On May 27, the first part of a closed expert session on mapping industrial chains of marine biotechnology in Russia was held at Skoltech. The session was co‑organized by Skoltech, the Autonomous Non‑Profit Organization “Economics of the Ocean,” and MIREA — Russian Technological University.
Marine biotech in Russia is still emerging as an independent industry. Individual technologies, developments, and products already exist, but a comprehensive picture of how this market is structured is only beginning to take shape. This is precisely the value of the session: to capture the current landscape and to view individual developments not as isolated projects but as parts of a single system.
The first stage, held in Moscow, focused on the Arctic and the European parts of Russia. Participants traced the journey of marine bioresources from raw material to final product, examining processing stages, technologies involved, existing market players, and systemic barriers currently constraining market development. Experts worked in three thematic groups: “Algae,” “Fish and Invertebrates,” and “Microorganisms.”
Skoltech was represented by Natalia Podsosonnaya, Deputy Director for Development at the Neuro Center, and Yulia Baimler, Deputy Director for Development at the Biomed Technologies Center. Natalia Podsosonnaya also moderated the "Microorganisms" group, where participants discussed biotech chains based on marine microorganisms and aquatic organisms.
The session also brought together representatives from research, industry, and development institutions, including MIREA — Russian Technological University, Rosselkhozbank, the National Algae Industry Association, the companies ToDoFood and Ledovo, ITMO’s Advanced Engineering School in Almetyevsk, Pushchino Science City, and other organizations.
The next stage will take place on June 10 in Vladivostok at the Russky Innovation and Technology Center, focusing on the Far East. Experts from the Far Eastern region will participate, while the methodology and structure of the working groups will remain consistent across both parts of the session.
After both stages and a final consolidation, a map of Russia’s marine biotechnology industrial chains will be created. For the first time, it will outline the general contours of the market: its composition, connections between players, and existing gaps in the chains. Such a map is an essential tool for systematic work with the industry.
This mapping effort provides an analytical foundation for subsequent activities — foresight sessions, dialogue with industry, development institutions, and government on support measures for marine biotech, as well as identifying niches that could give Russia new technological advantages.
