During his visit to NIIME i Mikron, Vladimir Putin learned about each stage in the production of microchips. Gennady Krasnikov, the firm’s general director, explained that microchip production design standards of 90 nanometres would be operational within one year.
“You spent three years making the transition to 180 nanometres and now you’re going to move to 90 nanometres in one year?” Mr Putin asked.
“Yes,” said Mr Krasnikov, explaining that production would be “based on existing infrastructure.” According to his estimates, the existing manufacturing base meets 70%-80% of the requirements of the technological upgrade.
The agreement to organize this manufacturing was signed today in Mr Putin’s presence.
At the plant, Mr Putin visited the so-called “clean room,” where chips are made from silicon slabs. These chips subsequently become the “brains” of bank cards, mobile operators’ SIM-cards or transport passes for the Moscow Metro. The minimum size of each element in such a chip is 18 nm, which is almost 10 times narrower than a human hair. Such a production process requires a distinct amount of cleanliness as well as the appropriate equipment, which takes up several times more space than just the “clean rooms.”
AFK Sistema General Director Vladimir Yevtushenkov told Mr Putin that the transition to new technology has enabled the recruiting of Russian experts that had previously worked abroad.
“Thirteen people have already come back,” Yevtushenkov said.
One young engineer who returned from Germany showed Mr Putin his designs. He presented an identity card, which contained biometric information in addition to a photograph.
“You don’t regret having come back, do you?” asked Mr Putin.
“No, I don’t,” replied the young man with a smile.
During a visit to Binnofarm, Vladimir Putin got firsthand knowledge of pharmaceutical production.
The Prime Minister, who was shown the production of various forms of pharmaceuticals, inspected the granulation, tabletting and pre-packaging production units.
In addition, Mr Putin was shown the process for hepatitis vaccine production, which uses a one-of-a-kind technology to produce 20 million adult doses per year, working in one shift. Some foreign companies are already interested in this technology.