Future Makers: Junior Cup 2026 Final — How It Happened

The final brought together young engineers, researchers and inventors from across Russia. Participants presented solutions to real industrial and urban challenges, ranging from digital services to engineering innovations.

Three days packed with events

The final’s program was planned down to the minute. It began on April 9 with a cultural visit to the Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow (MAMM), for the second international biennale, “Art of the Future 2.0.” Participants saw how science and technology — the competition’s key themes — intersect with art.

Project defense day: ideas that change the future

April 10 was the main day of the final: the project defenses.

Teams presented in parallel in two rooms, competing in two tracks:

• Engineering Cup
• Cities Cup

Throughout the day, the teams presented their innovations to an expert jury: from interactive maps and monitoring systems to digital solutions for healthcare and environmental protection.

Competition was fierce, and the stakes were high: victory in a prestigious competition and cash prizes.

Despite the pressure, participants found time to talk. Coffee breaks brought new friendships, ideas and opportunities for collaboration.

Learning, inspiration and networking

April 11 was a day for exchanging experience and gaining fresh insights.

The program included a team quiz, a meeting with an expert and a networking game.

Elena Redkolis, Candidate of Technical Sciences and Vice President of the International TRIZ Association for the development of TRIZ in Russia, spoke to the finalists. She explained how to approach challenges as an inventor and use TRIZ tools to find unconventional solutions.

The networking session helped participants expand their professional contacts and meet like-minded people.

A celebratory finale

The competition concluded with an awards ceremony in a modern media venue.

The finalists exchanged their customized T-shirts for formal outfits and received trophies, diplomas and cash prizes from the Melnichenko Foundation and the competition’s partners.

We have already published the winners and runners-up on the competition results page.

An event to remember

For the final’s brightest moments and participants’ reactions, visit the Telegram channel t.me/talanty_fm and search for #FMJC.

See you next season

Future Makers: Junior Cup once again confirmed its role as a key platform for young talent ready to change the world for the better.

To hear when the next season opens, subscribe to the Melnichenko Foundation’s Telegram channel and follow updates on our website.

See you at Future Makers: Junior Cup 2027!