Rostislav Bilik
CEO
AGR Software
In 2000 graduated from Saint-Petersburg Electrotechnical University majoring in automation and control systems. In 2000-2004 studied in the post-graduate school in the Baltic State Technical University "Voenmeh" majoring in system analysis, control system and data processing. In 2004 he earned PhD by successfully defending the thesis “Improving control over braking and acceleration of the rail transport”.
In 1999-2005 Rostislav Bilik worked for HC “Leninets” developing embedded software for aircraft radars and rail transport. In 2004 he became the head of a software engineering laboratory.
In 2005-2010 Rostislav worked for Motorola, where in various positions (from an engineer to the acting architect of a big international project) he was engaged in projects on telematics software engineering for Daimler Chrysler and Continental.
Since 2010 Rostislav has been leading the AGR development project (automation of geological exploration). In 2015 the project became an independent business run by AGR Software LLC, with Rostislav Bilik as Director General.
10.10.2019 09:30 - Technical Session 5 | Tolstoy Hall
Attracting investments for the development of IT solutions for the mining industry
Any R&D activity, especially when it comes to software development, requires considerable investments. Even rather small-scale projects for the development of IT solutions may cost 100 million roubles or more.
It should also be borne in mind that IT technologies change at a fast pace, at least once in 3-4 years. That’s why it is not enough once to create a product, and then just sell and implement it. To maintain competitive advantages, it is necessary to continuously carry out R&D, upgrade and improve software. Once in 4-5 years it is reasonable to release next-generation IT solutions based on new architecture.
At this point we face the most challenging question for IT companies — where to get funding for R&D. Usually, operating revenue is not sufficient, especially when we talk about industrial software used in mining, where sales, promotion and implementation processes are quite expensive.
The paper is devoted to modern financial techniques that can help innovative IT companies to solve this problem. Basically it touches upon the specifics of venture capital funds and direct investment funds, subsidies, grants and tax reliefs. The paper is based on our real business cases.