St Petersburg International Economic Forum 2024: St Petersburg University classrooms to receive Astra Linux equipment
St Petersburg University is set to receive new classroom equipment featuring the Russian-manufactured Astra Linux operating system. Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research at St Petersburg University, and Alexander Gutin, Director for Marketing and Academic Programmes at Astra Group, reached this agreement during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The agreement outlines a framework for productive collaboration in the realms of education and science. It encompasses joint efforts in AI solutions development and the utilisation of Astra Group software products in educational processes. Among these offerings is Astra Linux, a Russian OS equipped with in-built information security mechanisms to ensure the stable and secure functioning of IT infrastructures across different scales and the processing of information with varying levels of confidentiality.
Today, St Petersburg University is actively engaged in a substantial volume of scientific research, particularly within the realm of end-to-end technologies. Spearheaded by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at St Petersburg University, significant efforts have been channelled into developing an artificial intelligence of things. This endeavour has been bolstered by the reception of a sizable grant.
Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research at St Petersburg University
"It is imperative for us to meet the contemporary demands and pioneer new products that further the advancement of indigenous operating systems, an area in which Astra Group specialises. I trust that this agreement will mark the inception of a comprehensive range of AI-based products that can seamlessly integrate with the pioneering solutions offered by the Astra Group" said Sergey Mikushev, Vice-Rector for Research at St Petersburg University.
The parties will develop projects on the study, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems built on the basis of Astra Group software products. Hence, St Petersburg University will become a user of GitFlic, a software development platform that simplifies the creation of your own AI-based products. The Astra Group team aims to expand and enhance the platform with intelligent tools for code manipulation and essential components for developing solutions involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data.
There are plans to customise the GitFlic platform for artificial intelligence applications, making collaboration with St Petersburg University a strategically sound move.
Alexander Gutin, Director for Marketing and Academic Programmes at Astra Group
"By assisting the University in creating AI solutions, our development team will be able to test hypotheses to enhance the platform’s functionality, verify its architecture, and actively develop it in partnership with St Petersburg University through GitFlic extensions developed by the University. Cooperation in all other areas of the agreement will help train IT personnel that consider the needs of real sectors of the Russian economy", stated Alexander Gutin, Director for Marketing and Academic Programmes at Astra Group.
Within the framework of this collaboration, plans are in place to organise joint scientific and educational events, provide expert opinions on pertinent areas, and conduct joint research in software development, the advancement of artificial intelligence, and the ethical and legal considerations surrounding its application.
Furthermore, students of St Petersburg University will have the opportunity to engage in student support programmes such as Astra Scholarship and Astra University.