Artificial Intelligence Tech Hub to be Established
Avito Establishes New AI Research and Development Department in Russia
Avito, a leading tech platform in Russia, has announced the establishment of a new AI research and development (R&D) department. The department will focus on various advanced AI initiatives, including generative models, computer vision, voice technologies, deepfake protection systems, and 3D visualization.
The department, led by Alexander Ryzhkov, a highly accomplished AI expert and Kaggle Grandmaster, operates on the principle of rapid prototyping. This approach will enable swift evaluation of new approaches and scaling of successful experiments. The goal is to integrate these prototypes into Avito's platform services and collaborate with leading Russian universities.
The department aims to gain international recognition through publishing at prestigious conferences, as well as set new trends in AI technology usage in the marketplace. Avito plans to invest over 1 billion rubles ($12.5 million) initially in this R&D project, with a longer-term investment in generative AI technologies reaching more than 12 billion rubles by 2028.
In addition, Avito is developing AI educational programs in partnership with institutions such as MIPT, HSE, ITMO, and TSU to train up to 3,000 AI specialists by 2028.
According to Ryzhkov, the department will not only follow global AI trends but also define the direction of technology development for online platforms. The department plans to foster collaboration with top Russian universities and develop partnership programs for joint research and training young specialists. The primary task of the department is to create functional prototypes that can quickly adapt new AI technologies to Avito's platform's specifics and user needs.
Andrey Rybinets, Avito's AI managing director, emphasized the importance of having an in-house AI department for a modern IT company. He believes that this investment will help Avito stay at the forefront of AI innovation and provide a better user experience for its customers.
[1] Source: Avito's official press release [4] Source: Ryzhkov's interview with TASS news agency
The new AI research and development department at Avito, led by Alexander Ryzhkov, will focus on various AI initiatives, such as generative models, computer vision, voice technologies, and 3D visualization. As part of this project, the department aims to create functional prototypes that can quickly adapt new AI technologies to Avito's platform's specifics and user needs, leveraging artificial-intelligence technology.
