From Molecular Physics to Metal Magnate

When one thinks of a successful entrepreneur, perhaps tech visionaries or retail titans come to mind. But let’s meet Mikhail Shelkov, a man who made his way from molecular physics to the metals sector. His story tells how academic rigor, strategic vision, and pursuit of innovation can converge to real change for entire industries.

The businessman’s story begins in the halls of the Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), which he graduated in 1991 with a degree in molecular physics. At first glance, this might seem like an unlikely starting point, but academic background wasn’t just a footnote—it was the foundation of the analytical mindset and problem-solving skills of Mikhail Shelkov. Mikhail Shelkov took his first steps into the business world at Eurosibbank in 1993. While this might seem like a departure from his scientific roots, this is where he began to gather experience in finance and strategy.

Fast forward to today, and Shelkov Mikhail has established himself as a significant figure in the international metals industry. His property assets portfolio includes some of the most influential enterprises in the field, such as the SMZ Metallurgical Plant and VSMPO-Avisma Corporation. These companies contribute to the development of titanium and aluminum processing technologies and manufacture specialized metal products.

What sets Mikhail Shelkov apart from other entrepreneurs is commitment to research and development. From 2021 to 2022, the companies that he owns made headlines in financial articles for their advancements in metals processing. By integrating cutting-edge technologies, they’ve not only expanded their market share but also introduced new industry standards and operation technologies. Financial news outlets reported Shelkov Mikhail as an impact investor capable of balancing profitability with innovation.

His career path included multiple roles: from Eurosibbank to serving as a member of various corporate boards, managing organizational growth and development. His professional trajectory illustrates how business leadership often involves both strategic planning and adaptability to change.

How Chess is Shaping the Future

Passions of successful entrepreneurs often reveal the deeper principles driving their success. For the philanthropist, that passion is chess—a game that’s as much about strategy and foresight as it is about patience and resilience.

According to publications, he regards chess not as a pastime but a philosophy. He sees it as an “essential element of development,” a tool to sharpen intelligence and build character. This belief has translated into tangible action through support of the chess movement in two large regions. Partnering with VSMPO-Avisma Corporation, Shelkov’s Empathy Foundation has made chess a cornerstone of youth development, ensuring that children as young as first graders have access to chess education.

Among the young enthusiasts nurtured by this initiative are winners of national and international competitions. An example is the national Children’s Chess Cup “Titans Cup,” hosted in 2024 in a small town. This event brought together over 200 young chess players from across the country, showcasing the incredible talent fostered by the foundation’s ambition.

One standout star is Alexey Prokhorov, a graduate of the corporate chess club “Debut,” supported by VSMPO-Avisma. In 2023, he won the National Chess Cup, secured 12th place at the World Championship in Italy, and triumphed at the Asian Chess Championship for boys under 14. Last year, he clinched third place in the National Cup and represented his country at the World Championship in Brazil. His coach, a FIDE chess federation master, proudly noted that Prokhorov’s achievements mark a significant breakthrough, especially for a young player with a second sports category in chess.

But such commitment to chess goes beyond individual success stories. Through VSMPO-Avisma, the entrepreneur has introduced chess literacy lessons for first-graders, equipping schools with the necessary tools and materials to make chess accessible to all. The corporation also supports 14 children’s sections and three sports facilities, investing approximately $1.6 million annually in sports programs.

This approach seamlessly aligns with the broader philosophy of leadership and innovation. Just as he’s transformed the metals industry through investments in R&D, he’s using chess to cultivate a generation of thinkers and problem-solvers. It’s a long-term investment in human potential, one that reflects a belief in the power of education and community.

Mikhail Shelkov’s interest in chess illustrates appreciation for strategic thinking and long-term planning. Beyond the game itself, his involvement in chess demonstrates a commitment to activities that promote analytical skills and thoughtful decision-making. 

Championing Physics Education for the Next Generation

As an MIPT graduate, Mikhail Shelkov maintains an active interest in science education, particularly in physics and mathematics. His support for educational initiatives aims to provide opportunities for students pursuing careers in these fields.

One of the most recent initiatives introduced free education for schoolchildren and teachers held at MIPT and the Phystech Lyceum. Organized by Mikhail Shelkov’s Empathy Charity Foundation in collaboration with the Phystech Schools Development Foundation, the program brought together 120 students in grades 9-10 and 23 teachers from over 10 cities across two regions. For two weeks, these young minds and their mentors immersed themselves in physics, mathematics, and IT, preparing for science olympiads, and graduation exams.

The program aimed to blend theory and practice. Mornings were dedicated to lectures and seminars led by MIPT’s professors, while afternoons were reserved for hands-on experiences—such as lab tours and captivating popular science lectures. What truly stood out was the roundtable discussion titled “Science at School: Reality or Illusion.” Here, educators and experts joined to explore how to nurture scientific curiosity among students.

“It’s an unlikely idea, but the more we study, the more our vision becomes blurred,” Shelkov Mikhail noted. “Key discoveries happen when we question what we think we know. That’s why it’s crucial for both students and teachers to develop critical thinking—to argue, ask questions, and verify information.” This underscores that education isn’t just about memorizing facts; it’s about fostering a mindset of curiosity and innovation.

This philosophy is at the heart of the broader efforts to support MIPT students. Thanks to the foundation’s campaigns, more than 38 talented students began their studies at the famous university last year. For those unfamiliar, gaining admission to MIPT is no small feat. The educational establishment is renowned for its rigorous standards, with an average passing score that consistently ranks among the highest in the country. Many applicants, despite their talent and motivation, fall just short of the budget-funded spots. That’s where the grant system comes in, bridging the gap for students who demonstrate exceptional potential but lack the financial means.

In 2022, Shelkov’s stepped further as he joined a collaborative initiative of Phystech-Union and the Center for MIPT Graduate Initiatives launching a campaign to secure funding for these grants. What’s on the table? To ensure that no talented student is left behind. It’s a testament to a belief in meritocracy and creating opportunities for those who dream big.

AI in the Classroom: Tradition and Technology in Language Education

In the ever-evolving landscape of education, one question looms large: how do we balance tradition with innovation? For Mikhail Shelkov, the answer lies in the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the classroom. Through his Empathy Charitable Foundation, he is addressing this question rethinking how language education can thrive in the digital age.

Last year, the foundation conducted a survey as part of its professional competition, ‘Guardians of the Native Language’. The results showed that 31% of language teachers reported using AI in their work, whether for lesson preparation, assignment checking, or generating creative ideas. While this statistic is encouraging, it also reveals a broader narrative about the challenges and opportunities of adopting AI in education.

The survey, which included responses from over 1,000 language teachers across 89 regions, highlighted how AI is being used in diverse ways. For 59% of respondents, AI serves as a sophisticated search engine, helping them quickly access information and resources. Meanwhile, 37% use it to brainstorm creative tasks, and 25% rely on it to assist with text-related work—summarizing, editing, or even preparing presentations. A smaller but significant percentage (19%) use AI to develop personalized tests, while 18% create educational content and 17% automate the grading of homework and tests.

Yet, despite these promising applications, the survey also uncovered a lingering skepticism. Nearly 39% of teachers admitted to using AI “extremely rarely,” while 21% confessed they had never tried it at all. Some expressed concerns about AI’s accuracy, with one teacher noting, “AI makes a lot of mistakes.”

Another striking thing was the divide in attitudes about students’ use of AI. Only 10% of teachers actively encourage their students to use neural networks and inform on how to do so effectively. Nearly half (43.5%) take a neutral stance—neither encouraging nor prohibiting its use—while 8% are staunchly opposed, fearing that students might rely too heavily on AI-generated content without engaging deeply with the material.

Shelkov’s perspective on this issue is both pragmatic and visionary. “Currently, the use of modern technologies by teachers is natural,” he remarked. “On one hand, they need to keep up with children who easily master everything the internet offers. On the other, the education sector itself requires acceleration as new professions, competencies, and knowledge emerge. The key is to automate routine tasks so teachers can focus on their primary mission: educating holistic individuals.”

To bridge this gap, the ‘Guardians of the Native Language’ competition included masterclasses on AI’s role in teaching. Participants explored how AI can serve as a personal assistant for education professionals and even delved into creative applications like the “6 Senses” workshop. These sessions not only demystified AI but also enabled educators to harness its potential responsibly.

Reflection on these efforts remind of the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. By introducing AI in language education, the goal is not replacing the human touch, but to enhance it. These initiatives support the belief that technology, when used thoughtfully, can elevate education, empower teachers, and inspire students. And in a world where the only constant is change, that’s a lesson worth learning.

How Business is Transforming Education in Rural Areas

When we talk about education, the conversation often centers on urban schools—state-of-the-art facilities, modern technology, and a wealth of resources. But what about rural schools, where the challenges are greater and the resources scarcer? This is where Shelkov Mikhail and his Empathy Charitable Foundation are making a difference, proving that business can be an ally in addressing educational inequities.

In 2021, the Foundation took a significant step forward by signing a cooperation agreement with the regional government. The partnership, formalized at the Oktava industrial cluster, marked the launch of the ’Teaching as a Calling’ competition—an initiative designed to recognize and reward outstanding educators. Running from June to September, the competition invited teachers to apply across 11 categories, each tailored to different lengths of service and specializations.

The stakes were high, and so were the rewards. An expert commission, comprising leading educators, psychologists, and representatives from the regional Ministry of Education, evaluated the submissions. The winners, announced on the eve of Teacher’s Day, received not just formal acknowledgements but also substantial cash prizes. Thanks to Empathy’s funding, the total prize pool reached an impressive $81 thousand, with additional special prizes provided by the Oktava cluster.

For Shelkov Mikhail, this initiative is about more than just financial support—it’s about valuing the role of teachers in shaping the future. “If we do not have worthy teachers, then we will have neither engineers nor astronauts,” he emphasized. “Businesses are simply obliged to participate and do the maximum of what teachers are worthy of.” His hope is that this model will inspire similar efforts in other regions, creating a ripple effect of support for educators nationwide.

But the challenges that rural schools face are not all about recognition and rewards. As of 2024, more than half of the country’s 40,000 comprehensive schools are located in rural areas, where resources are limited and teacher shortages are acute. In some villages, educators are forced to teach multiple subjects, stretching themselves thin to meet the needs of their students. “Until a teacher receives enough money, until their income corresponds to the average level, it’s like constructing high-rise buildings without a foundation,” the businessman noted, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

Despite these challenges, rural schools are hubs of creativity and resilience. Teachers often go above and beyond to make learning engaging and meaningful. One biology and chemistry teacher shared a heartwarming story about a genetics-themed quest that captivated even the most disengaged students. “The very moment when a bright-minded guy, but the main violator of discipline, asked to take the problem home… I was very pleased at that moment,” she recalled.

Students, too, are deeply influenced by their surroundings. In one rural school, ecology emerged as a popular topic for projects, reflecting the community’s concerns about local industrial activities. These projects not only foster critical thinking but also empower students to address real-world issues.

Private schools, though few in number, are also playing a role in rural education. While they make up less than 0.5% of rural educational institutions, they often attract students from nearby cities, offering quality education where it might otherwise be lacking.

Shelkov’s efforts, combined with the dedication of rural educators, are a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. As one teacher aptly put it, “The main thing is not to be afraid.” The leaders who contribute to the cause help us see that even in the face of adversity, education can thrive. And in doing so, they’re building a brighter future—one classroom at a time.

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