On September 28, 2026, the Skolkovo Technopark hosted the fifth international business forum, Skolkovo Women’s Forum. The anniversary edition brought together representatives of business, science, technology and the creative industries.
According to the forum’s press release, 1,778 women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists and top executives took part in the event. The central topics of the business program included adapting businesses to global changes, artificial intelligence, technology entrepreneurship and international cooperation.
Skolkovo Women’s Forum 2026 focused on practical questions: how businesses can adapt to polycrises, use AI without inflated expectations and find new opportunities for international development.
International Status and a New Business Agenda
In 2026, the forum received international status within BRICS CCI WISE — Women in Innovation, Science & Entrepreneurship.
The central theme was the formula: “Polycrises. Business Adaptation. AI Without Illusions.” Discussions focused on developing companies amid global changes, applying artificial intelligence, technology entrepreneurship and entering BRICS+ markets.
The forum’s focus shifted from a general discussion of innovation toward practical adaptation: how companies can respond to technological changes, international markets and new business risks.
The program took place simultaneously in seven halls. The international track brought together representatives of business communities from India, China, Sri Lanka, Brazil and South Africa.
Participants discussed technological cooperation, education, the development of business ties and the role of culture in international dialogue.
Culture as a Tool for International Business
A separate session of Skolkovo Women’s Forum 2026 focused on cultural diplomacy.
Tatyana Sizova, Commissioner for the Protection of Entrepreneurs’ Rights in Moscow, spoke about the importance of trust and mutual understanding in international business. The discussion emphasized that interest in a partner’s culture and mentality can become the basis for building long-term business relationships.
International cooperation is not limited to economic indicators and transaction terms. Understanding cultural context becomes part of communication between business partners.
This approach expands the traditional understanding of international business: alongside finance, technology and legal mechanisms, it includes communication, education and cultural exchange.
Business and BRICS+ Markets: Practical Issues
The international agenda continued with a meeting of the Council for the Development of Entrepreneurship of the BRICS+ countries.
Participants discussed practical issues related to Moscow businesses entering BRICS+ markets, legal support for international transactions, intellectual property protection, cross-border payments and the development of new competencies.
Entering an international market requires more than a commercial strategy. Among the areas discussed at the forum were legal support for transactions, intellectual property protection, payments and the development of professional competencies.
Artificial Intelligence: From Discussion to Practical Cases
Artificial intelligence occupied a significant place in the program.
Forum participants examined practical cases of AI implementation in small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the influence of neural networks on the creative industries. At the same time, dedicated areas focused on investment, finance, business support, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, cosmetology and healthy nutrition.
“AI Without Illusions” became one of the key formulations of the 2026 forum. The focus was not only on the possibilities of neural networks, but also on practical scenarios for their application in business.
For entrepreneurs, this approach is particularly relevant: the conversation about artificial intelligence is gradually moving from demonstrations of technological capabilities toward questions of efficiency, integration into business processes and impact on specific industries.
“Fashion Innovations”: Where Technology Meets Cultural Heritage
The visual program of Skolkovo Women’s Forum 2026 included the “Fashion Innovations” show featuring the Skolka brand.
The project brought together Russian craft traditions, modern technologies and inclusive solutions. The international cultural program was complemented by a collection created by African women artists.
Fashion at the forum was not presented as a separate entertainment element. Instead, it became a way to demonstrate the interaction of technology, traditions, design and cultural exchange.
This format reflects the forum’s broader interdisciplinary concept, in which business and technology coexist with cultural and creative industries.
Skolkovo Tech & Innovation Awards 2026
The culmination of the business program was the Skolkovo Tech & Innovation Awards 2026 ceremony.
The awards recognized technological achievements by young innovators and representatives of different industries. Among the laureates were entrepreneurs and specialists working in medicine, cinema, psychology, international cooperation, social projects and technology businesses.
The ceremony became the final point of a program dedicated to innovation and entrepreneurship while also highlighting the forum’s cross-industry character.
Skolkovo Women’s Forum 2026: Key Topics
The forum’s program ultimately brought together several interconnected areas:
- business adaptation to global changes;
- artificial intelligence and practical AI cases;
- technology entrepreneurship;
- investment and finance;
- international cooperation;
- development of business ties with BRICS+ countries;
- education and new competencies;
- cultural diplomacy;
- creative industries and innovation.
What the Forum Demonstrated
Skolkovo Women’s Forum 2026 brought together business, technology and international agendas, with an emphasis on business adaptation, artificial intelligence, innovation and new forms of cooperation.
At the same time, the forum’s program demonstrates how the concept of a business event itself is expanding. Alongside entrepreneurial discussions, it incorporated technology cases, international dialogue, cultural diplomacy, fashion and professional recognition of innovative projects.
Photo: Press Service of Skolkovo Women’s Forum.
FAQ
Skolkovo Women’s Forum 2026 is the fifth international business forum bringing together representatives of business, science, technology and the creative industries.
Skolkovo Women’s Forum 2026 was held on September 28, 2026.
The forum was held at Skolkovo Technopark.
According to the forum’s press release, 1,778 women leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists and top executives took part in the event.
The main theme of the forum was “Polycrises. Business Adaptation. AI Without Illusions.”
The international track included representatives of business communities from India, China, Sri Lanka, Brazil and South Africa.
Participants discussed Moscow businesses entering BRICS+ markets, legal support for international transactions, intellectual property protection, cross-border payments and new competencies.
Participants examined practical cases of artificial intelligence implementation in small and medium-sized businesses and the influence of neural networks on the creative industries.
The Skolkovo Tech & Innovation Awards 2026 ceremony recognized technological achievements by young innovators and representatives of various industries.
As part of the “Fashion Innovations” show, the Skolka brand presented a project combining Russian craft traditions, modern technologies and inclusive solutions.