Aviton establishes a scientific unit devoted to the development of self-sustained artificial intelligence innovations
Avito Announces Ambitious AI Strategy and R&D Investment
Russian classifieds giant Avito has unveiled a strategic plan to significantly ramp up its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development (R&D). The company aims to train up to 3000 IT specialists in AI by 2028 and invest over 1 billion rubles in In-House R&D over the next three years, with a total of 12 billion rubles earmarked for generative AI technologies during the same period.
The new R&D department, led by Alexander Ryzhkov, a four-time Kaggle Grandmaster and former AI researcher at Sber's AI lab, will focus on enhancing user experience on Avito's platform, as well as advancing generative models, computer vision, voice technologies, deepfake protection, and 3D technologies.
The department's work will encompass rapid prototyping, from idea to working solution for testing on real users. Researchers will create working prototypes and hand them over to product teams for launch. The R&D department will also develop partnership programs with Russian universities for joint research and training of young specialists.
Alexander Ryzhkov, in his role as a bridge between science and practice, plans to demonstrate how academic research can solve real business problems. The R&D department's efforts will be geared towards making AI an integral part of Avito's DNA, improving user interactions, automating internal processes, and fostering growth through AI-driven innovations in services and marketplace functionalities.
Avito's AutoTech service has already integrated the A-Vibe neural network into vehicle condition reports, offering a glimpse of the company's commitment to AI. Meanwhile, Avito's journalists in Kuban have been replaced by neural networks, marking a significant development in the application of AI in journalism.
The company's strategic plan emphasizes a comprehensive focus on advancing generative AI capabilities, integrating agentic (autonomous intelligent agent) AI components, and scaling these technologies throughout Avito’s ecosystem over the next three years. This includes the launch of a master's program in Data Science at MIPT in 2024 and plans to open three more programs at HSE and ITMO.
In a recent development, 80 students from 10 regions of Russia have completed a practical task from the platform on developing machine learning algorithms, which could be integrated into the product. The R&D department's projects are expected to result in both scientific papers and real-world implementation in Avito's services.
This comprehensive strategy positions Avito as a leader in AI adoption and development, with the potential to revolutionize user interactions, operational efficiencies, and growth on its platform.
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