On April 8, 2025, the grand opening of the startup-focused event series ERA GSTU took place, organized by the Faculty of Automated and Information Systems. The series includes the 3rd International Open Competition for Technological Startup Projects "ERA Startup," the International Educational Startup Program "ERA Action," and the programming hackathon "ERA Hackathon." The goal of these events is to support talented youth and foster the student startup movement.

The opening ceremony was attended by:
• A.V. Shapovalov, Vice-Rector for Ideological and Educational Work of the University.
• I.I. Sutorma, Dean of the Faculty of Automated and Information Systems.
• A.E. Zapolsky, Assistant of the "Industrial Electronics" Department.
• S.I. Rublevsky, Manager of the Ecosystem Development Department of Belagroprombank.
• A.P. Bobovich, Director of the Agency for Development and Investment Promotion.
• Experts from the International Telecommunication Union, A.A. Lagutik and M.V. Buryanov.
• E.V. Yarosh, Head of the Startup Center at Francisk Skorina Gomel State University.
• T.Y. Kurchenok, Head of Cliffort Group.
• A.V. Rostokin, Co-founder of Muztorgservice and BelNPC.
• Yu.V. Pletnyov, Representative of informational resources "vgomele" and "zacenim.by."

The event also highlighted a wide range of partners, including Belagroprombank, the International Telecommunication Union, Mirtek Engineering, Muztorgservice, BelNPC, Cliffort Group, Korall Technopark, EPAM, Alcopak, RM Bike, Liberty Trading, Hosta.by, Francisk Skorina Gomel State University, Bounetta Travel, and other informational resources. During the ceremony, attendees were informed about the ERA GSTU series of startup events, its schedule for the spring, participation details, and the opportunities it offers. The ERA Startup competition welcomes students (undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate), pupils of vocational, technical, and secondary schools, as well as participants from children's technology parks aged 16 to 30 years.

To participate, projects can be submitted in the following categories:
• Electronics & Smart Energy Industry.
• Robotics.
• Automation (including Information Technologies). This year's competition features not only an overall winner but also nominations for: • Best Software Project. • Best Hardware Project. • Best Technological Project for the Social Sphere.
• Best Technological Idea.
• Best Youth Project (for students of secondary, vocational, and professional education, as well as children's technology parks).
• People's Choice Award (voted on via Telegram).
 

Winners will receive diplomas and valuable prizes from partners. To participate, register electronically by April 25, 2025.

The qualifying round will be held remotely between April 26 and May 1, 2025, with the results announced on the Telegram channel. The final will take place on May 7, 2025, at the Center of Attraction of OJSC "Belagroprombank." In addition to the startup competition, all participants are invited to join the International Educational Program "ERA Action," running from April 8 to May 6 with nine educational days. Moreover, a programming hackathon is scheduled for late April–early May.

The ERA GSTU Belarus Telegram resource (]]>https://t.me/gstu_era]]>) will provide updates, useful materials, and news on startup topics.

During the educational session, S.I. Rublevsky presented on "The Development of the Startup Movement in Belarus," highlighting the history, nuances, and support measures for startup projects, as well as initiatives by Belagroprombank. A.P. Bobovich discussed the Korall Gomel Technopark and its residents, focusing on its collaboration with Sukhoi State Technical University.

E.V. Yarosh gave an engaging presentation titled "What is a Startup? Where to Find and Generate Startup Ideas?" covering startup basics, tools for ideation, and the global history of startups. The event concluded with an outline of future activities within the "ERA Action" program. We invite everyone to join the ERA GSTU events.
Assistant of the "Industrial Electronics" Department, A.E. Zapolsky. Photo: Press Service of Sukhoi State Technical University, A.E. Zapolsky.