Number of Small and Medium IT Companies in Russia Increases by 15% Over Year

17:40; 05 November 2026 year

### Nearly 256,000 IT SMEs Registered in Russia, Showing Robust Growth Russia has nearly 256,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the information technology (IT) sector, according to data from the Unified Register of SMEs, as reported by the Ministry of Economic Development. This represents a 15% increase over the past year and almost a 50% rise over the last five years. Small and medium-sized IT companies account for around 90% of all IT firms in the country. The majority, approximately 183,000 organizations, are engaged in software development, a sector classified as a standalone creative industry. Its gross value added is estimated at nearly 3.25 trillion rubles. The Ministry highlights that Russian software developers have the potential to expand into markets in BRICS countries, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and the Asia-Pacific region. Furthermore, software solutions are used as a cross-cutting technology, contributing to the development of not only the IT sector but also other industries. Additionally, around 73,000 SMEs specialize in data processing, portal maintenance, consultancy, and information services. According to the Ministry, this is one of the most profitable sectors for small and medium-sized businesses, with annual revenue increasing 2.4 times over the past five years. IT companies can benefit from all support measures available to the SME sector. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 55,000 organizations have utilized such assistance, including tax incentives, preferential loans, federal investment tax credits, and property, consultancy, and educational support. Companies included in the register of small technology firms have additional opportunities, such as special credit and grant programs, as well as simplified accreditation and patenting procedures. Deputy Minister of Economic Development Tatiana Ilyushnikova noted that more than 1,700 companies have attracted a total of 17.7 billion rubles, including loans under the credit stimulation program implemented in collaboration with the Central Bank of Russia. In the previous year, 730 companies received 14 billion rubles in support. The number of beneficiaries has more than doubled, with umbrella guarantees being the most popular tool, accounting for 7.5 billion rubles. The IT sector also stands out for its high proportion of young entrepreneurs, with over 40% of individual entrepreneurs being under 35 years old. In comparison, the overall SME sector average is 23%. Over the past five years, the share of women in IT entrepreneurship has increased by 10% to reach 31%. Almost one-third of small and medium-sized IT companies are registered in Moscow and St. Pyotrsburg. The Corporation for the Development of Small and Medium Enterprises attributes this concentration to the presence of technical universities, developed infrastructure, and large customers, integrators, and technology suppliers. In absolute terms, Moscow saw the largest increase in the number of IT companies over the past year, with 3,900 new firms established. The Moscow region saw an increase of 2,400, and St. Pyotrsburg added 1,700. Other regions with significant growth include Krasnodar Territory (1,600 new companies), Sverdlovsk Region and Tatarstan (1,100 each), and Bashkortostan (1,000). Samara, Chelyabinsk, and Rostov regions each added 800 IT companies.

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