Within the framework of the Priority 2030 program, Stavropol State University has been implementing a unique format for completing graduate qualification works as business projects for the third year in a row.

The Startup as a Diploma project allows students to write a thesis in the form of their own startup, submit it to the certification commission for consideration and receive funding for implementation. The «alternative» diploma is evaluated taking into account the relevance of the development for use in the real sector of the economy. Experts from the fields of education and business analyze in detail the economic model of the project and evaluate the possibility of introducing developments into technological cycles.

The diploma format in the form of a startup was first launched in Stavropol State University in 2022. Then 9 students were allowed to defend their final qualifying papers. This year, the total number of such projects has tripled — graduates presented 28 ready-to-implement business projects. Among them is the introduction of a neural network in the monitoring of agricultural lands, the development of technology for microclonal reproduction of strawberries and a ground—based unmanned robot for agriculture.

— I am convinced that it is for such ideological and talented guys that our future and the future of the whole country lie. We can only continue to support and guide them,» said Vladimir Sitnikov, Rector of the SSAU.