SkolTeh completed admission of the first group of students

Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) completed admission of the first group of students. In the pilot group includes 21 people from 14 Russian universities. Students will receive training in interdisciplinary master's program, the uniqueness of which is in integrating research and entrepreneurship in the process of education.

The course is for three years and involves active participation of students in research activities with leading scientists from around the world.

Attracting right people - that's the main task that we have to carry out if we want to build a world-class institution, - Edward Crowley, the president of Skoltech says. - Looking at the first group of students, I feel that the idea of a university is becoming a reality. I am confident that with the development of research centers and their efficient operation in entrepreneurship and innovation, our students will have all opportunities to make Skoltech a successful university.

The main objective of Skoltech is to create academic environment that will foster a new generation of Russian scientists. Working in Russia, using their experience in innovation, they will be able to make a significant contribution to the development of entrepreneurship, fair competition and economic stability of the country.

In order to join the first group, applicants had to pass a strict selection, which evaluated their academic ability, leadership and potential. Applications for the competition were sent from Russian students with bachelor’s degree in information technology or energy. Within two days Skoltech’s committee, consisting of professors and administrators, graduates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) had been evaluating students in accord with the results of group tasks and individual interviews. Applicants had also to pass the TOEFL test.

Caplan Bram, students director, said: Students who applied for the first year, showed their worth; their technical knowledge is amazing as well as creative skills and desire to make the world a better place. It is important that they understand the unique opportunities offered by our institute.

In August, the first pilot group will get a 4-week training course at MIT, where they can meet each other and adapt to working in the international scientific community, and will listen to a short course on commercialization of innovation and entrepreneurship. In September, students will begin training on the basic master's program. They will spend the first year in one of four leading research institutions in the world: Imperial College London (ICL), Swiss Technical High School in Zurich (ETHZ), Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Anastasia Uryasheva tells about her decision to become a Skoltech student: I really liked the atmosphere that prevailed during the qualifying rounds. For me, it is important to get a high level of knowledge, but it can be done in many universities around the world. Being a part of Skoltech is interesting because everything here is open to new ideas. Culture of innovation, new technologies and business unites everyone who works here.