UPDATE: Ex-minister Nikiforov creates 2 tech firms in Innopolis

(Adds comments in last two paragraphs)

INNOPOLIS, Tatarstan, Jun 8 (PRIME) -- Russian former Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov said on Friday he had registered two technological firms in the Tatar innovative city of Innopolis and is studying about 10 projects.

“These are technological companies that will engage in certain projects in the field of technology development,” Nikiforov told reporters.

Technologies can vary from artificial intelligence to robotics and blockchain, Nikiforov said, adding that he is the sole owner of these firms.

“These are my private companies, and there are no investments yet. There will be ideas under which we will attract investments,” the former minister said.

Nikiforov was at the helm of the Communications and Mass Media Ministry, which is now transformed into the digital development entity, from May 2012 till May.

The former minister also denied media reports on his joining state industrial corporation Rostec.

“It’s nonsense…I follow various versions with great interest, but tie my main current occupation to technological entrepreneurship in Russia,” Nikiforov said.

End