The Voronezh region and Sber signed a cooperation pact focused on advancing artificial intelligence technologies during a national exhibition in Russia. The announcement came from Alexander Vedyakhin, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors at Sberbank.
A senior executive at the bank noted that Voronezh is among Russia’s leading areas for development, and Sber intends to support the region’s growth across sectors that matter most to residents.
Vedyakhin stressed that the collaboration extends beyond education and healthcare to other important parts of the national economy, aiming to raise overall regional capability.
In regions where AI tools are already deployed, the bank’s leaders observed a five- to sevenfold boost in service efficiency for the public. AI is expected to have tangible applications in public services, and interest in this field continues to rise.
Examples presented included using AI to monitor road potholes, detect illegal dump sites, and flag irregular activities among commercial entities.
He noted that these efforts help the federation improve cleanliness and infrastructure while also contributing additional revenue to the regional budget.
The plan includes launching AI-enabled improvements in the health sector and leveraging AI to elevate educational standards alongside professional training for medical staff and teachers.
Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev described AI deployment as a resource capable of unlocking the broader potential of digital technologies for the region.
“We are prepared for this journey and are aiming for progress,” the regional leader affirmed.
The second agreement between the region and Sberbank covers long-term, productive cooperation aimed at transforming priority sectors of the economy and social sphere in Voronezh, including projects tied to School Meals and the Wonderful Card initiative.
Natalia Zeitler, President of the Central Chernozem Bank within Sberbank, highlighted that Sber’s involvement can raise the well-being of both businesses and the wider population, with all necessary tools available to make that happen.
She also pointed out that a synergistic effect emerged from active collaboration between the region and Sber, with the bank’s technology and intellectual capital being directed toward Voronezh’s development goals.