Participants turned real business challenges into working software and services at the Moscow finals, led by experienced technology consultants
Russia has organized the first international Olympiad in industrial software development for high school students, bringing together thousands of young IT enthusiasts from all over the country and 33 other countries.
The competition, known as PROD, gives students in grades 8-12 a chance to see how major IT companies develop software and manage large-scale projects. Most events take place online, allowing students from any country to participate. In its third season, the Olympiad officially went international for the first time, offering participation in English and Russian and attracting more than 12,000 applicants. Of those, more than 4,000 advanced to the main round, organizers say.
The event was held in several stages between December and March. The Moscow final brought together 337 top students, including from India, the United States, Belarus, and Uzbekistan, and 22 top prize winners. Over the course of five days, the cross-functional teams developed real-world IT products – including T-Bank’s in-app dating service, a dedicated cashback component, an AI assistant to manage the admin panel and a multiplayer card game. More than 100 experts from leading technology companies, as well as lecturers from Central University, one of Russia’s leading practice-based universities, advised the teams.
The Olympiad has expanded rapidly since its launch, according to the head of the T-Education project, Varvara Smirnova. “You can see how much the competition has increased and how the kids have grown,” he told RT, expressing hope that some of this year’s finalists will join the preparation team soon.
One of the participants, an American student, said he first heard about PROD from his father, who saw an ad in Times Square. He said he was impressed with the mentors, advisors and the many interactive activities and games offered during the finals.
Winners received grants covering the full cost of tuition at the Central University, a discount of up to 90% for joint programs with HSE University of Russia and the right to go through a simplified training selection process at T-Bank.
