Yandex's Bold Moves: Stock Market Resurgence and AI Aspirations** **

July 26, 2024, 6:04 am
Yandex
Yandex
InformationLearnMobileOnlineProductSearchServiceSoftwareTechnologyTransportation
Location: Russia, Moscow
Employees: 5001-10000
Total raised: $500M
**

Yandex is back in the spotlight. The tech giant recently resumed trading on the Moscow Exchange under the ticker YDEX. This marks a significant moment for the company, which had its shares suspended on June 14. Initially, trading was set to restart on July 10, but delays pushed the date back. The reason? Finalizing the exchange of shares related to a new ownership structure.

The stakes are high. Yandex's parent company, MKPAO Yandex, accounts for a staggering 99% of Yandex N.V.'s revenue in 2023, which totaled 798 billion rubles. The adjusted EBITDA for the same period reached 121 billion rubles. This growth is no small feat; it represents a 53% increase from 2022, one of the highest growth rates in the company’s history.

In April 2024, Yandex's shares were officially listed on the Moscow Exchange. The company’s transition to a new ownership model culminated in a deal where the consortium, known as ZPIF "Consortium. First," acquired Yandex for 475 billion rubles. This acquisition led to a rebranding of Yandex N.V. to Nebius Group, effectively severing ties with the Yandex brand.

But Yandex is not just about stock prices and ownership changes. The company is also investing in the future of technology. In a strategic move, Yandex, in collaboration with the Higher School of Economics (NIU VSHE) and ITMO University, has launched a new graduate program focused on artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative aims to cultivate young scientists and researchers in Russia.

The graduate program is unique. It combines theoretical research with practical application. Students will receive annual grants of 800,000 rubles, allowing them to innovate and implement their ideas in real-world scenarios. The program is designed to create a robust infrastructure for budding scientists, providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive.

The partnership with leading universities like ITMO and NIU VSHE is crucial. Yandex plans to expand this collaboration, bringing more institutions into the fold over the coming years. The goal is clear: to foster a new generation of AI experts who can drive technological advancements in the industry.

Students in this program will not just sit in classrooms. They will engage in hands-on projects under the guidance of Yandex team leaders. Access to Yandex Cloud technology and robotics research will be a game-changer. Over the course of three to four years, these students will participate in high-level conferences and internships at prestigious international universities and laboratories.

The first cohort of graduate students is set to begin in the fall of 2024. Admission will require passing entrance exams and interviews with project leaders from Yandex. Each student will also have a scientific advisor, a leading researcher from their respective university. This mentorship will be invaluable as students tackle real-world challenges alongside Yandex service teams.

The implications of these initiatives are profound. Yandex is not just positioning itself as a leader in the tech industry; it is also investing in the intellectual capital of the country. By nurturing young talent, Yandex is ensuring that Russia remains competitive in the global tech landscape.

The synergy between Yandex's stock market activities and its educational initiatives paints a picture of a company that is not just surviving but thriving. The resumption of trading signals confidence in its financial health, while the graduate program reflects a commitment to innovation and development.

In a world where technology evolves at lightning speed, Yandex's dual approach is a masterstroke. It is not merely about profits; it is about building a sustainable future. The company is laying the groundwork for a new era of technological advancement, one that could redefine the landscape of AI and beyond.

As Yandex navigates these waters, the eyes of investors and aspiring scientists alike will be on them. The stock market resurgence is just the beginning. The real story lies in the potential of the young minds that Yandex is set to cultivate. They are the future, and Yandex is their launchpad.

In conclusion, Yandex is making waves on multiple fronts. From its stock market revival to its ambitious educational initiatives, the company is positioning itself as a leader in both finance and technology. The future looks bright for Yandex, and it is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry and the next generation of innovators.