skills. The event, supported by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs and regional leadership, aims to create a sustainable pipeline of talent while addressing the unique needs of the Sakhalin labour market.
In a statement read at the forum, President Vladimir Putin noted the importance of empowering youth to realise their potential. “This year you will be developing projects in such promising areas as ecology, artificial intelligence, information technology, unmanned systems, robotics and the creative industries,” he said.
IT expert Semyon Tenyaev stressed that combining AI with green solutions represents a sweet spot for innovation. “Artificial intelligence acts as a multiplier of efficiency… the most advantageous strategy today is projects at the intersection of AI and green solutions,” he said, referencing examples like smart energy, logistics optimisation, and precision farming.
The forum delivered tangible results. According to Grigory Gurov, Head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, 64 youth-led projects received financial backing totalling 38 million roubles through a competitive grant process.
One hands-on activity tasked participants with mapping regional enterprises suitable for youth employment and creating personalised career development plans aligned with local industry trends. Governor of Sakhalin Region Valery Limarenko reinforced the regional commitment to retaining young talent, offering participants a chance to join the local talent reserve and apply for internships with leading companies.
This year’s forum attracted nearly 7,000 applications, making it one of the most competitive editions yet, with 17 people vying for each available spot.
The OstroVa Forum represents a strategic investment in youth-led innovation and sustainable development, with participants empowered to help shape the economic and technological landscape of the Russian Far East.
