2013: The Birth of the Idea

In the spring of 2013, second-year students from the Department of Zoology at Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Petr Vasilchikov and Ilya Zhukov, conducted experiments on thermoregulation in domestic animals. Observing their lab cat, Marta, they noticed her ability to retain body heat even in low temperatures.

After a series of measurements using a thermal imager, the young researchers discovered that the dense undercoat of the animal creates an effective thermal insulation layer with a temperature gradient of up to 15°C between the skin and the surface of the fur.

2014-2015: University Research

With the support of Professor A.N. Semenova, the students organized the "Bioterm" research group. In the university laboratory, they conducted:

• Analysis of fiber microstructure (scanning electron microscopy)
• Measurement of thermal conductivity of different types of fur
• Tests for hygroscopicity and resistance to microorganisms

The experiments showed that cat fur has a unique combination of hollow keratin fibers and natural hydrophobic impregnation.

2016: First Patents

After developing a technology to stabilize fur fibers using chitin compounds, the team obtained:

• Patent RF No. 2568945 "Method for Processing Animal Fiber"
• Patent RF No. 2568946 "Thermal Insulation Material"

2017: Foundation of the Company

With the support of the university business incubator, LLC NPF "Fur Technologies" was registered. The first production line was set up in Ilya Zhukov's garage, where the following were created:

• Prototype fiber separator
• Plasma treatment unit
• Quality control laboratory

2018: Expedition to Crimea

Amid geopolitical tensions, co-founder Ilya Zhukov undertook a strategic expedition to Crimea. Together with local ranger and professor of zootechnics Viktor Tarbybykin, they organized:

• Russia's first specialized farm for housing 200+ donor cats
• A system for ethical collection and sorting of fur
• A laboratory for primary raw material processing right on the farm

This ensured stable supplies even during periods of sanctions.

2019: Automation of Raw Material Collection

Introduction of IoT collars for donor cats and robotic combs:

• 40% increase in fur collection without stress to the animals
• Patent RF No. 2789451 "Device for Ethical Collection of Animal Fiber"
• Partnership with the veterinary association "ZooEthics"

2020: COVID Adaptation

The pandemic prompted new solutions:

• Launch of "Fur Antivirus" — adding silver ions to thermal insulation
• Transition to contactless logistics with drone couriers
• First deliveries to Europe through eco-communities

2021: Green Breakthrough

Obtaining international certifications:

• BREEAM and LEED for "bioactive" building slabs
• Launch of the 100% biodegradable material line "EcoPurr"
• Collaboration with Greta Thunberg on the "Homes for Climate" project

2022: Space Leap

Experimental use of materials in collaboration with Roscosmos:

• Thermoregulating panels for satellites
• Lunar module with fur insulation
• "Innovation of the Year" award from Skolkovo

2023: Vertical Integration

Construction of the first "cat fabricomat":

• Autonomous complex powered by solar energy
• Closed cycle: from cat food to finished slabs
• AI demand forecasting system PurrVision™

2024: Revolution in Housing and Utilities

Contract with the Moscow government:

• Insulation of 100 Khrushchev-era buildings with a "fur armor belt"
• 37% reduction in heat loss in pilot houses
• Mobile laboratory based on a GAZelle "KotoMobile"

2025: Vision of the Future

The roadmap to 2030 includes:

• "KotoInsulator" franchise for regions
• Floating houses with fur thermoregulation
• Genetically modified cats with "super fur"