Mikhail Shelkov: Success Story of a Businessman and Philanthropist

Mikhail Shelkov is a successful businessman and philanthropist who has made a significant impact on the nation’s economy and society. He is the majority shareholder and deputy chairman of the board of directors of the full-cycle titanium corporation VSMPO-AVISMA and the owner of Samara Metallurgical Plant (SMZ), a leading aluminum producer, both being the world-class market leaders whose products are sought after by a quarter of all countries on the globe. He is also a philanthropist who founded the Empathy Charitable Foundation, which supports projects in the fields of education and culture.

Mikhail Shelkov was born in Moscow in 1968. He graduated from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology with a degree in molecular and chemical physics. After graduating, Shelkov began his career in the banking sector, eventually becoming the head of Eurosibbank. He later moved to the National Bank for Reconstruction and Development, where he held a senior position.

In 2001, Shelkov became the head of the investment company Prominvest. In this role, he was responsible for the management of a number of enterprises crucial for the national economy.

Shelkov is also a dedicated supporter of local communities. In 2019 he founded the Empathy Charitable Foundation to deliver support to education and culture.

Shelkov has been included in the Forbes list of the richest people in the country since 2017. He is currently ranked 29^th on the list.

Empathy foundation

Being a man devoted to improving the quality of education, Shelkov has spearheaded various initiatives to attract young people to the teaching profession, enhance the skills of experienced teachers, and unlock their creative potential.

  The first region to witness the success of these teacher support programs was the Sverdlovsk region. Under Shelkov’s leadership, a program providing monthly financial support for teachers was implemented in the towns of Verkhnyaya and Nizhnyaya Salda, where the VSMPO-AVISMA Corporation operates. Teachers in these towns receive additional payments amounting to 50% of their earnings. As a result, the local schools have experienced a surge in teacher recruitment since the salaries of educators are now considered among the highest in the region. The program’s popularity has grown steadily, with the number of participants increasing from 518 to over 550 individuals.

 In 2021, Mikhail Shelkov launched another noteworthy project called “Teaching as a Calling.” This initiative established a regional competition for teachers, encompassing not only school teachers but also professionals working in kindergartens, mentors, teachers for children with special educational needs, and other related fields. The competition aims to recognize and reward the excellence and dedication of education professionals. In 2021, the prize money amounted to around $75 000, and it increased to $122 000 in 2023.

 Shelkov firmly believes in engaging children in socially significant projects from an early age. With his support, an engineering accelerator was launched in Verkhnyaya and Nizhnyaya Salda. This program is there to engage teenagers in urban improvement projects and other initiatives that benefit society. Remarkably, many of those who joined the engineering accelerator have gone on to become winners of international competitions and national education olympiads. To further encourage young talent, Mikhail Shelkov established a special grant for students, who emerged victorious in local or international competitions, as was the case with “Start in Science.” He expressed his hopes to see more students from Verkhnyaya and Nizhnyaya Salda competing at major events in the future.

In a move that is sure to inspire young people, Shelkov established corporate scholarships to support talented individuals studying foreign affairs and physics. The scholarships will provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to making a difference in the world. The establishment of the scholarships is a testament to Shelkov’s belief in the power of education to change the world. He is confident that the recipients of the scholarships will go on to make significant contributions to their chosen fields.

Apart from his contributions to education, Mikhail Shelkov actively supports various sports projects. He was a member of the board of trustees for the Marathon-Tula Cycling Team and is a board of trustees member for the National Powerboating Federation. Additionally, he sponsored chess player Sergey Karyakin during his historic match against Norwegian Magnus Carlsen in 2016. Shelkov recognizes the importance of sports in promoting a healthy lifestyle and dedicates his efforts to its popularity. The businessman’s sponsorship exemplifies his commitment to empowering individuals and promoting excellence in various domains.

 Mikhail Shelkov’s dedication to improving education, supporting talented individuals, and fostering the development of sports makes him a remarkable figure. Through his initiatives and philanthropy, he has made a significant positive impact on the lives of many, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

Oktava Cluster

In the spring of 2018, the Oktava Cluster opened in the city of Tula. The cluster was founded by Mikhail Shelkov, a private investor who invested more than $11 million in the project. The entrepreneur made a commitment to build a space for creative workers to collaborate and innovate.

The cluster is located in the former electro-acoustic production plant in Tula. The abandoned factory was converted into an innovative creative space, with old machines being used to preserve the “spirit of the place.” The designers recreated the atmosphere of the workshops, complementing the interior with structural elements typical for industrial premises.

Oktava’s facilities and programs are designed to foster collaboration and innovation among creative workers. The cluster has a number of shared spaces, such as workshops, labs and meeting rooms, where people can work together on projects. Oktava also offers a variety of programs and events that bring creative workers together, such as workshops, talks and networking events. The Oktava Cluster in Moscow was listed in TimeOut’s and Forbes’s guides as “the place to be” for creative people. In 2022, the cluster was among the nominees for the prestigious Creative Awards ceremony.

As part of the project, creative and design workshops, a laboratory for 3D prototyping, a multifunctional hall for lectures, performances and concerts, a library and a reading room, a machine tool museum, and a recording studio were created at Oktava. For children, there are a variety of clubs and courses available. Oktava provides a number of resources to help creative workers succeed. These resources include business mentorship, funding opportunities and access to equipment and facilities.

Oktava is a place where people can come together to share ideas and build businesses. The cluster’s facilities and programs are designed to support the creation and growth of new businesses. Oktava also offers a number of events and programs that promote entrepreneurship.