Saint Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO University) is a national research university founded in 1900.

Its mission is to provide opportunities for the holistic development of individuals and to inspire them to tackle global challenges, as the university's philosophy is to be "More than a University".

The main campus is located in the heart of St. Petersburg, steps away from Peter and Paul’s Fortress. ITMO University is among top 10 leading higher education institutions in Russia, providing training and research in advanced science, humanities, engineering and technology. The main focus areas are IT, Photonics, Optics, Mechatronics, Robotics, Smart Technologies, Art & Science, and Urban Studies. The University has more than 11000 students, 17% of whom are international coming from 83 different countries. ITMO University provides undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate (PhD) programs. ITMO University has been one of the leaders of “5-100” academic excellence project, financed by the Russian Government and aimed at internationalization of the Russian higher education and placing the participating universities among the world’s top research and educational institutions in the international rankings (QS, THE, ARWU).

ITMO University has been ranked 76 in computer science by Times Higher Education, 75 by QS BRICS, 251-300 in computer science & information systems by QS, 301-400 in Engineering & Technology by Times Higher Education.

The University has been the only seven-time ACM ICPC world champion, the world's most prestigious student sport programming contest, as well as Gold winner at World Robot Olympiad 2017. It is also the winner of Google Code Jam, Facebook Hacker Cup and other competitions.

ITMO University has carried out its educational activities within 5 schools, the 5^th of which being concurrently a service department to the other 4:

• School of Translational Information Technologies;

• School of Computer Technologies and Control;

• School of Photonics;

• School of Biotechnology and Cryogenic Systems;

• School of Technological Management and Innovations.

Currently ITMO University has 13 international research centers, co-headed by renowned scientists with world recognition, specialize in such areas of research as IT and information security, robotics, photonics, quantum communications, smart materials etc.

In 2017 the Russian Prime Minister announced the construction of ITMO University’s new campus in the south of St. Petersburg – JSC "ITMO Highpark".

"ITMO Highpark" will be a site to conduct research, to create new promising projects, test new technologies in urban development and smart cities, and also to teach students. The Highpark will specialize in information technology, photonics and quantum technologies, robotics and cyber-physical systems, biomedical technologies and “smart” materials.

The new campus of ITMO University will be an important part of the ongoing urban development of the city’s southern area.

ITMO University is truly the first non-classical university in Russia.