Russia has a world-renowned reputation for science – and now more than 2,000 of its brightest young boffins have gathered in Moscow to show off their work. It’s hoped the country's first ever Innovation Convention will attract vital sponsorship

The main message of Russia's first Innovation Convention is that Russia is ready to support and create the necessary conditions for young scientists to prosper.

The head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs, Vasily Yakemenko, says the convention aims to show that “there is no need to leave Russia now.”  He says “the country is ready to create all necessary bases for innovative activities.”

More than 2,000 people registered to attend the convention, including many children. Thirteen-year-old Dmitry is of them. He started writing computer programs at the age of six and is now a regular at scientific conferences. This time he has brought his latest creation – a computer robot, which he controls through another device.

“I’m using a Wi-Fi network to control one robot through another. It didn’t take me long to develop it,” Dmitry said. “I like participating in these kinds of events, as I can meet friends as well as share experiences and find something new.”

Conventions are also places to find sponsorship.

Another young scientist, also called Dmitry, said his project to develop a high-speed railway in Russia had generated a lot of interest.  But, because “it needs a huge amount of capital to make real, nobody has been willing to get involved,” he said.  “We hope the government will pay attention to the project and support us,” he added.

More than 300 different projects are featured at the innovations show, the first of its kind in Russia.

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