The Russian government, under a decree signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, has announced the establishment of the Innovation Research and Technology Center (IRTC) PhysTech Valley in Dolgoprudny, located in the Moscow region. A key focus of the new IRTC will be the advancement of biomedical technologies, genetics, and genomic engineering. The government emphasized that this decision will facilitate the “continued strengthening of the Russian research base and the creation of modern infrastructure.” The project anticipates generating over 6,300 jobs by the year 2039.
The Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) initiated the PhysTech Valley project, with AO Managing Company of the Innovative Research and Technology Center PhysTech Valley, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MIPT, serving as the primary operator of the IRTC.
The 172,000 square meter facility will encompass both advanced laboratories and production sites. The government also noted that approximately 20 companies have already expressed interest in participating in the project, including organizations focused on developing innovative pharmaceuticals for the prevention and treatment of progressive myopia.
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko highlighted that PhysTech Valley will become the 13th IRTC in Russia, joining the existing network established since 2019. He further stated that MIPT is a leading institution in the commercialization of research and development outcomes, generating over 6.5 billion rubles in revenue from research and development in 2024. The establishment of the IRTC is expected to bolster the university’s scientific standing, while providing resident companies with tax and customs benefits.
The PhysTech Valley is strategically positioned to support technology companies, complementing initiatives such as Professionalism, Advanced Engineering Schools, and Priority 2030, according to the government. The IRTC’s operations are expected to accelerate the practical application of research findings and technical advancements.
Several of the existing 12 IRTCs in Russia have or plan to include healthcare-related residents. These include the Quantum Valley in Nizhny Novgorod, focusing on personalized medicine and medical instrumentation; the Aerospace Innovation Valley in Ryazan, encompassing biomedical technologies and medical devices; and the Mendeleev Valley in Moscow, specializing in medical and pharmaceutical chemistry and chemical technologies.
Furthermore, Rosatom State Corporation and the government of the Kaluga Region are investing 18 billion rubles (from 2020 to 2026) in the development of the Nuclear and Medical Technology Park IRTC, with nuclear medicine and nuclear pharmaceutics as key areas of focus.
Notably, in November 2024, President Vladimir Putin mandated the Russian Government and the authorities of the Primorsky Territory to establish an IRTC and a synchrotron radiation source on Russky Island, with budget allocations planned for 2025. This site is slated to be utilized for the development of next-generation antibacterial and antiviral drugs, among other research areas.
