Today the acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine Serhii Shkarlet took part in a panel discussion "Development of the Ukrainian network of startup schools "Sikorsky Challenge" and creation of innovation clusters" within the IX Festival of Innovation Projects Sikorsky Challenge 2020, which takes place online through November 3 - 13 on the basis of the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute".

"It is promising that since 2012 there has been observed a significant increase in the number and volume of investments in startups represented within the Sikorsky Challenge. People believe that they can realize their achievements thanks to such initiatives. This year, almost 200 startups submitted documents to participate in the competition, of which 56 have been selected for the finals and will have a chance to receive funding," said the acting Minister of Education and Science.

Serhii Shkarlet stressed that apart from introducing such startups, the KPI also spreads the Sikorsky Challenge among the regions. According to him, the current network of startup schools is strong and consists of 14 institutions of higher education. HEI (higher education institutions) play an important role in the realization of scientific results to ensure the development of the state’s economy. Apart from accumulating processes, they also share experiences with other educational institutions.

According to the results of the Sikorsky Challenge 2020, the winners will be chosen in the following nominations:

• The best project idea;
• The best technological solution;
• The best solution to the problems of potential customers;
• The best business model.

For the first time in the history of the event, performances, evaluation and determination of winners will take place in an asynchronous online regime. The international jury will evaluate not the "live" performances, but the video presentations of the finalists.

The most promising participants will be assisted in commercialization, creation of successful startup companies and promoting of innovative products at the national and international markets.