UMNIK-2026: BelSU Students Turn Concepts into Funded Ventures

Belgorod National Research University (BelSU) students have claimed four victories in the prestigious UMNIK-2026 innovation competition, a program supporting young scientists, graduate students and undergraduates whose work could form the foundation of future startups.

The competition, organized by the Foundation for Assistance to Small Innovative Enterprises as part of the Technologies Federal Project, funds projects with clear scientific and technical potential. This year’s BelSU winners represent a striking range of disciplines.

Egor Kashkarev from the BelSU Institute of Pharmacy, Chemistry, and Biology won for his technology for the enzymatic production of lactulose, a prebiotic with broad pharmaceutical applications. Natalia Skokova from the BelSU Institute of Earth Sciences developed a program for automated calculation of damage to aquatic bio resources, using methodology from the Federal Agency for Fisheries.

Two medical students also secured funding. Maria Churnosova’s project focuses on a genetic test for early prediction of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication. Amina Rumyantseva is developing a composition of bio composites based on probiotic microorganisms for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.