Samara University recently hosted a specialized methodological seminar organized by the regional Ministry of Science and Higher Education. The event brought together representatives from seven universities across Samara and Tolyatti to discuss best practices for establishing and advancing Student Design Bureaus (SDBs).
The seminar was led by Mark Shleenkov, Acting Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Samara Region. He provided an overview of the region's participation in the 2025 competitive selection for federal funding of Student Design Bureaus and outlined key procedural changes for the upcoming 2026 cycle.
"This year, the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education is conducting the competitive selection for Student Design Bureaus under the federal project 'Universities for the Generation of Leaders' (part of the national project 'Youth and Children')," Shleenkov emphasized. "This expansion allows universities not directly subordinate to the Ministry to participate. In our region, this includes the Medical and Agrarian Universities, the State Transport University, and the Volga State University of Telecommunications and Informatics."
The Acting Minister also highlighted that in 2026, SDBs focusing on priority technological areas will receive bonus points in the competition. These priority sectors include industrial and logistics robotics, artificial intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), electronics and radio engineering, creative industries, and light manufacturing. He specifically commended the success of Samara University’s "DvizhOK" SDB, which successfully secured 20 million rubles in federal funding last year.
Vladimir Bogatyrev, Rector of Samara University, shared the institution's extensive experience in developing Student Design Bureaus, which have been an integral part of the university since 1960. He outlined two primary models for SDBs:
The Industry-Driven Model: These bureaus are established based on direct requests from industrial partners, who define the research and development themes and provide funding. A prime example is the "DvizhOK" SDB, which collaborates closely with UEC-Kuznetsov (part of the Rostec State Corporation).
The University-Funded, Initiative-Driven Model: In these bureaus, students independently determine their development topics. They primarily showcase their technical prototypes at various competitions and exhibitions.
"I urge my esteemed colleagues to analyze the activities of your existing youth laboratories and Student Design Bureaus," Rector Bogatyrev stated. "If an SDB lacks an industrial partner, finding one must become the top priority. This synergy allows students to apply their competencies to solving real-world engineering challenges, while giving enterprises the opportunity to recruit a highly motivated and proactive team of young specialists."
Maxim Devyatov, Hero of Russia and veteran of the Special Military Operation, also addressed the university representatives. "We are currently fighting for technological sovereignty. In challenging times, science has always been the driving force that led our country to victory," he noted.
Kirill Zyuzin, Head of the Interdepartmental Project Office of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, joined the discussion via video link. He fielded questions regarding the organization of the 2026 competitive selection process for federal SDB funding. Responding to a question from Rector Bogatyrev, Zyuzin clarified that universities that won the 2025 selection round, such as Samara University, are fully eligible to submit new applications for the 2026 competition without any restrictions.
Alexander Kuzin, Head of the Scientific Personnel Training Department at Samara University, confirmed that the university intends to participate in the 2026 selection round, and a corresponding application is currently being finalized.
During the seminar, participants clarified application deadlines and addressed several technical details. As part of the program, guests were given a guided tour of the cutting-edge educational spaces and laboratories of Samara University’s Advanced Aerospace Engineering School.
