KPI team wins Global Greenchem Hackathon 2025

Following the wrap-up of the 14th International Festival of Innovation Projects Sikorsky Challenge, the Global Greenchem Hackathon 2025 took place from 31 October to 2 November 2025, in line with the format of the festival and within the framework of the Global GreenChem Innovation & Network Programme.

 

The purpose of hackathon’s tasks was to find opportunities to replace traditional petrochemical substances with alternative functional additives of natural origin for industrial use in the production of building materials.

 

More than ten teams of researchers and students from the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Sumy, Lviv and Khmelnytskyi worked on innovative solutions commissioned by Dow, the US materials science company, and Elf Decor, the leading Ukrainian manufacturer of decorative materials. Over the course of three days, the teams not only developed their own concepts to fulfil the set tasks, but also attended the lecture “Fundamentals of Green Chemistry: How to Develop Safe Products” delivered by Oleksandr Khokhotva, a chemical management expert at the Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Centre. Team members also participated in the workshop “Theory of Solving Inventive Problems” conducted by Kateryna Vershynina and Andrii Salamatov, co-owners of the 4press creative agency and the Zelena Ka4ka (green duck) Telegram channel.

 

A team called “Synergy 404” from the Faculty of Biotechnology and Biotechnics (FBT) at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) won the contest and received a cheque for $1,500. The winning team was made up of fourth-year students Yuliia Horbachova, Mariia Dolbeshchenkova and Oleksandra Sapitash from the FBT Department of Industrial Biotechnology and Biopharmacy. The team was led by Vitalii Klochko, associate professor at FBT. They proposed a technology for developing water-dispersible latex based on terpene monomers obtained through biosynthesis.

 

It is worth noting too that the FBT team participated in the Global Greenchem Hackathon for the second time. In addition to his teaching duties, Vitalii Klochko’s areas of responsibilities include the scientific work of the department and he serves as a senior researcher at the Department of Physiology and Systematics of Micromycetes of the D.K. Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology, affiliated to the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Fruitful scientific cooperation between the FBT and this institute enabled the Synergy 404 team to offer well-founded and balanced solutions.

 

The programme was implemented within UNIDO’s major initiative on Green Chemistry, supported by the Global Environment Facility, in partnership with US-based Yale University and the Ukraine’s RECP Centre.

 

According to the members of Synergy 404, participation in such events is very useful, as it empowers students to use practically the theoretical knowledge they have gained at university to solve real-world problems or create prototypes of innovative solutions. They also have a unique opportunity to network with like-minded peers, lecturers, mentors, industry representatives, and potential employers. Looking ahead, young participants in hackathons will be able to add a notable achievement to their CVs. Thus, scientific hackathons are not merely contests, but a powerful educational platform that prepares students to work in the challenging environment of the modern technological world.

KPI hosts conference on crisis response

The international scientific and practical conference themed “Resilient Communities – Stable Future: Ukrainian-Polish Experience in Crisis Response” took place at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) from 18 to 19 November 2025. It was devoted to contemporary challenges to the functioning of socio-economic systems, the promotion of sustainable development in local communities, and the implementation of effective crises response models.

 

The event was held within the framework of the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, project G6119 entitled “Increasing the Capacity of Local Communities to Counteract Crisis Situations”. The project is led by Poznan University of Technology, with Kyiv Polytechnic acting as a partner institution.

 

Anatolii Melnychenko, Rector of Kyiv Polytechnic, opened the conference. Senior staff and scientists from the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Institute for Applied System Analysis, the Faculty of Management and Marketing (FMM), the Faculty of Sociology and Law, and the International Collaboration Department took an active part in it. Over the course of two working days, 26 reports were presented by participants from Ukraine, Poland, Romania, and China. A total of nearly 90 participants attended the event.

 

The conference featured the following topics: “Ukrainian realities of society’s ability to respond to crises,” “Model of resilience: how Polish municipalities adapt to new challenges,” “Good governance and digital resilience of communities,” and “Data science to counter threats to communities’ development”.

 

Important issues discussed during the conference included community governance in wartime, psychological preparedness of the population for emergencies, crisis communication, digital transformation, and strategies for ensuring local security. In addition, particular attention was paid to strengthening social cohesion, adapting management models, and developing resilient social systems in times of war and global challenges.

 

Prof Serhii Voitko, Head of the FMM Department of International Economics and Project Co-Director representing Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, emphasised that a vital component of the joint activities is facilitating international support for Ukraine’s efforts to achieve victory. He noted that the conference demonstrated the international community’s awareness of the existential threats facing humanity at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century.

 

The purpose of the project is to formulate basic principles for enhancing the efficiency of the crisis management system in local communities, capable of anticipating adverse situations (threats, accidents, and disasters) and preparing the necessary resources to address them. Accordingly, the conference laser focused on analysing standard acts applied by local authorities, exploring the experience of overcoming crises in Ukraine and Poland, pinpointing efficient and inefficient crisis management practices, as well as considering the phenomenon of self-organisation of local communities, among other things.

 

The three-year joint activity under this grant funding project involves studying the ability of decision-makers at community, regional or state levels to exert social influence, legitimise authority and ensure social resilience in crisis management processes in Poland and Ukraine. The final beneficiaries of the project are local communities in the Poznan Poviat of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship (Poland) and in the Bucha District of the Kyiv Region (Ukraine).

NTU «KhPI» strengthens Dresden partnership

Scientists from the Department of Management of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Economics, Management and International Business of the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» joined the festive event on the occasion of the beginning of the academic year at the International Institute Zittau (IHI Zittau) – the main educational and scientific unit of the Technical University of Dresden in Germany. The event was traditionally held in the Bürgersaal hall of the Zittau City Hall, where new students were welcomed by the Vice-Rector of Dresden University of Technology, Professor Niels Modler, the Director of IHI Zittau, Professor Thorsten Claus, as well as numerous representatives of regional and international partner organizations of the institute.

Lecturers from NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» – Director of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Economics, Management, and International Business Taras Danko, Head of the Department of Management at the same institute, Director of the Startup Center «Spark» of NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» Nataliia Shmatko, as well as professors Oksana Makovoz and Olena Prokhorenko – gave an interactive lecture for partners and students entitled «EduPreneurs: Startups, Clusters & Quality». It was dedicated to issues of innovation in education, challenge-based learning, entrepreneurial thinking, and collaboration skills. Using their knowledge of startup ecosystems and innovative clusters, the lecturers engaged IHI Zittau students in creating and developing

ideas on how the student and academic community can become active creators of innovation in times of change. Anastasiia Akimenko, a student of the Department of Management at NTU «KhPI,» who is currently studying at IHI Zittau under the Erasmus+ academic mobility program, also joined the lively discussion.

The Department of Management of the Institute of Economics, Management, and International Business at NTU «KhPI» has been cooperating with the International Institute of Zittau at Dresden University of Technology for several years in the field of joint educational events, lectures, and training courses, and in 2025, an agreement on academic mobility under the Erasmus+ program was signed. Therefore, the current visit of representatives of NTU «KhPI» became a significant step towards the rapid development of partnership relations between Kharkiv Polytechnic and IHI Zittau.

The event resulted in a significant discussion of opportunities for further cooperation in the field of education and academic mobility, including the implementation of a double degree program in direction «International Business» at the master’s level.

The University and the Hero City

On 22 August 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» held a grand opening ceremony for the «50th Parallel» monument. This symbolic place connects Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The architectural structure is a stele on which a globe «spins», with color photographs of NTU «KhPI» buildings on glass on either side. The monument, weighing about three tons, is made of a solid block of labradorite stone and is installed near the Electrical Engineering Building of NTU «KhPI», where the 50th parallel of northern latitude passes. The festive event was attended by representatives of the rectorate, the Supervisory Board, and employees of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, as well as the leadership of Kharkiv. The event was dedicated to the Day of the Hero City of Kharkiv and the 140th anniversary of the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», which will be celebrated this autumn. 

In his welcoming speech, the rector of NTU «KhPI», Professor Yevgen Sokol, noted that the installation of the «50th Parallel» monument at the university was a landmark event dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Kharkiv Polytechnic. «This small square near our famous Electrical Engineering Building has become a symbolic place that unites the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The 50th Parallel, which connects Kharkiv and Kharkiv Polytechnic with the whole world, passes not only through our globe, but also through our hearts. We are proud of the large number of international agreements — over 200 — that enable our university to cooperate effectively at the global level. It is especially important today that online education provides a solid theoretical foundation, but there are difficulties with the practical application of knowledge. That is why we are creating new opportunities: we have signed 16 double degree agreements and 57 Erasmus+ KA1 agreements, which allow students to intern at leading European universities, combining theoretical training with practical skills. On the eve of Day of the City, we are proud of the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of Kharkiv and once again confirm that our city is global and rightfully ranks among the best cities in the world,» the Rector emphasized.

The scale and significance of this project for Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» was noted in his speech by Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov: «It is very symbolic that within the walls of such an educational institution, which embodies the city of Kharkiv — our NTU «KhPI» — a commemorative sign has appeared that will become a real landmark of the city. Today is a special day, because we have gathered on the eve of great holidays — Kharkiv City Day and Ukraine’s Independence Day. This is a time when we feel pride in our city, our university, and everyone who shapes its present and future. I sincerely hope that we will continue to celebrate such events, and I believe that next year’s celebration will be completely different — in a peaceful, calm atmosphere, without alarms and fear. I am confident that we will definitely achieve a just peace, that our city has always been and will remain a student city, and that NTU «KhPI» will remain the heart of student life. I want Kharkiv, located on the 50th parallel, to become a city of unity — of science, education, industry, production, and entrepreneurship. I want it to inspire new achievements and open new horizons for all of us. And I dream that we will celebrate the next festivities together here, near this memorial sign, in a peaceful, joyful city, with lots of students, laughter, and a festive mood. Thank you for your work, your dedication, and your love for our university. I am proud of you. And I congratulate everyone on the holiday!»

Volodymyr Semynozhenko, member of the Supervisory Board and head of the North-Eastern Scientific Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, congratulated the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute on the creation of the new monument: «Today is truly an extraordinary occasion. We are used to talking about front lines, demarcation lines, and, God willing, lines of reconciliation. But today we are talking about other lines—parallels that can only be imagined geographically. However, they are so significant because they unite and pass through different countries. And countries are not just territories; they are, first and foremost, people. Thus, these lines pass through people and through our current understanding of the world. This symbolic 50th parallel is our sign, our property, our benchmark for ensuring that in the future we will only talk about unity, about lines that bring us closer together and bring peace. Therefore, I sincerely congratulate everyone on this unique event, and let us count the days from today until the moment when everything we have said today comes true,» said Volodymyr Semynozhenko.

Speeches were also given by Volodymyr Sklyarov, Director General of the National Scientific Center «Institute of Metrology,» and Ruslan Poedinets, sculptor and author of the «50th Parallel» monument.

It should be noted that the exact location of the 50th Parallel on the territory of Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute was determined by experts from the scientific center of the state enterprise «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya.» NTU «KhPI» received the corresponding certificate in 2023.

Note:

The monument «50th Parallel» on the territory of NTU «KhPI» is made of a solid block of labradorite stone from the Korostyshiv quarry in Zhytomyr region. The stele, decorated with colour photographs on glass depicting views of Kharkiv Polytechnic, measures 900x900x900 mm. The diameter of the globe installed on the stele is 800 mm. The total weight of the architectural structure is about 3 tons. The monument was financed by the NTU «KhPI» Alumni Association.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company BAZA STONE. The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed more than 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company «BAZA STONE». The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed over 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The 50th parallel north is a line of latitude 50 degrees north of the Earth’s equator. It crosses Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. In particular, the parallel passes through Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries. At this latitude, the Sun is visible for 16 hours and 22 minutes during the summer solstice and 8 hours and 4 minutes on the day of the winter solstice. In 2023, experts from the scientific center SE «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya» determined the exact location of the 50th Parallel north. It is a site near the Electrical Engineering Building of the National Technical University «KhPI». We should note that Kharkiv is considered the largest city in the world located on the 50th Parallel. An original sign was dedicated to this phenomenon and installed in the Shevchenko City Garden in 2010.

The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» is one of the leading and largest technical higher education institutions in Ukraine, founded in 1885. Today, NTU «KhPI» consists of 10 educational and scientific institutes and 103 departments, with over 15,000 students enrolled. Kharkiv Polytechnic is among the TOP-5 best universities in Ukraine and ranks high among domestic higher education institutions in prestigious international ratings. In 2010, NTU «KhPI» received the status of a national research university. In 2022, NTU «KhPI»’s unique IT specialist training program «Innovation Campus» won the global «silver» award in the field of education.

In 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» will celebrate its 140th anniversary. It has come a long way from being the first technical higher education institution in eastern Ukraine to one of the best universities in our country and a renowned international scientific and educational center. During this time, Kharkiv Polytech has trained hundreds of thousands of specialists who have changed the country and made a significant contribution to the development of science, industry, education, culture, IT, and the defense industry.

NTU «KhPI» graduates work in leading companies around the world and teach at prestigious universities. Since Ukraine gained independence, 53 NTU «KhPI» scientists have been awarded State Prizes in Science and Technology, and 39 talented researchers from the university have become laureates of the President’s Prizes for Young Scientists. NTU «KhPI» actively implements modern educational formats, expands international cooperation, modernizes infrastructure, and participates in important research projects. The university has cooperation agreements with more than 240 higher education institutions and scientific institutions in more than 40 countries around the world and is a permanent member of prestigious international academic associations. Within the framework of the European Union’s «ERASMUS+» program, NTU «KhPI» implements 57 projects and develops 16 double degree programs with the best foreign universities.

Students meet with ASPILSAN General Manager

During the second visit of the delegation of Turkey’s ASPİLSAN Enerji Industry and Trade Inc to the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, Prof Dr Ahmet Turan Özdemir, General Manager of this high-tech company, delivered the lecture titled “Battery Technologies and Energy Solutions Shaping the Future” to students of the Faculty of Electric Power Engineering and Automatics (FEA) and the Faculty of Chemical Technology (FCT).

 

In his lecture, students learned about:

• technological trends that may prove useful for their research;

• history and evolution of ASPILSAN Enerji;

• company’s areas of operations and its wide range of products, including communication system and device batteries, robotic system batteries, aviation batteries, rail transportation and marine system batteries, energy storage systems, and other advanced solutions.

 

In the course of the visit, the university administration and Turkish partners also held a working meeting to discuss the following points:

• electric power and chemical engineering projects at the FEA and FCT;

• opportunities for conducting R&D;

• exchange of experience and the extension of cooperation with Turkish universities.

NTU «KhPI» signed a cooperation agreement

On 7 August, 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» and the Lviv Polytechnic National University in Kharkiv signed a cooperation agreement in educational, scientific, and innovative activities. The goal of cooperation between Ukraine’s leading technical higher education institutions is to develop long-term partnerships to improve the level of professional training of specialists, joint research, innovation, and academic mobility. The document was signed by the acting rector of NTU «KhPI» Vice rector for scientific and pedagogical work Ruslan Mygushchenko, and rector of Lviv Polytechnic National University Natalia Shakhovska. The agreement is valid for five years.

From NTU «KhPI», Vice-Rectors professors Ruslan Mygushchenko, Andriy Marchenko, Oleksandr Trush, Gennadiy Khrypunov, Magomediemin Gasanov, Head of the Research Department Ruslan Kryvobok, and Head of the Department of Computer Mathematics and Data Analysis Olena Akhiiezer. Lviv Polytechnic National University was represented by Rector Professor Nataliia Shakhovska and Vice-Rector for Institutional Development Professor Roman Korzh.

As noted by the participants of the event, two leading technical higher education institutions in Ukraine are interested in establishing mutually beneficial cooperation aimed at developing joint educational, scientific, and economic activities. According to the five-year agreement, cooperation between the partner universities will be based on cooperation in the field of improving the level of professional training of specialists. This involves organizing and conducting joint research, exchanging experience in the field of educational, scientific, and methodological activities, academic mobility under agreed educational programs with the possibility of graduates obtaining higher education documents from the partner HEI, as well as double degrees.

In the field of education, it is planned to develop the structure and content of educational programs, improve the forms of organization of the educational process, hold joint scientific and methodological conferences on topical issues of university education, academic mobility of higher education seekers, and improve the qualifications of teachers. In the field of scientific activity, it is planned to prepare joint research projects and participate in national and international competitions, programs, and funds, exchange scientific information, and organize international scientific conferences. In the area of innovation, joint infrastructure development, support for innovative activities at partner universities, and events aimed at expanding fundamental, exploratory, and applied research, as well as the commercial development of scientific research results, are planned.

After signing the agreement, representatives of Lviv Polytechnic National University visited the German Education Center at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute (headed by Associate Professor Denis Meshkov) and the Innovation Campus at Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute.

Note:

The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute»  is one of the leading and largest technical higher education institutions in Ukraine, founded in 1885. Today, NTU «KhPI» consists of 10 educational and scientific institutes and 103 departments, with over 15,000 students enrolled. Kharkiv Polytechnic is among the top 5 universities in Ukraine and ranks high among domestic higher education institutions in prestigious international ratings. In 2010, NTU «KhPI» acquired the status of a national research university. In 2022, the unique IT specialist training program Innovation Campus NTU «KhPI» was awarded the global «silver» in the field of education.

Lviv Polytechnic National University is the oldest technical higher education institution in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, founded in 1816. Currently, Lviv Polytechnic National University comprises 18 educational and research institutes, more than 100 departments, 11 colleges, and an academic gymnasium within the university structure. The university has over 30,000 students. Lviv Polytechnic consistently ranks high in national and international rankings.

KPI helps heroic defenders of Ukraine

About 15 military personnel and war veterans, some of them are students and graduates of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI), participated in the recovery programme implemented by the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Veteran Development Centre, the “Veterans – the Path Home” movement, and a team of the British-Ukrainian project “Hopeful Future” – the innovative peer-to-peer psychological recovery programme for veterans.

 

Over the course of three days, the group engaged in a series of activities:

• classes at a social ranch and horse riding providing psychological and emotional relief;

• open discussions with a psychologist held in a safe and supportive space;

• question-and-answer session where participants could talk about vital issues and hear from others who have had similar experiences.

 

This recovery programme was designed by Simon Edwards, a British Army veteran and internationally recognised expert in veteran rehabilitation and trauma recovery with more than 12 years of experience working with veterans in many countries. Currently, the programme is carried out in Ukraine in consideration of the grim realities of war conflicts and their repercussions.

 

It is important to note that Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute systematically supports military personnel and veterans, creating an environment for their reintegration, new opportunities, and renewed development.

 

https://hopefulfuture.com.ua/en/

The University and the Hero City

On 22 August 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» held a grand opening ceremony for the «50th Parallel» monument. This symbolic place connects Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The architectural structure is a stele on which a globe «spins», with color photographs of NTU «KhPI» buildings on glass on either side. The monument, weighing about three tons, is made of a solid block of labradorite stone and is installed near the Electrical Engineering Building of NTU «KhPI», where the 50th parallel of northern latitude passes. The festive event was attended by representatives of the rectorate, the Supervisory Board, and employees of the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute, as well as the leadership of Kharkiv. The event was dedicated to the Day of the Hero City of Kharkiv and the 140th anniversary of the NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute», which will be celebrated this autumn. 

In his welcoming speech, the rector of NTU «KhPI», Professor Yevgen Sokol, noted that the installation of the «50th Parallel» monument at the university was a landmark event dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Kharkiv Polytechnic. «This small square near our famous Electrical Engineering Building has become a symbolic place that unites the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» with cities in Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries around the world. The 50th Parallel, which connects Kharkiv and Kharkiv Polytechnic with the whole world, passes not only through our globe, but also through our hearts. We are proud of the large number of international agreements — over 200 — that enable our university to cooperate effectively at the global level. It is especially important today that online education provides a solid theoretical foundation, but there are difficulties with the practical application of knowledge. That is why we are creating new opportunities: we have signed 16 double degree agreements and 57 Erasmus+ KA1 agreements, which allow students to intern at leading European universities, combining theoretical training with practical skills. On the eve of Day of the City, we are proud of the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the development of Kharkiv and once again confirm that our city is global and rightfully ranks among the best cities in the world,» the Rector emphasized.

The scale and significance of this project for Kharkiv and NTU «KhPI» was noted in his speech by Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov: «It is very symbolic that within the walls of such an educational institution, which embodies the city of Kharkiv — our NTU «KhPI» — a commemorative sign has appeared that will become a real landmark of the city. Today is a special day, because we have gathered on the eve of great holidays — Kharkiv City Day and Ukraine’s Independence Day. This is a time when we feel pride in our city, our university, and everyone who shapes its present and future. I sincerely hope that we will continue to celebrate such events, and I believe that next year’s celebration will be completely different — in a peaceful, calm atmosphere, without alarms and fear. I am confident that we will definitely achieve a just peace, that our city has always been and will remain a student city, and that NTU «KhPI» will remain the heart of student life. I want Kharkiv, located on the 50th parallel, to become a city of unity — of science, education, industry, production, and entrepreneurship. I want it to inspire new achievements and open new horizons for all of us. And I dream that we will celebrate the next festivities together here, near this memorial sign, in a peaceful, joyful city, with lots of students, laughter, and a festive mood. Thank you for your work, your dedication, and your love for our university. I am proud of you. And I congratulate everyone on the holiday!»

Volodymyr Semynozhenko, member of the Supervisory Board and head of the North-Eastern Scientific Center of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, congratulated the Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute on the creation of the new monument: «Today is truly an extraordinary occasion. We are used to talking about front lines, demarcation lines, and, God willing, lines of reconciliation. But today we are talking about other lines—parallels that can only be imagined geographically. However, they are so significant because they unite and pass through different countries. And countries are not just territories; they are, first and foremost, people. Thus, these lines pass through people and through our current understanding of the world. This symbolic 50th parallel is our sign, our property, our benchmark for ensuring that in the future we will only talk about unity, about lines that bring us closer together and bring peace. Therefore, I sincerely congratulate everyone on this unique event, and let us count the days from today until the moment when everything we have said today comes true,» said Volodymyr Semynozhenko.

Speeches were also given by Volodymyr Sklyarov, Director General of the National Scientific Center «Institute of Metrology,» and Ruslan Poedinets, sculptor and author of the «50th Parallel» monument.

It should be noted that the exact location of the 50th Parallel on the territory of Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute was determined by experts from the scientific center of the state enterprise «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya.» NTU «KhPI» received the corresponding certificate in 2023.

Note:

The monument «50th Parallel» on the territory of NTU «KhPI» is made of a solid block of labradorite stone from the Korostyshiv quarry in Zhytomyr region. The stele, decorated with colour photographs on glass depicting views of Kharkiv Polytechnic, measures 900x900x900 mm. The diameter of the globe installed on the stele is 800 mm. The total weight of the architectural structure is about 3 tons. The monument was financed by the NTU «KhPI» Alumni Association.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company BAZA STONE. The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed more than 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The architect of the memorial sign is Ruslan Poedinets, a native of Kharkiv and founder of the company «BAZA STONE». The company that implemented this project has more than ten years of experience in stone processing. It has completed over 100 successful projects of varying complexity in Kharkiv and other locations.

The 50th parallel north is a line of latitude 50 degrees north of the Earth’s equator. It crosses Europe, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. In particular, the parallel passes through Ukraine, Canada, Great Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Poland, Kazakhstan, and many other countries. At this latitude, the Sun is visible for 16 hours and 22 minutes during the summer solstice and 8 hours and 4 minutes on the day of the winter solstice. In 2023, experts from the scientific center SE «Kharkivstandartmetrologiya» determined the exact location of the 50th Parallel north. It is a site near the Electrical Engineering Building of the National Technical University «KhPI». We should note that Kharkiv is considered the largest city in the world located on the 50th Parallel. An original sign was dedicated to this phenomenon and installed in the Shevchenko City Garden in 2010.

The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» is one of the leading and largest technical higher education institutions in Ukraine, founded in 1885. Today, NTU «KhPI» consists of 10 educational and scientific institutes and 103 departments, with over 15,000 students enrolled. Kharkiv Polytechnic is among the TOP-5 best universities in Ukraine and ranks high among domestic higher education institutions in prestigious international ratings. In 2010, NTU «KhPI» received the status of a national research university. In 2022, NTU «KhPI»’s unique IT specialist training program «Innovation Campus» won the global «silver» award in the field of education.

In 2025, the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» will celebrate its 140th anniversary. It has come a long way from being the first technical higher education institution in eastern Ukraine to one of the best universities in our country and a renowned international scientific and educational center. During this time, Kharkiv Polytech has trained hundreds of thousands of specialists who have changed the country and made a significant contribution to the development of science, industry, education, culture, IT, and the defense industry.

NTU «KhPI» graduates work in leading companies around the world and teach at prestigious universities. Since Ukraine gained independence, 53 NTU «KhPI» scientists have been awarded State Prizes in Science and Technology, and 39 talented researchers from the university have become laureates of the President’s Prizes for Young Scientists. NTU «KhPI» actively implements modern educational formats, expands international cooperation, modernizes infrastructure, and participates in important research projects. The university has cooperation agreements with more than 240 higher education institutions and scientific institutions in more than 40 countries around the world and is a permanent member of prestigious international academic associations. Within the framework of the European Union’s «ERASMUS+» program, NTU «KhPI» implements 57 projects and develops 16 double degree programs with the best foreign universities.

KPI talents among winners of AI competition

Every year, the International Student Research Competition in Artificial Intelligence brings together young researchers who come up with innovative solutions and new ideas while exploring the latest trends in artificial intelligence, ranging from computer vision to natural language processing.

 

Among 15 projects that reached the finals this year, three winners came from the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI).

 

Danil Brovko, a Kyiv Polytechnic student at the Institute for Applied System Analysis (IASA), took first place and received a cash certificate in the amount of 30,000 Ukrainian hryvnias from the general sponsor of the competition, Credit Agricole Bank, for his project “SpectralCA: Bi-Direction Cross-Attention for Next-Generation UAV Hyperspectral Vision”.

 

Svitlana Mykhailenko at the Faculty of Biomedical Engineering earned third place for the project “Identification of predictors of post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis based on the parameters of BOLD signal connectivity models of brain structures.” Another sponsor, the DataArt AI software development company, presented gifts to her.

 

IASA student Artem Golovachov also won third place for the project “Aircraft Trajectory Generation Method Based on Visual Transformer,” receiving gifts from DataArt.

 

Congratulations to the winners from Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, with best wishes for their new successes and for many more inspiring projects.

 

Special thanks are due to the sponsors – Credit Agricole, DataArt, EvoLogics GmbH, the SoftServe software development and consulting company, the Solidgate payment processing and orchestration platform, and the Unicorn company – as well as to the competition’s partner, Sikorsky Challenge Innovation Ecosystem, for supporting innovation and student research.

StartUP School at NTU «KhPI»

The National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» hosted the grand opening of the second offline StartUP school for school and college students. The initiative aims to unite young people in the context of martial law, motivate them to create innovative projects, and develop entrepreneurial skills in an environment of like-minded people. Over the course of two months, participants will have the opportunity to master teamwork and startup creation skills with the support of experienced university mentors. They will also attend workshops led by Ukrainian and international experts. The training program includes presentations of ideas to an expert jury and consultations with leading industry specialists. The event was attended by NTU «KhPI» vice-rectors Ruslan Mygushchenko and Andrii Marchenko, heads of the Research Department and Startup Center, and representatives of the city authorities. The event, which brought together over 100 people, took place on    15 November, 2025, in offline and online formats.

The opening of the StartUP school took place at NTU «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute» and brought together over a hundred schoolchildren, college students, their parents, teachers, and representatives of the city administration. For two months, under the guidance of   NTU «KhPI» specialists, teams will work on innovative ideas and bring their own projects to life. Mentoring support will be provided by 16 experts—leading teachers and scientists from NTU «KhPI». The platform will become an environment for creating initiatives focused on technological development and rebuilding the state. Participants will enjoy tours of the university campus, interactive games with Blazepod sports equipment, and other interesting activities. Finalists will be awarded prizes and diplomas.

The Vice-Rector for Scientific Work at NTU «KhPI,» Professor Andrii Marchenko, addressed the audience with a welcoming speech. He emphasized the importance of entrepreneurial initiative among young people and wished them courage in implementing their ideas. «Your creativity and desire for innovation are what our country needs right now. StartUP School gives you a unique chance to turn your ideas into real projects that can change the future,» said Andrii Marchenko. Vice-Rector for Scientific and Pedagogical Work Professor Ruslan Mygushchenko emphasized that Kharkiv Polytech creates all the conditions for the development of young talent. «Don’t be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and try again. This is how true innovation is born. Our mentors are ready to support you at every stage,» he said to the audience.

Professor Ruslan Kryvobok, Head of the Research Department at NTU «KhPI,» spoke about the university’s research infrastructure capabilities for implementing startup projects. Director of the startup center «Spark» and Head of the Management Department, Professor Nataliia Shmatko, presented details of the training program and shared her experience of implementing successful startups at Kharkiv Polytechnic. Valery Shepel, Deputy Director of the Education Department of the Kharkiv City Council, noted the courage and determination of young people who, despite difficult circumstances, are developing and building their future. «You are an example of resilience and faith in victory. We are proud of your desire for knowledge and innovation,» he emphasized.

A special feature of this year’s event has become the participation of first-year students who study on a budget at NTU «KhPI.» They already have experience in creating startups in the first StartUP school and are now actively involved in the university’s startup movement, which demonstrates the effectiveness and attractiveness of the project for young people. The event was supported by partners – the insurance company Vuso and the pizzeria «Bella Mozzarella,» which are interested in the development of youth entrepreneurship and the innovative potential of the Kharkiv region. The festive atmosphere of the solemn event was helped to create by the creative teams of the Student Palace of the Kharkiv Polytechnic.

Note:

The NTU «KhPI» StartUP School was created for schoolchildren and college students aged 14–18. Classes will be held offline at the NTU «KhPI» shelter for two months (in November and December 2025) every Saturday and Sunday. Participation is free of charge. The project finale will take place on December 20, and the closing ceremony on December 21. The program includes teamwork on individual projects, the creation and presentation of startups to a jury, workshops led by leading Ukrainian and international experts, interactive activities, communication, and a variety of interesting learning formats. The project was launched in 2024 and was a great success. The project is organized by the Startup Center «SPARK» at the National Technical University «Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute.»