Aviton establishes a research division devoted to fostering the company's in-house advancements in artificial intelligence technology.
Avito, the popular Russian online marketplace, has announced a significant investment in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and research and development (R&D) over the next three years. The company aims to invest over 12 billion rubles by 2028, with a focus on generative AI, computer vision, voice technologies, deepfake protection, and 3D visualization.
At the heart of this AI-focused R&D department is Alexander Ryzhkov, a prominent AI expert who previously worked at Sber's AI lab and is now one of the ten global four-time Kaggle Grandmasters. Ryzhkov will lead the new department, which will also collaborate with Russian academic institutions such as MIPT, TSU, HSE, and ITMO.
The R&D department's efforts will be geared towards rapidly prototyping and integrating AI technologies tailored to Avito's platform and user needs. One practical example of this is the integration of the A-Vibe neural network into Avito's AutoTech service for vehicle condition reports.
The department will also work on enhancing the user experience on the platform, with most projects expected to result in both scientific papers and real-world integration into Avito's services. Researchers will create working prototypes and hand them off to product teams for launch.
In addition to this, Avito has already made strides in AI education, launching a Data Science master's program at MIPT in 2024 and planning to open three more programs at HSE and ITMO University. By 2028, Avito aims to train up to 3000 IT specialists in the field of AI.
One intriguing development is the replacement of journalists by neural networks in a section of the news called "Smooth, Deadly, Safe." The specific context of this change is not provided, but it underscores Avito's commitment to leveraging AI for its platform's growth and technological leadership.
Avito's Tech Platform is also planning to invest over 1 billion rubles in In-House R&D over the next three years. In a recent practical task, 80 students from 10 regions of Russia developed machine learning algorithms that could be integrated into the product.
This multi-billion ruble, multi-year investment highlights Avito’s commitment to embedding AI deeply into its platform to drive growth and technological leadership in its market.
The R&D department at Avito, led by AI expert Alexander Ryzhkov, will focus on integrating AI technologies into the platform, with a focus on generative AI, computer vision, voice technologies, deepfake protection, and 3D visualization.
Avito plans to invest over 12 billion rubles in AI research and development by 2028, with a goal of training up to 3000 IT specialists in the field of AI and leveraging AI technology for growth and technological leadership.
