Tag: Ukraine

A delegation of the international organisation PCM & MAT Kosovo (Republic of Malta) visited the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.

 

During the visit, discussions focused on prospects for establishing the international training centre of mine safety and humanitarian mine action at Kyiv Polytechnic. The centre will train specialists in the detection and disposal of explosive ordnance, humanitarian improvised explosive device clearance, and risk management in war-affected areas.

 

Cooperation between Praedium Consulting Malta & MAT Kosovo and Kyiv Polytechnic will encompass educational programmes for students, as well as training courses designed for representatives of organisations involved in coordinating mine action programmes.

 

The guests were introduced to the educational and scientific progress of Kyiv Polytechnic in this field. Currently, the university is training future specialists at its Institute of Energy Saving and Energy Management, whilst practical and research components are being enhanced by the Educational and Scientific Centre for Innovative Technologies in Humanitarian Demining. In addition, Kyiv Polytechnic is collaborating with government agencies, relevant associations, and international partners to extend its expertise in humanitarian mine action in Ukraine.

 

Participants in the meeting considered ways of combining MAT Kosovo’s international experience with the educational and scientific potential of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute in order to carry out joint projects.

 

It is worth noting too that MAT Kosovo delivers all training in accordance and compliance with International Mine/Action Standards (IMAS). Its training courses are externally accredited by Open College Networks (OCN) for the provision of training and educational standards of excellence. Those trained to its IMAS Compliant course standards can be certified and become a card-carrying member of the Institute of Munitions Clearance and Search Engineers (IMCSE).

The Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) has inaugurated the latest 3D scanning and parts post-processing/cleaning equipment, which is currently unique in Ukraine, and put it into operation.

 

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by Luboš Veselý, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Ukraine, and representatives of 3Dees Industries, a company that has been dedicated to cutting-edge 3D printing and additive manufacturing technologies since 2014.

 

Prior to the inauguration, 30 students and staff members from four Kyiv Polytechnic’s faculties underwent training provided by 3Dees Industries experts. Their training covered key aspects of modern additive manufacturing and the post-processing of 3D-printed products – from 3D scanning and digitisation of parts to materials handling and streamlining manufacturing.

 

On completion of the training, the participants have been issued with international certificates and are now prepared to apply the acquired knowledge in research, the educational process and viable engineering projects.

 

Conceived by the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Institute of Mechanical Engineering and the Sikorsky Challenge Science Park of Additive Technologies, the project has been carried out as part of the initiative “Expanding the additive manufacturing centre by equipment for digitising and post-processing of printed parts”.

 

The list of equipment includes:

·        3D scanner GOM Scan 1 with a set of accessories for digitising parts and quality control;

·        DyeMansion DM60 machine designed for dyeing polymer parts produced on 3D printers;

·        DyeMansion Powerfuse S large capacity device for the chemical smoothing of polymer parts.

 

Such technologies significantly expand the capacities of digital manufacturing, engineering research and the training of highly qualified specialists.

 

The project is supported by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Ukraine and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic through the CzechAid agency within the framework of the assistance programme to Ukraine. Specifically, the equipment is being supplied under the Humanitarian, Stabilisation, Reconstruction and Economic Assistance Programme to Ukraine in 2023–2025, funded by the Government of the Czech Republic.

Recently, a meeting with Prof Charles Cockell (pictured second left), a leading British scientist in the sphere of astrobiology and planetary sciences, was held at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. His visit was arranged under the auspices of the Fund of the President of Ukraine for Education, Science, and Sports within the framework of the UK–UA Visiting Professors Programme.

 

Charles Cockell is professor of astrobiology in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh and co-director of the UK Centre for Astrobiology. His research group is interested in astrobiology and microbiology.

 

It is no casual interest in collaboration with Kyiv Polytechnic. The university is the only higher education institution in Ukraine with its own space programme, developing multifunctional spacecraft and boasting a good track record in projects carried out in conjunction with the State Space Agency of Ukraine.

 

During the meeting, its participants identified common scientific interests and the potential areas of cooperation, including:

·        research into fungal cultures for waste processing and food production on space missions and at orbital stations;

·        exploration of the radioprotective properties of fungi under conditions of space radiation;

·        research into the effect of microgravitation on human cells, using the Kyiv Polytechnic CubeSat platform;

·        development of academic mobility and exchanges within master’s degree programmes in astrobiology and biomedical engineering;

·        preparation of joint international projects under the Horizon Europe programme.

 

Kyiv Polytechnic researchers presented a number of their own technological developments to the British colleague, including the 12U CubeSat platform, the results of research into biocompatible materials and the radioprotective properties of fungal cultures, as well as projects to create mycelium-based materials, which are seen as promising structural solutions for future space missions.

 

This meeting marked an important step forward in the development of international scientific cooperation, opening up new opportunities for joint research at the intersection of space technology, astrobiology and biomedical engineering.

Collaboration between the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) and École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées (ENSTA ParisTech), the foremost French engineering institution, has been developing for over a decade. At present, this partnership is reaching a new level through the support of the EU-funded Programme Erasmus+ KA171 and Agence Erasmus+ France / Éducation Formation.

In spite of the sinister Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Kyiv Polytechnic’s international academic cooperation is progressing well, opening up new opportunities for students, lecturers and researchers alike.

Since 2023, ENSTA ParisTech has welcomed more than 10 KPI students, as well as lecturers in applied mathematics and computer science and representatives of the university administration, for studies, internships, and academic exchanges.

The results of this partnership include the preparation of joint applications for funds from international grant funding programmes; the appointment of Antoine Manzanera, professor at ENSTA ParisTech, to the editorial board of the KPI Science News journal; the exchange of the experience to adapt educational programmes and integrate Ukrainian students into double degree programmes in France; and the delivery of the Advanced Multimedia module, as in-person sessions, to ENSTA ParisTech students by KPI Associate Professor Yevheniia Sulema.

For Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, this partnership forms part of methodical work aimed at integrating Ukrainian engineering education and science into the European Education Area, as well as at developing joint educational and research initiatives.

Artificial intelligence, the digitalisation of the country, and the role of youth in creating Ukraine’s digital future were brought into focus as students of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) participated in the dialogue themed “AI: Ukraine 2.0 and Generation Building It,” joining experts and specialists who drive Ukraine’s digital transformation.

 

Among participants in the meeting were Oleksandr Bornyakov, Acting Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine; Natalia Denikeieva, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation; Oleksandr Marikovski, Member of Ukraine’s Parliament, Chair of the Subcommittee on Regional Economic Cooperation and Trade at the parliamentary committee on economic development; and Serhii Stirenko, Kyiv Polytechnic Vice-Rector for Research.

 

Key topics under discussion included current developments in artificial intelligence and the digital nation. Participants reflected on the evolution of Ukraine’s digital transformation — from the concept of a “nation in a smartphone” and services through the Ukrainian app called Diia, meaning “action”, to an “Agentic State” offering proactive services based on AI agents designed to execute complex tasks autonomously or with little human involvement.

 

The dialogue also featured digital reforms, open data and a new stage in the development of public services; the development of defence technologies through the online tech cluster called Brave1, and opportunities for government support for Ukrainian designers, startups, and innovation ecosystems.

 

Special attention was paid to the impact of artificial intelligence on education: personalised learning trajectories, the gamification of teaching, and the integration of AI into various professional fields ranging from HR to jurisprudence.

 

Today, Ukraine is one of the countries setting the pace for digital transformation. Currently, the students of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute are becoming part of the generation that is building its digital future.

 

Watch a video for more information about the event here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyFSNBa6nlk

Representatives of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute and the “Reforming the District Heating Sector of Ukraine” (ReWarm) project have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at finding solutions for the modernisation of district heating systems. It is important to note that this project contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy) and SDG 13 (Climate action).

 

The signing took place during the conference “District Heating in Ukraine and EU,” which brought together representatives of international organisations, relevant ministries, municipalities, utility companies, equipment manufacturers, and scientists.

 

Under the MoU, experts of the Centre for Energy Decarbonisation, the research arm of the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Energy Innovation Hub, will be involved in advising communities on climate-friendly municipal energy plans, developing solutions for sustainable energy supply, and updating educational programmes. The partnership will also provide for academic exchanges and the establishment of  the ReWarm digital library to facilitate knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the dissemination of best practices among stakeholders.

 

At present, the university has technological developments in this area. In particular, Professor Volodymyr Voloshchuk, Head of the Kyiv Polytechnic’s Department of Energy Processes Automation, presented research on enhancing the efficiency of heat pump systems for the decarbonisation of the sector.

 

The event was supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety; the International Climate Initiative, one of the key instruments of the German Federal Government to support international climate action and biodiversity; Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Germany’s service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education work; the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine; Dixi Group, Ukraine’s think tank specialising in energy and climate; and DTESS.

 

Combined with international experience, the scientific expertise of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute will be leveraged to develop efficient solutions for the smooth operation of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

Recently, the Kick-off GreenChem Accelerator 2026 has commenced at the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI), bringing together 11 teams of innovators, 30 mentors and international experts, and new solutions in the field of green engineering.

 

The project is carried out by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation and the Centre for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale University, supported by the Global Environment Facility. The Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production Centre acts as the national executor of this project, whilst the Sikorsky Challenge Ukraine Innovation Ecosystem serves as a partner in scaling up innovation in Ukraine.

 

The project is intended to develop solutions in the fields of green chemistry and sustainable manufacturing.

 

Over the course of 12 weeks, participants are expected to attend training sessions, lectures and workshops conducted by Ukrainian and international experts in entrepreneurship, green chemistry, innovation and startup development. In addition, the format of the Accelerator includes face-to-face consultations to help develop business models and assess market potential, as well as opportunities to receive microgrants to test technologies and develop prototypes. Participants will also visit companies and establish direct contacts with industrial partners to pilot solutions. At the same time, the Accelerator offers support to researchers and students seeking to transform early-stage technological developments into fast-growing, commercially successful startups.

 

It is important to note that two Kyiv Polytechnic teams are among the finalists of a competition within the framework of the project – representatives of the Institute of Energy Saving and Energy Management and the Faculty of Automation, Industrial Engineering and Ecology.

 

The project will culminate in a Demo Day, where teams will showcase the results of their work to potential investors. The final will empower winners to present their best projects internationally under the auspices of Yale and they will automatically qualify for the forthcoming 2026 Sikorsky Challenge International Festival of Innovation Projects.