National 'Priority: Digital 2026' Award Opens for Submissions

The organizing committee for the National 'Priority: Digital 2026' Award in Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence has begun accepting applications. This marks the fourth year of the prize, which is designed to identify and promote high-tech developments and innovative projects from Russian IT companies. The strategic partners for the competition are the Association of Russian Software Developers (ARPP 'Otechestvenny Soft') and the non-profit partnership 'RUSSOFT'.

This year's categories are divided into two main blocks: 'Digitalization' and 'Artificial Intelligence.' Companies of all sizes - large, medium, and small - are eligible to enter one or multiple categories, including a special 'IT-Persona' nomination. Last year, 59 projects were recognized as winners from a pool of over 200 contenders.

In statements, the award's leadership framed the competition as a practical tool for building a cohesive technology ecosystem. 'The core task is to connect developers, businesses, and the state around practical digital solutions,' said Renat Lashin, Executive Director of ARPP 'Otechestvenny Soft' and co-chair of the award's expert council. 'For the expert community, it's a way to assess a project's maturity and its real contribution to economic development.'

Valentin Makarov, President of 'RUSSOFT' and fellow co-chair, emphasized the award's role in identifying breakthrough solutions. 'In a period of economic challenges, such competitions are vital for developing the competitiveness of domestic information technologies,' he noted, adding that the goal is to strengthen the nation's digital sovereignty and advance Russian technology globally.

The competition process includes promotional support for nominees across the award's website, social media, and partner channels. Participants will have access to online discussions and strategy meetups. A 'Week of Open Presentations' will provide a platform for nominees to demonstrate projects focused on import substitution, IT industry competitiveness, and industrial automation to the expert council.

Applications will be accepted until the end of May. The winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in Moscow on June 17. Strategic media partner for the award is Rambler&Co, with additional support from Lenta.ru and Gazeta.Ru.

Source: Lenta.RU