Sber and MFTI Startup Studio have opened a joint DeepTech startup studio. It is aimed at the development and commercialization of technology business projects with a deep scientific and engineering component. Teams with advanced TRL3 stage technological developments (simplified prototype, developed testing methodology, confirmed concept) and above, having hypotheses about potential technology applications, advanced scientific competencies, and a team of at least two people, can become participants in the studio. Priority will be given to solutions in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, electronics, biotechnology, and medicine; however, projects from any direction have the opportunity to be selected. Applications can be submitted via the specified link and are accepted on an ongoing basis. The best projects will be able to benefit from customized support programs: mentorship support, help in finding first customers, piloting platforms in Sber and with industrial partners, adding competencies to the team, and attracting investments. “DeepTech has historically been viewed by national governments and large corporations as one of the key tools for technological sovereignty and long-term advantage due to serious R&D, and Russia is no exception. Also, DeepTech is one of the most attractive areas for venture investors: every fifth ‘unicorn’ in the world is a DeepTech startup. However, such projects have the highest risks because they require significantly more time and financial resources to bring to market and often lack connections with potential customers. Therefore, they need serious support from experienced players who can help test the solution and find its application, as well as attract initial investments,” said Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Sberbank. The startup studio will provide support to startups free of charge. “The creation of new startups by young founders should boost the development of both technological entrepreneurship and scientific schools following the University 3.0 model of MFTI. We are ready to provide support not only in terms of funding but also business development in new directions, acting as conduits in interaction with large businesses,” noted Sergey Vakhterov, General Director of MFTI Startup Studio.