MMK is a leader in work with startups

PJSC Magnitogorsk Iron and Steel Works entered the top 10 Russian corporations in terms of work with open innovations. This is the best result among metallurgical companies.

As defined by Barometer, open innovation is technology solutions or products used by a corporation that are developed outside of its own research departments and are not obtained through collaboration with other large companies. Most often, the developers of such solutions are startups or individual entrepreneurs. In 2021, Barometer rated the largest Russian companies for the second time according to criteria reflecting the effectiveness of their cooperation with such developers.

MMK is currently improving production processes and implementing a large-scale Digitalization Strategy, while actively engaging third-party developers using various tools: annual R&D programs (implemented both with start-ups and large research centers), the R&D Center (Research and Development ) Magnitogorsk State Technical University. G.I. Nosov, a functional center at the Skolkovo IC.

MMK carefully selects developments suitable for the operation of the plant: for example, following the results of the SteelStart metallurgical accelerator, which took place in 2020, the company expanded its cooperation with the developer of Mikrobor hard-alloy coatings, which increase the service life of rolling rolls. In addition, MMK regularly holds its own internal accelerator and “Open Days” for potential suppliers, including for scouting new technological solutions.

“It is very important for us to scrupulously study all projects that are presented at competitions and accelerators, to analyze how this or that solution is suitable for our company,” comments Georgy Larin, head of the functional center of PJSC MMK in Skolkovo. “Of course, we are pleased with such a high assessment of MMK's work with open innovations, and we will continue to improve and develop this area.”