An investment roadshow in London involving the Skolkovo Foundation is set to help initiate UK-Russia links, with particular emphasis on the opportunities for partnerships in Russia available for firms at home - ranging from biomedical research to space exploration.

The showcase, set up by UK Trade & Investment and the UK Science and Innovation Network, allows more than a hundred firms, educational establishments and research bodies to talk about Russia's plans for joint projects with senior executives, including its president, Viktor Vekselberg.

The Russian Government has invested six billion US dollars into a modern science park on the outskirts of Moscow, and it is here - Russia's "Silicon Valley" - that forms the focus of the plans. Under the Foundation, this park has five key improvement objectives, namely IT, space and telecoms, nuclear, biomedical and energy efficiency.

UK goods exports to Russia increased by 51% in 2010 to £3.5bn - with the first six months of 2011 revealing a further increase.

Lord Green, minister for Trade & Investment, has now signed a deal with the Skolkovo Innovation Centre as part of his visit to Moscow with British Prime Minister David Cameron.

He said: “Russia’s future is high-value and hi-tech. This event will showcase the unique opportunities in Russia’s ‘Silicon Valley’ for the UK’s hi-tech companies, with all their expertise in innovation and creativity. They are well-placed to build a lasting partnership with Russia, which will be of great mutual benefit.”

Viktor Vekselberg said: “We want the UK to play a major role in this once in a lifetime project, opportunities of this scale cross national borders and need international partners to thrive. Innovation is key to modernising Russia’s economy.

“We have big plans and working together with British companies, we can make these a reality.”

The Skolkovo Foundation comes to the UK on February 14 and 15.

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