by Helen Monakhova
“It is time to start creating the Silicon Valley of our own”, - these were the words of Victor A. Sadovnichy, Rector of the Moscow State University (MGU). He said them on January 25, at the celebration of St. Tatyana’s Day and 244th Anniversary of MGU, which coincided with inauguration of the MGU-based Information Technology Center, ITC. All the necessary preconditions for the ambitious IT project are present, for a core of high technology center exists already as the MGU Scientific Park operating since 1992. The new Center is another step on the way. Funds for construction were raised by common efforts: Mr. Sadovnichy has addressed state structures and international funds. The Garant company, university’s most powerful commercial business structure, provided about one billion dollars out of $7.5 billion spent for construction of the Center. The construction took about 10 months. Although the modern four-storey building with a floor area of 8000 sq. m is under finishing yet, 90 percent of the area have been rented already. At first, the building will be occupied by 15 companies related to MGU and engaged in high-technology activities. Garant, which has about 500 employees now, will occupy two storeys. The sources say that even the rector’s office will be located within the ITC.
Like other similar centers, the ITC will offer a wide choice of services, ranging from technical service (Internet, faxes, room rents) to consulting services including business-plan preparation and assistance in search for financial sources. Incidentally, ITC annual room rent is $150 to $200 per 1 sq. m.
According to Mr. Magaricos, General Director of the UNIDO, the MGU ITC is the first center in Eastern Europe meeting UNIDO criteria for scientific parks, innovative centers, and industrial development zones. The UNIDO is an international organization operating under the aegis of the United Nations.
Administration of the MGU Scientific Park: +7-095-932-9040
