Russian schoolchildren got a taste of what it’s like to be entrepreneurs.
Alabuga Polytech recently hosted the finals of the All-Russian Entrepreneurship Olympiad, bringing together 120 of the country’s top students. The competition stood out for its unique format: participants took on the role of entrepreneurs in a computer game, allowing them to showcase their analytical thinking and communication skills in a simulated business environment.
Out of 7,000 applicants, only 3,000 advanced to the semifinals, with the most talented and promising candidates reaching the finals. There, participants took part in Business Cats, a business simulation game created by experts from the Alabuga Special Economic Zone. Finalists ran virtual cat nurseries and shops, raised kittens, and developed strategies to outmaneuver competitors.
The organizers say the Olympiad at Alabuga Polytech isn’t just about testing knowledge – it’s a chance for students to show their entrepreneurial skills, learn to work as a team, and make real business decisions together.
After a series of exciting competitions, three winners were chosen and received valuable prizes: smart speakers, virtual reality headsets, and powerful gaming computers. But the biggest reward for the finalists was the chance to enroll at Alabuga Polytech – one of the country’s top educational centers for training highly qualified specialists for industry-without having to take any entrance exams.
Platon Khaziev, who came to Tatarstan from Sochi, secured first place in the Olympiad. He shared that he spent considerable time preparing for the final competition, driven by his aspiration to enroll at Alabuga Polytech. His mentor also attended the event to show support for the young entrepreneur.
The Entrepreneurship Olympiad at Alabuga Polytech has been held for four consecutive years. Today, it takes place not only in Russia, but also in CIS countries, helping local schoolchildren develop their soft skills. Each year, the top participants go on to become students at Alabuga Polytech. For example, third-year student Timofey Rybasov was the Olympiad winner in 2023.
“I'm currently studying at the newest and best educational center in our country. In the past, the Olympiad followed the same standards as it does now. Back then, my leadership skills, teamwork, and quick thinking helped me win. To future students of Alabuga Polytech, I want to say: you’re in for a rich, interesting, and exciting journey. By joining this place, you’ll grow as a person. I wish you all the best of luck!” Timofey said to the applicants.
