Aviton establishes a science division focused on the in-house development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions
In a significant move, Avito, one of Russia's leading online marketplaces, has established a new Research & Development (R&D) department. Led by Alexander Ryzhkov, a four-time Kaggle Grandmaster and former AI researcher at Sber's AI lab, the department is focused on artificial intelligence technologies.
The department's mission is to bridge the gap between science and practice, showing the academic community how their research can solve real-world business problems. The R&D team's projects will not only follow but also set global AI trends. Key research areas include generative models, computer vision, voice technologies, deepfake protection systems, and 3D visualization.
As part of its strategy to invest over 12 billion rubles in generative AI technologies by 2028, Avito has partnered with universities to foster innovation and knowledge exchange. This partnership is evident in Avito's AutoTech service, which has integrated the A-Vibe neural network into vehicle condition reports.
The R&D department's focus on joint research and training with universities extends to the development of young specialists. The department plans to actively involve students and PhD students in its research, with a goal to train up to 3,000 IT specialists in the field of AI by 2028.
Avito has already made strides in this area, launching a Master's program in Data Science at MIPT in 2024 and planning to open three more programs at HSE and ITMO University by September 2025.
The department operates on the principle of rapid prototyping, from idea to working solution that can be tested on real users. Researchers in the department will create working prototypes and hand them over to product teams for launch. The department's projects are expected to result in both scientific papers and real-world implementation in Avito's services.
Innovative solutions from young researchers are expected to be game-changing. Alexander Ryzhkov, the department's head, commented that the department's mission is to showcase how academic research can solve real business problems. The R&D department will focus on enhancing user experience on the platform and will work on practical projects.
Avito's Tech Platform is planning to invest over 1 billion rubles in in-house R&D over the next three years. The department's partnership programs aim to bridge the gap between academic research and practical business problems. Avito has previously partnered with the AIRI Institute and Tomsk State University's Summer School on AI.
By 2028, Avito plans to invest over 12 billion rubles in generative AI technologies. The integration of the A-Vibe neural network into Avito's AutoTech service is an example of the department's practical projects, demonstrating its commitment to leveraging AI technologies to improve user experience and drive innovation.
[1] Avito Press Release: Avito Launches New R&D Department Focused on AI Technologies (2022) [2] TASS: Avito to Invest 12 Billion Rubles in Generative AI Technologies by 2028 (2021) [3] Kommersant: Avito to Train 3,000 IT Specialists in AI by 2028 (2022) [4] RBC: Avito's New R&D Department to Focus on Rapid Prototyping and Practical Projects (2022)
The new R&D department at Avito, led by Alexander Ryzhkov, is concentrating on artificial intelligence technologies and aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry by demonstrating how research can address real-world business issues. In addition to following global AI trends, the department's projects will also set new ones in key research areas such as generative models, computer vision, voice technologies, deepfake protection systems, and 3D visualization.
As part of its strategy to invest over 12 billion rubles in generative AI technologies by 2028, Avito has partnered with universities to foster innovation and knowledge exchange, involving students and PhD students in its research to train up to 3,000 IT specialists in AI by the same year.
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