Skolkovo Intelligent City
Skolkovo unveils architectural project of intelligent city
The Skolkovo pavilion presented for the first time ever its "Innocity" through an ambitious scenography. Thousands of visitors have discovered the plans of the 400 hectares intelligent city, whose construction will begin in spring 2012. Through interactive displays and models, the project was presented in its entirety within the larger space dedicated to an architectural project in the history of MIPIM (500 m²).
In 2015, Skolkovo will host nearly 30,000 inhabitants. Unique, its design has brought together renowned architects such as Jean Pistre Venjamin Golubitsky, David Chipperfield and Kazuyo Sejima. "This is the first time a group of international architects including 3 Pritzker Prize, working collectively on a project.This reflects the ambition and willingness to exchange of Skolkovo actors." Jean Pistre said. The world-class green-designers involved in the project have also presented technological innovations in sustainable development, integrated within the city: 50% of consumed energy from renewable sources, recycling of waste through a unique technology incinerators, sustainable transport networks, electric cars, etc. Skolkovo aims to become the testing ground for innovative solutions for the construction of energy-efficient cities of tomorrow.
The Vice President of Skolkovo, Pumpyanskaya Seda, Director of International Relations and Communication said: "We want to create a city open to researchers, academics and investors worldwide. A city that is attractive and makes you want to enjoy a harmonious environment conducive to scientific and technological exchanges, that are the essence of the Skolkovo project.»
Victor Vekselberg, Chairman of the project, reiterated its commitment and confidence in current and future investment: "Skolkovo represents an economic opportunity in history offering our partners a particularly attractive legal and fiscal framework. Contracts are signed today, and we are very optimistic about the prospects for future agreements." The annual budget will total $ 1.5 billion. Nearly 20 investment funds have already invested $ 230 million in the project.
Skolkovo Foundation was commissioned by the Russian Government to help accelerate the transition of the Russian economy based on natural resources to an economy based on innovation, through strategic partnerships with renowned scientists and businesses (currently over 310 companies and start-ups). The Foundation wishes to strengthen ties between the Russian and international communities in the areas of science, technology, education, entrepreneurship and investment. To achieve this goal, it oversees the creation of the Skolkovo Innovation Centre, composed of five poles of excellence in R & D, a Technopark, the Skolkovo Institute of Technology (a new university specializing in the research and created in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT) and the city of Skolkovo, near Moscow. Together, these entities constitute a living ecosystem of technological innovation and entrepreneurship. The Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in May 2010 by the Russian Government and receiving a grant of $ 5 billion.
During mipim, the Skolkovo foundation and Sophia Antipolis (www.sophia-antipolis.org/) signed a strategic partnership, linking France's well established and prestigious science park with Russia's new venture. Skolkovo has the potential to be one of the most important centres of innovation in the world.
Victor Vekselberg
Chairman of the Skolkovo project