International experts shared modern ways of new materials` development and processing. The Forum was divided into several sections depending on application fields of new materials. Taking part into plenary discussions and poster presentations researchers share what kinds of new materials are used in aerospace, transport, agro-industrial fields as well as health technologies, electronics and energy development. “Sci Days” brings together representatives of Russian scientific organizations, leading funds, development centers, companies, and St. Petersburg enterprises. According to organizers of the Forum, it is necessary to join forces of business, science and manufacturing sector so as to implement new technologies, providing technological progress in Russia.

“This year we invited participants from Germany, United Kingdom, Brazil, Chinese People's Republic, Korea, India and other countries. I want to underline that scientific collaboration is international activity. Despite of complicated political and economic situation countries provide joint research projects,” noted Fedor Voytolovsiy, head of Youth Coordination Sector of Council for Science and Education of Russian Federation. “The main topic of this large conference is extremely relevant because new materials are widely used in promising manufacturing sectors and innovative projects. Modern tech novelties contribute to future technological breakthrough of our country.”

Scientists started their discussions with roundtable meetings devoted to peculiarities of innovative strategies, tech transfer, and ways of how attract investment into research projects. At the last meeting they discussed federal support programs, scientific grants, contests for young and experienced researchers as well as how to stop using classical financing ways in order to become an entrepreneurial university, which attracts venture investment. Alexander Bikkulov, head of Center for Project Development and Fundraising, and Aleksey Tolmachev, ITMO Venture Partners` CEO, shared ITMO University`s experience in fundraising and commercialization of innovations.

“We inform ITMO University professors and young researchers about support programs and other projects by providing trainings and special meetings. We also teach them how to apply for such programs”, said Mr. Bikkulov. “We organize fundraising schools called “Fund-it” in order to help researchers know about types of financing. Furthermore we initiate “Technology Brokers School,” which aims to train scientists how to make a development commercially successful. This project is accessible to everybody.”

Apart from discussions and conferences participants are also going to visit Magic of Light exhibition, ITMO University Technopark, FabLab and ITMO University business accelerator.