Sber has announced the launch of the Sber500 x DISRUPT program for entrepreneurs, developers, and creators of GenAI services. Participants are invited to develop products based on generative artificial intelligence for everyday tasks. The program's prize fund is 30 million rubles.
Participants can choose from several dozen product ideas, including a family AI assistant, a service for practicing pronunciation when learning languages, and an app for building habits. A product can be created from scratch or an already working service that matches one of the proposed ideas can be presented.
The program is divided into two tracks. The first is designed for developers, small teams, product managers, and studios that create a product from scratch. Participants will be provided with IT infrastructure, cloud computing power, and access to neural network technologies. Up to four best teams will share the prize fund of 30 million rubles.
The second track is open to startups with a ready-made product and an audience of at least 1,000 active users per day. Teams must be ready to refine their services based on feedback from experts and users. Sber will also consider acquiring the most promising projects from this track.
Sber500 experts with experience in technology products at international companies and IT startups will serve as mentors. Participants will receive budgets for product promotion and validation of demand. When evaluating results, organizers will consider audience interest and the product's ability to retain users over a limited period.
Applications from teams creating products from scratch are accepted until September 1, and from startups with ready-made products until October 1. The program's results are planned to be announced in early 2027.