Dmitry Grigorenko: Sakhalin Region – Among the Leaders in Artificial Intelligence Implementation in the Country

Published on: 2026-09-05

Source: Government of the Russian Federation –

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Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Office Dmitry Grigorenko visited the Sakhalin Region on a working trip and familiarized himself with the results of the implementation of digital technologies. The Vice Premier was presented with systems for managing the region based on data, developments of the Sakhalin AI Center, and the scientific and production center “Wings of Sakhalin,” which implements unmanned aerial systems in various fields—from transport and agriculture to monitoring natural threats.

Sakhalin Oblast ranks second in the digital transformation rating of Russian regions and has been among the top ten leading regions for the third consecutive year. Currently, about 90 AI solutions are being implemented in the region across various sectors — from public administration and healthcare to education, transportation, and urban management. By comparison, on average, there are about 10 such solutions per region across Russia. Additionally, more than 70 drone application scenarios have been developed in Sakhalin, including for environmental monitoring and natural hazard prevention.

“Sakhalin Oblast is among the leaders in digitalization in the country, including in the implementation of AI technologies. Digital solutions are used in virtually all sectors of the region – from public administration to healthcare. Here, they have learned not only to work with data but to use it in ways that benefit every resident. This provides a concrete, measurable effect: digitalization in the region accelerates processes and helps reduce bureaucratic procedures. But its main advantage is that with competent work on big data, services can be adapted to the real needs of people,” noted Dmitry Grigorenko.

One of the key principles of the region’s digital transformation is the shift from the use of individual technologies to data-driven management. At the same time, decisions are evaluated primarily based on specific measurable effects, with special attention paid to this assessment when implementing technologies. For example, thanks to video monitoring of forest fires using artificial intelligence, 100% of forest fires were extinguished within 24 hours of detection in 2025. The “Safe City” system with AI application helped solve almost 400 crimes in 2026.

Practical benefits from the application of technologies are also realized in environmental monitoring and urban management. Drones are used to monitor river blockages, illegal logging, and unauthorized dumpsites. AI in the “Safe City” system detects potentially dangerous events and automatically transmits information to the response center. Drones are also used to inspect building facades and roofs, while thermal imagers help identify heat leaks and anomalies in power line operations.

“The main goal of digital transformation is for the people of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands to become happier. For example, previously technical rehabilitation equipment for the disabled was produced in two years – now it takes a month. There was a demand from residents for freshly caught fish – now a notification arrives on the phone about where and when it can be bought. The regional management system has become many times faster and more efficient, and all these processes are aimed at one thing – caring for people,” said the Governor of Sakhalin Oblast, Valery Limarenko.

The rapid pace of digital transformation is supported by the development of the regional IT sector and personnel training. Conditions are being created in Sakhalin for the development of technological business, including within the framework of the advanced development territory “Kuril Islands.” The region also collaborates with businesses to train specialists in IT and artificial intelligence. One example is Sberbank’s “School 21” in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, where people can receive IT education for free regardless of age or previous experience. The training focuses on practice and developing digital solutions for specific regional and business tasks.

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