Инновации в России. Опыт компании ТИОН

Stanislav Kozlov is the CEO of the Russian group of companies TION, which is known for inventing the first breather in Russia. Some of the organizations included in the holding have the status of a resident of the domestic innovation center "Skolkovo", the innovative scientific and technological center of Moscow State University "Vorobyovy Gory", the scientific and technological technopark of Akademgorodok (Academpark), and a participant in the Moscow Innovation Cluster. Over 18 years, TION has gone from a startup to a major brand.

<b>Does your company have a structure that is responsible for innovation?</b>

Yes. The TION Innovation Center is a division that is responsible for searching and implementing innovative technologies in the group of companies, searching for new niches and business opportunities. Its key tasks are to ensure technological leadership in strategic markets through research and innovative development, improve product characteristics through regular search and implementation of the best available technologies and materials, and increase the speed of development and implementation of promising technologies. Therefore, we attach key importance to the innovation center.

<b>What projects has the TION Innovation Center already implemented?</b>

Firstly, this is a pilot test of our innovative system for creating a smart microclimate in schools, which involves comprehensive monitoring, supply, purification and disinfection of air. We installed our devices in schools, creating a safe and comfortable environment for children. We also cooperate with the D.I. Mendeleev Russian University of Chemical Technology. In the process of cooperation, we have joint developments in the field of air purification from hydrogen sulfide, a method of deposition of finely dispersed stabilized polymer sol, a method for analyzing the quality of the adsorption material used in our industrial plants. Now the focus will be on methods of combating harmful molecular pollutants using "green" technologies, which is especially important for environmentally unfavorable regions. And there is also an important pilot project with one of the chemical enterprises for the treatment of industrial wastewater, where TION uses its innovative installations and membrane cleaning methods.

<b>Please tell us more about the pilot project implemented with the support of the Moscow Innovation Agency, and how the smart microclimate system improves the environment in schools?</b>

The project was launched in 2020 in the Republic of Tatarstan and reached a new level in 2023 with the support of the Moscow Innovation Agency.

We have implemented a pilot test of an innovative system for creating a "smart" microclimate in the educational space in Russian schools. The uniqueness of the solution lies in the fact that it is possible not only to control the air quality in the premises, but also to improve its indicators automatically, maintaining the optimal level of carbon dioxide, humidity and temperature, and the number of dust particles.

All "pilots" went through the same stages: first, measuring the air quality according to the following indicators: CO2 concentration, PM2.5 solid particles, PM10, air temperature and humidity in real conditions using TION base stations. After assessing the situation, specialists installed the required number of TION breathers and air disinfectants and continued to monitor air quality in various conditions — during lessons with the devices turned off and on, during seasonal diseases, allergies, during the heating season and during the holidays. In addition, TION has developed a special application with convenient visualization of data on the state of the microclimate and all changes in it. Everyone who has access can observe the process in real time from anywhere in the world.

The relevance of the project is due to the fact that stagnant air contributes to the spread of infectious diseases and worsens the well-being of students, and an increased concentration of carbon dioxide negatively affects the activity of the brain (a person becomes lethargic, concentration of attention decreases).

All technological and engineering solutions used in the system are innovative developments of TION and have no analogues in the world. Upon completion of the project, the equipment remained in free use for schools.

<b>Do you use international experience in your developments?</b>

Of course, in the process of scientific development, you cannot be detached from the agenda, existing solutions. Before starting any project, we analyze the leading world practices and technical achievements. But we go our own way, often offering solutions that have no analogues not only in the Russian market, but also in the world. Or we offer improved versions of existing solutions.

<b>What stages do new products go through in the development process?</b>

At the preliminary stage, the appearance of the product is determined. Then a technical task is formed, which is created directly by a team of technical specialists in the field of programming, design and other expert employees, the project leader. After that, a prototype appears, with the help of which the technology and the possibility of obtaining confirmation of technical characteristics are tested.

Then there is a fork — either refinement, changes in the technical task, etc., are required, or we get confirmation that everything works fine and you can go to the stage of developing the device. It is close to what will already be serial, undergoes various repeated tests. Including climatic tests, because we develop products for Russia, where different regions have different weather conditions. And we try to conduct tests — from extremely sub-zero to extremely positive temperatures, test and make sure that the device works correctly.

If all tests are successful, then documentation is prepared according to all the standards that are necessary, and transferred from developers to production. There, in turn, they adapt the technology to their processes and prepare route-operational and technological maps, and launch a pre-series. It also undergoes a long stage of testing and after confirming that everything works fine, a serial batch is released. This is a multi-stage, long stage, where all services participate. Here, in parallel, the marketing and sales departments are connected, which must prepare everything necessary for the launch of a new product on the market.

<b>What product are you working on right now?</b>

The TION group of companies has three areas — corporate solutions, household and engineering. In the very near future, we will launch the first TION air conditioner on the market. Since we are a company that knows everything about creating a healthy microclimate in a room, we lacked a bold point in the portfolio of devices, namely in the air cooling segment. The highlight of our new development is a well-thought-out combination of options, performance and design, the buyer does not need to study a ton of sites, forums. We have thought everything out for the users.

<b>Give advice to companies, why is it necessary to invest effort and resources in the development of new technologies?</b>

I will answer with the example of TION. The mission of our company is to take care of people's lives and health. The development of new technologies and products helps to implement projects to improve the quality of life and comfort, maintain leadership and avoid stagnation.