The capital won the international AIM Congress 2025 Awards for the development of SEZ "Technopolis Moscow" and the cluster approach

Moscow Wins AIM Congress 2025 Awards for the Development of Technopolis Moscow SEZ and Cluster-Based Strategy
Moscow participated in the AIM Congress 2025 International Investment Forum in Abu Dhabi – one of the leading events in the Middle East focused on the future of the global investment climate. The forum’s special award, the AIM Congress 2025 Awards, recognized projects that have made the greatest contribution to economic growth and technological progress in participating countries. The capital won in three categories, including for the implementation of the Technopolis Moscow Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project and its cluster-based industrial development strategy, as reported by Maxim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry.
"Under the guidance of Sergey Sobyanin, the city pays special attention to developing its investment potential: investing in high-tech industrial enterprises, promoting innovation, and strengthening international cooperation. These efforts were recognized by the prestigious AIM Congress 2025 Awards, where Moscow became a winner in three categories, including ‘Future Cities’ for the successful development of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ, and the ‘Global Manufacturing Award 2025’ for the contribution of public authorities and institutions to implementing a cluster-based industrial development strategy. Moscow’s SEZ is a flagship of the city’s industrial development, hosting over 220 high-tech enterprises, 120 of which have resident status. Four intersectoral clusters are also actively developing within the SEZ," emphasized Maxim Liksutov.
At the AIM Congress 2025 forum, the Moscow Government booth showcased key investment projects and technological solutions in industry, economy, transport, and urban development. Stepan Kovalenko, Deputy Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy of Moscow, participated in the city’s presentation session, highlighting Moscow’s interest in attracting foreign direct investment and outlining projects developed to achieve this goal, including the Technopolis Moscow SEZ. Asiyat Bagatyrova, CEO of ANO Public Capital, shared Russia’s experience in developing the Public Business Capital Standard with international participants.
The Moscow delegation held meetings with UAE authorities and foreign investors, who showed particular interest in the opportunities for localizing production within Technopolis Moscow. Over its 19 years, the SEZ has become one of the most successful technically innovative SEZs in Russia, as confirmed by numerous rankings and awards. For four consecutive years, Moscow SEZ topped the shortlist of the National Investment Attractiveness Rating of Russia’s SEZs.
"Ranking experts consistently give high marks to the investment and industrial potential of Moscow’s SEZ, supported by a wide range of city measures and investments in industrial, transport, and social infrastructure. Today, Technopolis Moscow is the capital’s flagship high-tech industrial zone, covering 392 hectares. Since its establishment, 1.6 million sq. meters of production and office facilities have been built, providing 22,100 jobs. Thanks to modern infrastructure and tax incentives, Technopolis Moscow is highly attractive to investors: over 215 billion rubles have already been invested in innovative projects aimed at import substitution and achieving technological sovereignty," noted Anatoly Garbuzov, Minister of the Moscow Government and Head of the Department of Investment and Industrial Policy.
Moscow’s cluster-based industrial development strategy, recognized by the AIM Congress 2025 Awards, is actively implemented at Technopolis Moscow. Four key sectors are currently thriving: microelectronics and photonics, pharmaceuticals, electric vehicle manufacturing, and unmanned aerial systems. The cluster approach not only enhances sectoral synergy and competitiveness but also enables the effective implementation of comprehensive state support measures.
"The largest industry cluster within the SEZ is formed by microelectronics manufacturers. Around 40 companies producing radio-electronic products hold resident status. These enterprises are traditionally leaders in job creation and production output. During their operations in the SEZ, they have produced nearly 175 billion rubles’ worth of innovative products and created over 8,800 jobs. Another rapidly growing sector within the SEZ is pharmaceuticals: 14 manufacturers of modern biotech drugs have received resident status, which provides a broad range of state support measures. Eight offset contracts are being implemented within the cluster, helping to meet the long-term needs of Moscow patients," summarized Gennady Degtyov, General Director of Technopolis Moscow SEZ.
Moscow’s industrial and investment potential is further supported by a wide range of city measures: companies have access to more than 20 tools to attract additional investment on preferential terms, obtain production sites, modernize equipment, establish partnerships domestically, and enter export markets. For example, entrepreneurs can use Moscow’s investment portal to select a site for production localization, apply for preferential loans, access detailed procurement information, or directly contact government authorities.