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.»