On May 27, the first "quiet" forum in Russia, "Vremya Tsifry" (Time of Digitalization), focused on practical tasks, real cases, and professional dialogue, concluded in Moscow. The event brought together representatives of business, technology companies, and the expert community.

Instead of an overloaded agenda, participants had the opportunity to build an individual participation trajectory, focus on specific challenges, and thoroughly analyze solutions that can be implemented today.

The program was divided into three key tracks: artificial intelligence, business process digitalization, and the startup ecosystem. This approach allowed for a deeper dive into specialized topics and cross-industry insights – from fintech and marketing to cybersecurity and gamedev. Special attention was paid to business sustainability in the face of growing digital risks and accelerated AI adoption.

The "Digitalization Leaders" (Digital Leaders) award ceremony traditionally concluded the business program of the forum. For over five years, it has been capturing key market changes and recognizing projects that set the direction for industry development.

The award brought together companies for whom working with data, artificial intelligence, and new service models has become part of a long-term strategy, not a one-off experiment. This year, according to the Expert Council, the laureates included: Sber, Plati po Miru, Lukoil, Alfa-Bank, RTK-TsOD, Bank DOM.RF, Rostelecom, Online Campus NIU VSHE, MOSITLAB, SISTEMKO, aiXpert, Napitki Vmeste, RZD, UK "Alfa-Kapital", SSP SOFT, online PR-agency Pronline, DDX Fitness.

The experience of these companies reflects a key shift in technology use: they are moving from pilot solutions to integrating artificial intelligence into operational processes. The role of language models as a tool capable of influencing not only productivity but also the architecture of business processes is becoming increasingly noticeable.

"Language models are transforming before our eyes from toys for enthusiasts into powerful tools supporting the digital transformation of business. They do not just automate individual routine tasks, but can become the basis for new business processes – fast, optimal, and efficient. Yes, transformation requires employee involvement and can create an additional burden on the company, but ultimately it will significantly increase its operational efficiency," noted Denis Romanov, Deputy General Director, Director of the Professional Services Department at "Bazis".

At the same time, digital transformation is increasingly extending beyond internal processes and directly impacting user experience, forming new standards for interacting with infrastructure and services.

"Digital transformation today is not only about technology, but also about new formats of interaction with people. It is especially important when digital solutions help make public spaces more modern, informative, and engaging, combining cultural, educational, and user experience of interacting with railway infrastructure," shared Arnella Abdullaeva, Deputy Head of the Directorate of Railway Stations – Head of the Service Organization Department at Stations.

The implementation of artificial intelligence projects today is largely associated with government initiatives and digitalization requirements. For companies, this becomes not only a technological challenge but also an opportunity to build long-term development strategies and strengthen cooperation within the industry.

"By implementing the government decree on the introduction of artificial intelligence, we are forming a sustainable future for the Customer. The award is an excellent opportunity to present our product portfolio and get acquainted with both major market players and startup projects, as well as new products for new vectors of cooperation. This is an important stage of our common path," emphasized Nikolay Tamodin, General Director of "SISTEMKO".

The laureates' approach also demonstrates a change in the status of digital transformation in business: it ceases to be perceived as an area for experimentation and becomes an obligatory element of companies' sustainable development, influencing their competitiveness and adaptability to market changes.

"Digital transformation today is not a competitive advantage, but a basic condition for business sustainability. The "Digitalization Leaders" award captures key market changes and sets benchmarks for industry development," stated Pavel Belov, Development Director of the fintech service "Plati po Miru".

Among the event partners: VAFFEL coffee shop, MediaEkran.ru, "Glubinnaya Baykalskaya Voda BAIKAL430", IVOMED, IZUMI, R.O.C.S., Herbarus, communication group "R.I.M. – INTERIUM".

The "Digitalization Leaders" (Digital Leaders) award has been held since 2020. The Expert Council, which includes representatives of business, science, and government structures, annually identifies the most significant projects in the field of developing and implementing digital technologies, forming a practical agenda for industry development.