Published on: 2026-06-24
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
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The software platform “SIGMA”, created by the Research Center in the field of artificial intelligence at Novosibirsk State University (CSU NSU), has attracted the attention of Chinese partners and may become part of a number of projects in the field of “smart cities.” Recently, a group of Center employees visited World Global Expo — one of the leading conferences of Eurasia dedicated to urban digital technologies, which takes place in Shenzhen.
Shenzhen unofficially holds the status of the “Chinese Silicon Valley.” The city is known for its developed electronics manufacturing, a strong startup ecosystem, and widespread implementation of digital solutions in transportation management, buildings, and urban infrastructure. Network sensors and data analysis systems are actively used here to enhance the comfort and safety of the urban environment.
The first contacts took place back at the end of last year. As a result of these meetings, an agreement on cooperation with the Shenzhen New Energy Sources Producers Association has already been concluded this year. The document provides for joint projects for the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies in construction, energy, and urban infrastructure management. The trip to the exhibition and to Shenzhen University became another step in the development of this partnership: representatives of NGU successfully presented their developments and proposals for further cooperation to their Chinese colleagues.
The hosting party showed special interest in the software platform “SIGMA.” This is the flagship project of the Artificial Intelligence Center of NGU — a framework for developing digital twins of smart cities, which allows integrating various practical solutions through API mechanisms. Essentially, “SIGMA” creates a unified digital environment where the operation of the city can be modeled and new management decisions can be brought to the level of modern life.
As noted at the Novosibirsk Scientific Research Institute, the developments of the Novosibirsk team and Chinese partners in the field of “smart city” complement each other well.
—Chinese developers have made greater progress in building 3D models and creating a branched network of sensors. Meanwhile, based on “SIGMA,” we solve more process management tasks that take place in the urban environment. In this sense, our products perfectly complement each other when creating a digital twin of the city, which has also aroused interest among Chinese colleagues., — said the head of the development team of the «Sigma» platform of CII NSUPolina Sazonova.
A city’s digital twin is a virtual model of urban activity and its objects, initially connected with data from sensors and information systems. Such models allow for safely “replaying” various scenarios: from changes in traffic patterns to modern engineering networks or the development of outskirts. They become key factors for the development of “smart city” technologies, helping to effectively manage energy consumption, traffic, utilities, reduce costs, and risks in managing administrative decisions.
There is rapid development of this technology sector ongoing in China. The state actively finances the developments and then transfers the ready solutions to commercial companies, which ensure implementation and scaling. For NGU, this is an opportunity to test its software products under the conditions of one of the most advanced digital environments in the world.
—Shenzhen in this regard is a very convenient and advanced platform for us, there are many network sensors here, good 3D models of urban infrastructure. Therefore, we can pilot our solutions very well precisely here., — emphasizedPolina Sazonova.
Negotiations are currently underway on concluding specific agreements on the implementation of the “SIGMA” framework into Chinese colleagues’ projects and the creation of a joint laboratory. In case of successful testing in Shenzhen, the university plans to use the accumulated experience to implement similar technologies in Russian cities, where digital twins will become the basis of a modern city management system.
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