An accelerator program to support innovations in humanitarian demining has been launched. The program is being implemented at the initiative of the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine in cooperation with the Kyiv School of Economics. As part of the initiative, startups in the field of humanitarian demining will receive various support, which should result in the implementation of new modern solutions in certified products and technologies.
"The scale of the problem Ukraine is facing is unprecedented. About a third of the country's territory is considered potentially contaminated with explosive ordnance. Nevertheless, we have an ambitious goal to return up to 80% of these lands to economic use over the next 10 years. The introduction and application of modern technologies will help us achieve this goal. We support domestic production of demining machinery and equipment, as well as the development of innovations in this area. I believe that the technologies developed in Ukraine will not only help to clear the territory of our country faster, but will also become an export product in the future," said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
The accelerator program to support innovations in humanitarian demining includes, in particular
"KSE is opening an acceleration program for companies in the demining sector. Participants will learn entrepreneurship, test their projects at training grounds, and will have a chance to attract investment for their development if their ideas and companies are of high quality. Demining is a key priority because there are explosive ordnance all over the territory of Ukraine that has been affected by the fighting. We want to significantly accelerate the demining process so that it does not take 20 years, as projected. This will be done through acceleration programs, technology development, and the involvement of people and entrepreneurs. Ideally, we need to reach a level where robots, not people, will work in areas with a high risk of explosions. The development of a high-tech society will determine Ukraine's recovery," said Tymofiy Mylovanov, President of the Kyiv School of Economics.
The program participants will have an opportunity to create an individual roadmap with mentors and experts, receive support in developing a business model and a business development plan from an idea or prototype to a certified product or technology.
Details are at the Ministry of Economy's website.