More than 60 representatives of universities, businesses, innovation support organisations, and student communities gathered in Rivne and Ternopil on 12 June to explore how Ukrainian innovators can engage with Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem through the EIT Community.
Organised by EIT Community Hub Ukraine, the two-city Info Day tour brought together researchers, university leadership, international offices, startup ecosystem representatives, entrepreneurs, and students to discuss opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, education, and international cooperation.
Hosted by the National University of Water and Environmental Engineering (NUWEE) in Rivne and the West Ukrainian National University (WUNU) in Ternopil, the events attracted a total of 66 participants and highlighted the growing demand for European innovation opportunities across Ukraine’s regions.
Regional Innovation Ecosystems Looking Beyond Borders
The events demonstrated the increasing ambition of regional universities and innovation actors to strengthen their international engagement and become active participants in European innovation networks.
In Rivne, participants included representatives of NUWEE’s leadership, the Innovation and Grant Centre, the International Office, researchers from the fields of transport technologies, automation and robotics, environmental sciences, and digital technologies, as well as representatives of Rivne IT Cluster, Pohoryna Foundation, Beezi AI, and local businesses.
In Ternopil, the discussions brought together faculty members, researchers, and students from finance, economic cybernetics, information technologies, and entrepreneurship-related disciplines, alongside representatives of local companies and innovation organisations.
The diversity of participants reflected a common interest: finding practical pathways to transform research, talent, and entrepreneurial ideas into internationally connected innovation projects.
Exploring Opportunities Across the EIT Community
During the sessions, participants were introduced to opportunities available through the EIT Community and its Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs), covering sectors such as sustainable urban mobility, food systems, climate action, energy transition, health innovation, digital technologies, raw materials, and culture and creativity.
The discussions focused on how Ukrainian startups, researchers, students, and universities can engage with EIT ecosystems to access international partnerships, entrepreneurial education, innovation projects, startup support programmes, and European networks.
Particular interest was shown in opportunities connected to EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Food, EIT InnoEnergy, EIT Health, Climate-KIC, EIT RawMaterials, and EIT Culture & Creativity, reflecting the diverse expertise represented across both universities and regional innovation communities.
Participants also learned about IT Arena 2026, Ukraine’s leading technology conference, and its role as a platform for connecting startups, investors, corporations, and innovation leaders from across Europe and beyond.
Building Innovation Capacity Through International Cooperation
Beyond presenting opportunities, the Info Days served as a platform for dialogue on the future of regional innovation ecosystems.
Discussions highlighted a growing interest among universities in strengthening innovation capacity, commercialising research, developing entrepreneurial skills among students, and participating in international consortia. Startup founders and business representatives explored ways to access European markets, attract partners, and scale innovative solutions through international collaboration.
“One of the strongest messages from both events was that innovation potential exists far beyond the largest cities. We met researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and university leaders who are actively looking for international partnerships and opportunities to bring their ideas to the European level. The role of EIT Community Hub Ukraine is to help make those connections happen.” — Diana Bobrivets, Project Manager, EIT Community Hub Ukraine
According to participants, access to practical information about European innovation opportunities and direct dialogue with EIT Community representatives is becoming increasingly important as Ukrainian organisations seek new avenues for growth and international cooperation.
“Regional universities play a crucial role in developing innovation ecosystems. Events like these help connect local talent and expertise with European networks, creating opportunities that can have a long-term impact on education, research, and entrepreneurship.” — Ilona Mamchur, Chief People Officer, EIT Community Hub Ukraine
Strengthening Ukraine’s Connection to the European Innovation Ecosystem
The Rivne and Ternopil Info Days are part of EIT Community Hub Ukraine‘s broader efforts to increase awareness of EIT opportunities and support the integration of Ukrainian innovators into European innovation networks.
By engaging directly with regional stakeholders, the Hub continues to foster new partnerships, encourage participation in international initiatives, and help build stronger connections between academia, business, and innovation communities across Ukraine.
As interest in European collaboration continues to grow, the events highlighted both the potential and the ambition of regional ecosystems to contribute to Ukraine’s innovation-driven future.
