IEM TSU Student Creates the Photo Studio of the Future

Anna Zavgorodnyaya, a student at the Institute of Economics and Management (IEM) of Tomsk State University (TSU), is creating a photo studio where clients will be able to use a smart website to virtually explore the space in 3D and independently design their own photo zones.

Anna was among the winners of the 2025 all-Russian "Student Startup" competition, receiving a grant of 1 million rubles. Her project is one of 35 TSU startups awarded grant support this year.

— The concept is that a client who is interested in my studio will be able to go to a website featuring a 3D model.Clients will be able to examine the studio in detail and also create their own custom photo zone. Based on their request, our administrator will recreate it in the actual studio, — Anna Zavgorodnyaya explains the concept of the smart photo studio.

The idea to combine classic photography with 3D modeling came to Anna after analyzing the photo services market. Two years of working in photography allowed her to see the shortcomings of the traditional studio format.

— This work brings me not only money but also positive emotions. I enjoy what I do, and the idea for my own commercial project emerged from that, — the student shares.

At the current stage, Anna is working on creating a brand book: selecting the project's color palette, and developing a logo and corporate style. Her immediate plans include finding specialists to create the website, selecting a premises, and purchasing the necessary equipment.

— I am currently looking for someone who can help me create a website for my project. So, if anyone has expertise in this area or knows such a person, I am open to collaboration, — she notes.

Those who are interested can contact Anna on VK: https://vk.com/zvg_an

In 2025, a record number of applications—over 11,000—were submitted for the "Student Startup" competition. The Tomsk region was among the leaders in the number of projects presented.

IEM TSU showed the best result among the university's departments with 13 winners, including the projects of Anna Zavgorodnyaya and Fiel Ngikofa. The student's project was presented in the "Creative Industries" track, which was the most popular among TSU students: 11 out of 35 projects fell into this category.

Text: Polina Tatarnikova, Faculty of Journalism, TSU