The acceleration programme to support innovations in humanitarian demining has been launched. The programme is implemented through the initiative of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine in collaboration with the Kyiv School of Economics. As part of the initiative, startups in the demining field will receive diverse support, aiming to translate new modern solutions into certified products and technologies.
"The scale of the problem Ukraine faces is unprecedented. Approximately one-third of the country's territory is considered potentially contaminated with explosive objects. Nevertheless, we have an ambitious goal—to return 80% of these lands to economic use within the next 10 years. Achieving this task will be facilitated by the implementation and application of modern technologies. We support domestic production of demining equipment and the development of innovations in this field. I am convinced that technologies developed in Ukraine will not only help clean our country's territory faster but will also become an export commodity in the future," noted the First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko.
The acceleration programme for innovation in humanitarian demining includes:
- Entrepreneurship training courses.
- Mentorship support from industry experts.
- Real testing of technologies in the field.
- Peer-to-peer interaction and support.
"KSE launches an acceleration programme for companies in the demining sector. Participants will learn entrepreneurship, test their projects in testing grounds, and, if the ideas and companies meet the required standards, attract investments for their development. Demining is a top priority because explosive objects are present across Ukraine's entire territory affected by armed conflict. We aim to significantly expedite the demining process, ensuring it does not take the predicted 20 years. Through such acceleration programmes, technological development, and the engagement of people and entrepreneurs, we aspire to reach a point where robots, not humans, work in high-risk explosive areas. The development of a high-tech society will define Ukraine's recovery," noted Timofiy Mylovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics.
Participants in the programme will have the opportunity to create an individual roadmap with the guidance of mentors and experts, receive support in developing a business model, and create a business development plan from idea or prototype to a certified product or technology.
Registration for participation in the programme is available at the following link.