Tag: Ukraine

Recently, the administration of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) has concluded cooperation agreements with France’s University of Strasbourg and Germany’s Kehl University of Applied Sciences.

 

These partnerships open up new opportunities for academic mobility among students, lecturers and researchers; the implementation of joint international research projects; the organisation of master’s programmes, and the joint supervision of postgraduates; collaboration between research centres; the securing of European funding, and the formation of international consortia.

 

One of the key initiatives in partnerships is the European Resilience Campus, a tripartite platform comprising Kyiv Polytechnic, University of Strasbourg and Kehl University of Applied Sciences. Planned to be launched in 2027, the platform will unite partners’ efforts to address the problems of resilience, institutional crisis management, and the reconstruction of Ukraine.

 

This collaboration will enable the development of existing initiatives, and the exploration of new areas of research, particularly with Kehl University of Applied Sciences within the framework of international TRUST and CAMO projects, and with University of Strasbourg in promising fields of science and technology.

 

For Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, this is the opportunity to strengthen its international positions and to play an active part in setting the European research agenda.

 

Special thanks are due to Prof Emmanuel Muller for the initiative and for facilitating the strengthening of university ties, as well as to the administrations of both institutions for their openness to partnerships and their support for the Ukrainian academic community.

On 15 October 2026, a representative of the International Collaboration Department and the National Contact Point of Horizon Europe for Cluster 5 “Climate, Energy and Mobility” at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute joined online the Sixth International Sustainability Forum (ISF) themed “The Future Paradox: Balancing Urgent Recovery with Sustainable Growth”.

 

This year’s event focused on practical solutions for the resilience, recovery and growth of Ukraine’s economy: how to attract capital amid the russia’s war of aggression and high risks, which programmes and financial instruments are already available to businesses, and what companies need to access them. Panellists also discussed how Ukraine could combine energy resilience with the green transition.

 

The ISF26 programme was structured around four key discussions:

·        Ukraine’s Competitiveness. What needs to change to make Ukraine stronger in the new economic reality?

·        Access to Capital. Where can businesses find financing, and what do investors and financial institutions expect today?

·        From Responsibility to Action. How can we move from strategies and commitments to practical solutions and measurable results?

·        Energy Resilience and Green Transition. How can Ukraine strengthen its energy security while advancing long-term transformation?

 

The format of the Forum included open discussions, diverse perspectives, and practical cases, among others. After a minute of silence to honour those who have died in russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the event opened with introductory and welcoming remarks by Khrystyna Biliakovska, Social Psychology and Behavioural Science Practitioner, and Alina Sokolenko, Head and member of the Advisory Board of the Association of Sustainable Development Experts (ASDE).

 

Ukraine’s Competitiveness: Investment, Recovery and European Integration

 

Alejandro Alvarez de la Campa, IFC Country Manager for Ukraine, stated that energy security remains one of IFC’s key priorities in Ukraine, noting that over €3 billion are earmarked for energy projects in 2027. Supported by its donor partners, IFC has already helped to mobilise more than €550 million in private investment across Ukraine’s energy sector, boosting both fast energy solutions for SMEs through Ukrainian financial institutions and direct investments in large utility-scale renewables.

 

According to Ruslan Prykhodko, Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine for European Integration, it is necessary to create a veteran policy system that is both flexible and resilient in implementing effective tools to help war veterans to adapt comfortably to civilian life. This involves the maximum recovery of physical and mental health, meeting basic social needs, providing housing, education, and professional adaptation, raising veterans’ competitive capacity in the labour market, creating conditions, incentives, and tools for entrepreneurial initiatives, and more. “The war veteran community is over two million people today,” he said.

 

Access to Capital: Financing Sustainable Growth

 

Yuliia Kholodkova, IFC Corporate Governance Officer, reported that a three-month capacity building-programme would commence in November 2026.

 

A representative of OshchadBank told the forum that the bank proactively finances biogas installations and decentralised green energy projects across Ukraine through its business and municipal lending programmes.

 

During a coffee break for in-person participants, Florian Andrews, Expert in Sustainability, Cluster Management and the Circular Economy, gave online audience the presentation titled “Investment Readiness: How Investors and Businesses Can Collaborate at Every Stage — from Launch to Exit”. Taking the current conditions for start-ups in Ukraine as his starting point, he examined how very different stakeholders could arrive at a shared understanding and approach.

 

Florian Andrews suggested that first ideas for potential pilot projects might include alternative fuels, electrical ferries, and dual diploma. The expert pointed out that the private sector would finance rubble clearance or groundwater decontamination when there is a viable business model behind it, enabling investors to launch innovative businesses in Ukraine, which can be brought to other countries as well.

 

From Responsibility to Action: How Business Creates Social Value

 

Alina Konovalchenko, Operations Director of UN Global Compact Ukraine, opened the third panel discussion, noting that 63% of employers acknowledged lack of skills in a recent survey as they cannot find the talent they need.

 

Taras Fito, Co-owner of TOM Peanut Butter, emphasised that the company invests heavily in corporate education, engaging trainers to help workers to learn the best practices that optimise production and corporate culture. “This is a part of our social mission,” he said.

 

Energy Resilience and Green Transformation

 

Viktoriya Protsenko, ASDE Ambassador and EBRD Е&S Lead Specialist, launched the fourth and final penal discussion, drawing attention to the fact that the bank had deployed €11 billion for Ukraine’s real economy since the start of russia’s full-scale war of aggression, helping to keep businesses operating and critical services running. “Electricity consumption in Ukraine requires 18 gigawatts while the power grid’s capacity is estimated at only 11GW,” she added.

 

Jeff Oatham, Chief Sustainability Officer of the DTEK company, shared DTEK’s first-hand experience of how renewables and more decentralised generation can reduce vulnerabilities in the energy system, alongside its work supporting war veterans and ensuring a just transition for coal communities. “Kyiv remains alive and bustling despite the ongoing attacks and air raid alerts, but the lived experience of this trip included hearing missile strikes before the air raid alerts sounded,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “It’s a reminder of the extraordinary circumstances in which our Ukrainian colleagues continue to work, and why strengthening Ukraine’s energy resilience remains so important.”

 

Yuliya Rybak, National Programme Manager of the UNDP Green Energy Recovery Programme of Ukraine, explained that their team develops a sustainable energy system with a green component so that a municipality could operate as an independent energy island, adopting new technologies such as biogas and even hydrogen energy.

 

Robert Adamczyk, Head of Energy Unit at EBRD Environmental & Sustainability Department, emphasised the need to focus on governance aimed at improving risk management, and anti-corruption efforts, particularly climate governance.

 

Sarah Weiß, Head of Sustainable Finance Unit, Energy and Climate Cluster at GIZ Ukraine, highlighted that the German Agency for International Cooperation is providing Ukrainian utilities and local institutions with critical technical equipment to ensure infrastructure resilience amid ongoing wartime challenges. “We supported the Kyiv Regional Perinatal Centre to install a solar power station on its rooftop,” she said as an example.

 

Oleksandr Podprugin, CEO Gloster Energy, remarked that the war risk insurance, which mostly applies to small projects, rose from 4% to about 5% of the cost of assets. Highlighting a critical systemic bottleneck in financing energy projects during hostilities, he said at ISF 2026: “Private capital cannot cover large-scale war risks on its own. You should think about sustainability at the start of a project.”

 

The forum concluded with the Sustainable Impact Award 2026 ceremony, recognising leaders and initiatives making a practical contribution to Ukraine’s sustainable development.

 

Special thanks are due to Andriy Dligach, Founder of Advanter Group and of the international business community Board, Serhii Naumov, President of the National Association of Banks of Ukraine, Alina Konovalchenko and Viktoriya Protsenko, ASDE Ambassador and EBRD Е&S Lead Specialist, for moderating the panel discussions.

 

https://asde.com.ua/en/isf26-1-3

 

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7516759500490698752/

PolyFuel, the project of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI), took first place among 11 teams at the final event of GreenChem Accelerator 2026: Startups. It is a modular, automated technology that converts mixed plastic waste into the alkylbenzene fraction – a component for the production of aviation and motor gasolines, as well as technical carbon, thereby enabling the generation of additional electricity.

 

This technology was developed by a team from the Department of Automation of Electrical and Mechatronic Complexes at the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Institute of Energy Saving and Energy Management.

 

The project was presented under the Global GreenChem Innovation & Network Programme led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), where it received the highest rating from the Demo Day jury. As the next stage, the PolyFuel team will represent Ukraine at the Global Demo Day in Vienna in early November, to be held as part of the Circular Economy & Green Industry (CEGI) Week 2026, UNIDO’s flagship global forum dedicated to advancing the transition towards circular economy and green industry as a driver of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

 

Congratulations to the PolyFuel developers on their victory. With Vienna in the offing, new avenues to the further development of Kyiv Polytechnic’s technology open up.

 

This achievement is yet another testament to the high calibre of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and the enduring strength of its engineering school. From protecting biodiversity to supporting sustainable energy and environmental stewardship, Kyiv Polytechnic research is responding to the challenges of a changing world.

 

https://www.unido.org/events/circular-economy-green-industry-week-2026-shaping-future-industry-circular-cleaner-competitive

Steven Goldfarb, a particle physicist from the University of Melbourne working on the ATLAS Experiment on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN and Co-Chair of the International Particle Physics Outreach Group, visited the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) to dialogue with students about the fascinating world of modern physics, experimental research, and fundamental science.

 

He delivered a lecture entitled “Universal Questions: How do we measure what we can’t see” to the Kyiv Polytechnic community.

 

The dialogue ranged over a wide variety of subjects. In particular, it explored a journey from initial observations and simple experiments to large-scale international research; the LHC, ultra-precise measurements, and work with vast data-lakes; technologies emerging from fundamental science; artificial intelligence as a tool for modern research; critical thinking, and the role of experimental data; questions to which physics is still seeking answers – dark matter, dark energy, the asymmetry between matter and antimatter, and the true nature of gravity; and the young scientists who will develop next-generation technologies.

 

A separate subject was how Ukrainian students can get involved in global science while still pursuing their studies. CERN unites universities and research institutions from various countries, and the path to major experiments can commence with a research project, working with a research group, or participating in an international programme. “What impressed me most was the way Steven shares science — with curiosity, humour, openness and an incredible ability to make even the most complex ideas understandable and exciting,” Andrii Shysholin, Vice-Rector for International Relations, wrote on LinkedIn.

 

The lecture was followed by a Q&A session that gave undergraduates, postgraduates, early career researchers and lecturers a chance to speak directly with Steven Goldfarb and put their questions to him.

 

To watch an 83-minute video of the full lecture, visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fITNK756Q1Y&t=540s

 

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/andrii-shysholin-b730a142_some-lectures-give-you-new-knowledge-some-ugcPost-7506051678677331968-Dh-N/?utm_source=social_share_send&utm_medium=android_app&rcm=ACoAAAT4658Bx0WxESHlPYprckRFB0DFXBXwuxg

On 16 September 2026, a representative of the International Collaboration Department at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, attended the online seminar on quantum science and technology, held as part of UNESCO’s Futures Dialogue series. One year after the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (2025), this Futures Dialogue brought together about 220 quantum scientists, ethics experts, educators, and policymakers to reflect on the transformative potential of quantum technologies and their implications for education, ethics, and governance.

 

The dialogue explored key themes including bridging the quantum knowledge gap and strengthening research infrastructure in the Global South, operationalising the recommendations of the COMEST Report on the Ethics of Quantum Computing, and advancing open science and global scientific cooperation in quantum research — as part of UNESCO’s Global Quantum Initiative (GQI, 2026–2028). Participants evaluated possible future trajectories of quantum technologies, assessed their implications, and considered collaborative research agendas and strategies.

 

Turning to the challenges of bridging the quantum knowledge gap and strengthening research infrastructure in the Global South are concerned, Malik Maaza, UNESCO Africa Chair in nano at the University of South Africa, noted that more than 73% of the population of Africa would be less than 18 years old by 2050. “This massive tsunami of youth coming in has to be educated,” he said. Malik Maaza also pointed out the bias of quantum and AI-related technologies towards indigenous languages.

 

Through its programmes, UNESCO envisions a world where quantum technologies are developed responsibly, shared equitably, and contribute to sustainable development for all nations and communities. Reflecting on the global implications of quantum technologies, Diogo Henriques, expert in the Inclusive Policy Lab at UNESCO, wrote in the chat that a Sustainable Development Goal on Emerging Technologies (AI, Quantum) and their Societal and Environmental Impact would be a great idea.

 

Special thanks are due to Amal Kasry, Chief of Section for Basic Science, Research, Innovation and Engineering at UNESCO, for moderating the seminar, including the lively Q&A session.

 

More information:

https://articles.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2026/08/FuturesDialogues_GQI_ConceptNote_v9_English.pdf

Key factors in the current development of education and science include international academic mobility and the integration of Ukrainian science into the European Education and Research Areas. In this context, international cooperation between Ukraine and Germany – particularly under agreements with the Ukraine Energy Autarky Association – opens up new opportunities for the advancement of higher education and science, as well as the application of innovative, environmentally safe technologies at this challenging time. The purpose of these agreements is to promote innovative research projects and their implementation in pursuit of Ukraine’s energy self-sufficiency.

 

An important step in this direction was the successful internship of two Ukrainian researchers from the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI), namely Dina Koltysheva, Assistant Professor at the Department of Bioenergy, Bioinformatics and Environmental Biotechnology of the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biotechnics, and Olha Vlasenko, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Thermal and Alternative Energy of the Institute of Thermal and Nuclear Energy. The internship took place in the German city of Jena on the theme “Advanced Anaerobic Laboratory Training and Methods” from 15 to 26 June 2026, at Bio-H2 Umwelt GmbH – a company with over 20-year experience in research and engineering developments in the field of biomass use and the production of energy sources and other products.

 

The principal practical outcome of this visit was the official transfer of a multifunctional laboratory container equipped with modern biogas plants to the university. Henceforth, this high-tech equipment will serve as an efficient platform for quality student education and for in-depth scientific research by teaching staff and students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees.

 

The purpose of the internship programme in Jena was not only to introduce the Ukrainian researchers to European environmental safety standards, but also to enable them to master practical skills in working directly with a mobile bioreactor complex. They studied in detail the design features and operating principles of the plants and mastered the methods for proper planning and the safe commissioning of technological processes. Their German colleagues paid special attention to the nuances of operating biogas systems in both continuous and batch modes, which is very important for simulating real-world production conditions.

 

During practical on-site training, the Kyiv Polytechnic representatives practised algorithms for the regular assessment of the quality of the biogas produced, for monitoring the efficiency of organic substrate decomposition, and for identifying key indicators of the stability of the anaerobic digestion process. As a result, the Ukrainian researchers gained valuable experience in managing bioenergy processes, which will be integrated into university’s educational programmes and laboratory practicals.

 

In addition to intensive technical and laboratory work, the programme of the visit included a series of constructive discussions about future joint projects between researchers from Ukraine and Germany. The ideas developed during these discussions are directed towards the further development of renewable energy, waste processing and the rebuilding of Ukraine’s infrastructure, based on the principles of sustainable development and environmental safety.

 

The Ukrainian researchers from Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, who served their internship, express their sincere and deep gratitude to their German partners and the organisers for their significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian science, their support for the education sector, and the building of a solid foundation for future joint scientific discoveries. The German contributed equipment to the university will serve as a powerful drive for a new generation of Ukrainian environmental engineers and bioenergy researchers who will work on the reconstruction and technological modernisation of this country.

The administration of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute met with Aleksander Waszkielewicz (pictured second right), President of the Poland’s FRONia Foundation for Persons with Disabilities (Fundacja Osób Niepełnosprawnych) who has 20-year experience in accessibility issues and the in-depth expertise to apply accessibility principles to public administration and the university environment.

 

During the meeting, the following issues were under discussion:

·        exchange of knowledge, solutions and best practice in accessibility;

·        joint initiatives and pilot projects;

·        development of educational programmes, physical and psychological rehabilitation, and adaptation;

·        support for the development of adaptive sports.

 

Special attention was paid to the implementation of the strategy for creating an inclusive environment at Kyiv Polytechnic for individuals with special needs, as well as to university’s policy with respect to war veterans. Kyiv Polytechnic is proactively developing this area, particularly through the Centre for Veteran Development. Currently, some 300 veterans discharged from the armed forces and military personnel on active duty are studying at the university. Among relevant initiatives is a master’s programme in biomedical engineering and applied mechanics, designed expressly for veterans.

 

During his visit, Aleksander Waszkielewicz was introduced to operations of the Sikorsky Challenge Science Park of Additive Technologies, and the Training and Innovation Centre for Prosthetics and Rehabilitation.

 

It is important for Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute to create an accessible educational environment and to develop a comprehensive support system embracing education, career growth, rehabilitation, adaptive sports, and the reintegration of war veterans into civilian life. The exchange of Polish and Ukrainian experience opens up new opportunities for collaborative practical solutions that can make education and university life more inclusive and accessible to all.

A representative of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute took part in the scientific and expert conference “Mosaic of Experiences: International Dialogue on Resilience,” held as a side event of the 6th Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen themed “World 2026: Finding Stability in Times of Uncertainty.”

 

The event brought together more than 200 Ukrainian and international experts and academics, as well as representatives of government agencies, the business sector and civil society. Among the participants were the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska; the First Lady of Lithuania, Diana Nausėdienė; and the First Gentleman of Slovenia, Aleš Musar.

 

Liudmyla Hanushchak-Yefimenko, Vice-Rector for Humanitarian Development and Youth Policy, represented Kyiv Polytechnic at the conference.

 

During the event, the Sophiynist Manifesto “Ukrainian Philosophy of Life” was presented (Ed. – Sophia, from sophos skilled, clever, wise + -ia, is a Greek word that means “wisdom”), and the International Expert Council on Resilience commenced its work.

 

For Kyiv Polytechnic, resilience is a guiding principle of development. Its innovation ecosystem combines support for war veterans, care for mental health, the development of adaptive technologies, the creation of an accessible environment, and the preservation of human capital.

 

Special thanks are due to the organisers — the Coordination Centre for Mental Health of the Cabinet of Ministers under the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme “How Are You?” initiated by Olena Zelenska, the Institute for National Resilience and Security, and the World Health Organisation — for their support of the event.

 

It is precisely through such exchange of experience that solutions are developed, which subsequently prove effective in practice.