Large IT companies may allocate about $940 million to universities in Russia by 2030
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has calculated the potential support costs of large accredited IT companies for higher education institutions. According to the forecast, this amount may amount to about $940 million (85.2 billion rubles) by 2030.
The ministry proposes that large IT companies direct 5% of the savings they receive from tax breaks to education. This idea was first put forward in August 2024. According to the proposal, accredited IT companies with an annual turnover of more than $11 million (1 billion rubles) and more than 100 employees must fulfill this obligation.
According to the ministry's calculations, supporting IT educational programs in the first year alone could cost businesses about $185 million (16.7 billion rubles). This information was published by Kommersant.
As of February 2025, the number of accredited IT companies exceeded 20 thousand. The profit tax for them was reduced from 25% to 5% by 2030. The Otchestvenny Soft association believes that the new requirements could affect about 400 companies.
In addition, in November 2024, the Ministry of Digital Development proposed to oblige employees of large IT companies to teach at universities. Industry representatives, however, said that they are already working closely with universities, implementing scholarship programs and joint projects. For example, since 2023, T-Bank and more than 30 Russian companies have been contributing to the development of the Central University.
The ministry says that the new rule will systematize the efforts of IT companies to train personnel. However, discussions on this issue are still ongoing.
