Moscow Polytech’s approach to using AI in engineering education draws interest at Hong Kong university summit
The Russian approach to using artificial intelligence to train young engineers drew interest at the Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026 in Hong Kong. Pablo Iturralde, Director of Moscow Polytech’s FDR Advanced Engineering School of Technological Leadership and a guest speaker at the summit, spoke about the experience in an interview with TASS.
According to Pablo Iturralde, the Russian delegation presented its experience of using AI in education, prompting an enthusiastic response from fellow participants.
“We’re here to share how we use artificial intelligence in education. Our experience and our approach drew interest at the summit,” he said.
Pablo Iturralde noted that there are concerns around the world that AI could replace people and pointed out that approaches to the issue vary from country to country.
“In Russia, nearly everyone working in this field takes a human-centred approach, with artificial intelligence serving as an assistant. We design all our services so that people make and review decisions and have the final say,” he explained.
He clarified that he was referring to the use of AI on an industrial scale.
Pablo Iturralde also spoke about Russian industry’s need to train engineers faster. He said that it used to take five or six years from entering university to qualifying as an engineer. Employers now need engineers sooner, so students need to be ready to start working in their second or third year. They can then continue their studies while contributing fully to engineering projects.
According to Pablo Iturralde, AI helps young engineers get up to speed on projects more quickly. It gives them access to insights from the work of more experienced colleagues, helps them find additional information from verified sources, and enables them to analyse problems as they arise.
“AI in education should support young engineers as they work and think independently. Their work and judgment must remain their own,” he stressed.
The Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit is being held in Hong Kong on 27–28 October. It brings together representatives of around 50 universities from 20 countries and regions.
