Honorees of the Young Industrialist Awards, 2025, celebrated at INNOPROM exhibition
In a remarkable display of Russia's burgeoning industrial sector, the fourth edition of the Young Industrialist competition saw an unprecedented number of over 700 applications from 69 Russian regions. This competition, held under the patronage of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, is a testament to the country's thriving culture of young entrepreneurship and industrial innovation.
For the first time, the competition included a category for the best female industrialist, further emphasising the importance of gender diversity in the industry. The competition's winners were determined by a panel of authoritative experts, as well as through a "People's Choice Leader" selection via a website.
Alexander Shokhin, President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs and a member of the jury, expressed his hope to see the competition's participants in leadership positions in Russian business and in the union. Anton Kovalev, chairman of the organizer of the Prize - the Club of Young Industrialists, commented that all finalists are already winners and are people to look up to.
The first prize of the "Young Industrialist" competition was awarded to Yaroslav Zhelonkin, the General Director of Kazan-based company "Ferri Watt". Known for his background in engineering, Zhelonkin is also an author of scientific articles, patents, and inventions, and a science popularizer. Among the clients of "Ferri Watt" are corporations such as Rosatom, Rostech, Roscosmos, United Aircraft Corporation, United Engine Corporation, and KAMAZ.
Maria Shulgina, director of "Kvatro" from Yekaterinburg, was the first recipient of the special award for the best female industrialist. Her company specializes in the production of reinforced concrete products for industrial and civilian purposes.
The longlist included 200 finalists, young leaders of Russian industry, aged under 40, with an annual income of 120 million to 2 billion rubles. Along with the awards, the winners receive recognition of their achievements, inclusion in the Club of Young Industrialists, and the opportunity to participate in working meetings with government leaders.
The competition's winners not only replace imported goods and technologies but often surpass them, according to Anton Kovalev. This reflects the growing importance of domestic industry in Russia's economic development.
The IV All-Russian “Young Industrialist of the Year Award” is another example of Russia's commitment to fostering young entrepreneurship. In 2025, the award attracted a record 14,200 applications nationwide, with laureates from regions such as Mordovia. Broad youth entrepreneurship programs like Moscow’s “I’m in Business” educational program have also contributed to the nurturing of future industrialists and entrepreneurs, fostering over 80,000 startups.
These competitions and programs have a significant impact on the Russian economy. They encourage high participation and competitive selection, promote diverse categories, offer significant financial prizes and acceleration programs, and contribute to regional entrepreneurial development and brand promotion. Collectively, they support Russia’s technological and industrial growth, stimulating innovation, job creation, and economic diversification.
Regions where winners are based take pride in their achievements because they gain recognition at the federal level, according to Anton Kovalev. This recognition not only boosts the morale of the local communities but also attracts investment nationwide.
In conclusion, the 202X Young Industrialist competition is a significant event in Russia's industrial landscape, celebrating the country's rising industrial leaders and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The competition's winners not only contribute to the domestic industry but also play a crucial role in Russia's technological and industrial growth.
The IV All-Russian “Young Industrialist of the Year Award” is another instance showcasing Russia's dedication to nurturing young entrepreneurs in finance and business, as seen by the record 14,200 applications nationwide in 2025.
The competition's winners, such as those in the industrial sector, often exceed imported goods and technologies, indicating the growing significance of domestic finance and business in Russia's economic development.
