Project
Lab

Launching in 2026, The Intellect Foundation Project Lab introduces a distinctive model for applied inquiry.

It brings emerging talent together with accomplished scholars and industry leaders to address consequential challenges beyond the classroom


The project lab gives young researchers an opportunity to apply their knowledge, develop their creative potential, and receive financial support for the most promising solutions

An initiative of the "Intellect" Foundation with the support of Oleg Deripaska's "Volnoe Delo" Foundation

The Project lab model

Industry-defined challenges
Participants work on complex issues drawn directly from scientific and industrial practice.
Interdisciplinary teams
All project members collaborate across disciplines, institutions and borders, driving diverse perspectives together to address challenges no single field can solve alone.
From concept to value
The lab supports each project from its earliest hypothesis through validation and implementation, helping teams transform ideas into tangible solutions with defined applications and measurable value alongside experts.
Direct Fellowships
Selected projects receive financial support to advance promising concepts toward implementation.
Total fellowship support:

From 1.900$

per person of selected solutions

Up to 4000$

additional support for best researchers

For emerging talent
The project lab is designed for students, researchers, scientists ready to cross disciplinary boundaries and turn rigorous thinking into practical Solutions.
For industry partners

Bring the Lab a challenge that matters. Global teams work with your experts to explore new approaches and develop a validated solution with a clear path to implementation and measurable value.

STAGES – Enrollment



Winter Season

  • Applications

    Submit an application and highlight your preferred areas

    Until February 12

  • Business Day

    Meet industry partners and explore the challenges proposed for the season

    February 19–20

  • Team formation

    Join a project team and define the scope of the work with mentor

    February 19–28

  • Midpoint review

    Present early findings and receive feedback on the project

    April 10

  • Final conference

    Present a completed solution to academic and industry leaders. Best projects receive awards and additional support

    May 27


Fall Season

  • OPEN CALL

    Submit your application and identify the fields or challenges you would like to explore.

    September 12

  • INDUSTRY EXCHANGE

    Meet partner organizations and discover the challenges selected for the fall cycle.

    September 19-20

  • PROJECT LAUNCH

    Form multidisciplinary teams, connect with mentors, and define the scope of each project.

    September 21-28

  • PROGRESS REVIEW

    Share early findings, test key assumptions, and refine the project through expert feedback.

    October 10

  • FINAL SHOWCASE

    Show validated solutions to academic and industry leaders. Selected teams receive awards and continued support.

    November 27
Contacts

Catherine Polo

Educational Programs Manager
of the "Intellect" Foundation

e.polo@intellect-foundation.ru

For inquiries regarding applications, eligibility, and the selection process, feel free to contact us anytime.