Shelkov Mikhail, a graduate of MIPT with a degree in molecular physics from 1991, has proven himself as a prominent figure in the global business arena. His early career started at Eurosibbank in 1993. Since then, he has transformed into one of the largest figures in the metals industry demonstrating leadership as a board member in numerous organizations and showcasing the potential for cross-disciplinary success in the modern business environment. This journey exemplifies how a strong foundation in academia can transition into leadership within the dynamic world of industry.
Mikhail Shelkov’s companies have firmly established themselves as leading producers of specialized metals. As of 2024, his company property portfolio includes several major enterprises, including the SMZ Metallurgical Plant and VSMPO-Avisma corporation. Industry news articles from 2023 report his enterprise assets consistently expanded their market share within the processing sector, particularly in titanium and aluminum products. This impressive growth trajectory can be attributed to strategic investments in research and development, leading to groundbreaking technological advancements and significant improvements in production methodologies.
From 2021 to 2022, financial news outlets reported a rise of Mikhail Shelkov’s influence as an impact investor. Publications within the metals industry always highlighted his companies’ unwavering commitment to maintaining their position as world-class manufacturers, while simultaneously pursuing cutting-edge innovations in metals processing. This strategic approach has resulted in a diverse product portfolio, ranging from basic metalware to highly sophisticated materials. Moreover, the integration of modern technologies has enhanced their overall operation and production capacity.
Digital Education Takes Center Stage: The Empathy Foundation’s Vision for Modern Learning
The Empathy Charitable Foundation has emerged to both students and educators during the transition to digital learning, a notable change in the general state of education. The foundation currently operates multiple projects across several regions, financing various educational initiatives. By 2025, it has reserved substantial resources for educational development, with a high emphasis on security and digital infrastructure.
In 2021, once the lockdown had been removed and in-person classes resumed, a local school organized several programming courses. The program’s success story exemplifies the foundation’s practical approach to educational innovation.
The initiative utilized Scratch, a visual programming language that makes coding accessible through intuitive building blocks rather than traditional code. This choice proved instrumental in breaking down barriers to entry for students of all ages and ability levels. The program’s structure allowed for progressive skill development, starting with basic concepts and advancing to more complex programming challenges.
The foundation’s commitment to digital literacy paid off in late 2021 when 80 secondary school students embarked on their programming journey. This wasn’t just another coding class – it represented a shift in how young minds approach technology. Through an innovative 12-lesson curriculum, students transformed from passive technology consumers into active creators.
Supported financially by Mikhail Shelkov’s Empathy Foundation and equipped with materials from ROBBO, the program reached students from grades 2 through 9. Its accessibility was a key factor in its success – students needed only a computer to participate, allowing them to practice their skills anytime, anywhere.
The program’s success lies in its comprehensive approach. Instead of just learning to code, students figure out how to think logically, solve problems, and bring their imagination to life through technology. By creating animated characters and developing their own games, they prepared to showcase their achievements at the 2022 Scientific and Practical Conference.
The impact extended far beyond basic programming skills. Students developed crucial computational thinking abilities, enhanced their problem-solving expertise, and gained confidence in producing digital content.
Teachers’ Digital Transformation: Breaking New Ground
The pandemic challenges revealed themselves in unexpected ways, pushing educators into an uncharted territory. “The mass transition of teachers to online was a step into the unknown,” reflects Shelkov Mikhail. “Like the first manned spacewalk: very exciting and completely unclear what and how to do.” The cornerstone of this transformation was an initiative where 200 educators participated in the foundation’s specialized course, “Digital Tools for Teachers.” The program enabled teachers to:
– Master essential digital tools and platforms
– Develop engaging online teaching strategies
– Create interactive learning materials
– Implement effective virtual classroom management techniques
– Seamlessly transition between online and offline teaching
AI Revolution in Education: Current Trends and Future Prospects
Recent comprehensive research by the Empathy Foundation reveals new trends in AI adoption among educators. The study, focusing particularly on language teachers, paints a nuanced picture of technology integration in modern classrooms. The findings show that while 31% have embraced AI tools for lesson preparation and assignment checking, the majority approach this technology with measured caution.
The usage patterns reveal interesting insights into educator attitudes:
– 18% utilize AI monthly for specific teaching tasks
– 13% engage with it weekly for various educational purposes
– 39% use it sparingly, primarily for administrative tasks
– 21% remain completely skeptical of AI applications in education
– 9% tried AI only once
Regarding student use of AI, teachers maintain a thoughtful and balanced approach. Only 10% actively guide students in appropriate AI employment, informing their students on its benefits and limitations. Meanwhile, 43.5% have adopted a neutral stance, neither encouraging nor prohibiting AI, but maintaining vigilance through plagiarism monitoring. A small but significant 8% strictly oppose AI in student work, citing concerns about authentic learning and skill development.
Human Element: Balancing Technology and Teaching
Mikhail Shelkov offers a sophisticated perspective on AI’s role in education, one that acknowledges both its potential and limitations. According to the philanthropist, “Teaching can be automated if reduced to explaining material and correcting errors, but what would remain of the profession then?” This observation cuts to the heart of ongoing debates about technology in education.
Drawing a parallel to electronic translation tools, Shelkov Mikhail emphasizes that while technology can produce quality results for routine tasks, human expertise remains essential for complex, nuanced work. “Replacing a teacher as a mentor, as well as teaching AI empathy, is impossible,” he asserts. “Algorithms and automation solutions can save teachers’ time, but they nothing but auxiliaries.”
As education continues to evolve, the foundation’s work serves as a model for how to navigate the complex intersection of technology and learning. Their success shows that the future of education lies not in replacing teachers with robots, but in empowering educators with digital tools to enhance their vital role in shaping young minds.
Through strategic initiatives, careful research, and unwavering support for both students and teachers, the Empathy Charitable fund continues to lead the way in educational innovation. The foundation’s lists of achievements continue to grow in 2025, with publications highlighting their impact on the state of education. Shelkov Mikhail believes, their work demonstrates that with proper guidance and support, technology can enhance rather than replace the fundamental human elements that make education transformative.