EIT Red Kalyna 2024 Awards

For the second year in a row, the EIT Red Kalyna Awards were given to ten Ukrainian role models — innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs — who have demonstrated that building an innovation ecosystem is possible even in the most challenging circumstances.

This year’s ceremony, which took place in Budapest during „The Next Decade of Innovations for the Future of Europe” on 28 November 2024,  was a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of Ukrainian innovators, bringing together leaders from across sectors to honour the individuals and organisations who are pushing boundaries and sparking change.

The response to the EIT Red Kalyna 2024 nominations significantly increased compared to 2023. This year, the awards received more than twice the number of applications compared to the inaugural edition, reflecting the growing visibility and value of the initiative, as well as the expansion of its community. The selection process was no easy feat, with so many inspiring stories and accomplishments to consider. It was an exciting and challenging task to choose from such an impressive pool of talent.

Celebrating the Nominees

Among this year’s awardees were a group of women whose leadership and impact are undeniable:

  • Anna Believantseva – Co-founder & COO, Esper Bionics, Anna leads groundbreaking advancements in human augmentation. Through her work, she is redefining prosthetics technology and establishing Ukraine as a global leader in healthcare solutions.
  • Daria Leshchenko – CEO, Managing Partner, SupportYourApp. Daria is redefining customer support services globally, helping Ukrainian companies enhance their competitiveness and reputation in international markets.
  • Daria Yaniieva, PhD – Investment Director, Sigma Software Labs. Daria is fostering a thriving ecosystem for start-ups and innovation, channelling critical resources to promising ventures that strengthen Ukraine’s tech landscape.
  •  Ievgeniia Bespalova – Head of Ecosystem UNIT.City, Honorary IT Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Ievgeniia has been instrumental in developing the Ukrainian tech ecosystem, fostering innovation and enabling start-ups to flourish and connect with global opportunities.
  • Kateryna Bezsudna – Co-founder & CEO, Defence Builder. Kateryna addresses critical defence challenges through innovation, contributing to Ukraine’s resilience and security in a time of need.
  •  Kateryna Doroshevska – Founder & CEO, BECOME PR Agency, and UA Business Global. Kateryna leverages strategic communications to elevate Ukrainian brands and entrepreneurs on the global stage, strengthening the country’s economic and cultural presence.
  • Nina Levchuk – Co-founder & Managing Director, Impact Force; EMEA CSS Cluster Lead, Google. Nina drives initiatives that empower women and innovators in Ukraine, bridging gaps and fostering inclusivity in the tech industry.
  • Oksana Sedashova – International Creativity Ambassador in Ukraine; Associate Professor, Business School “KROK”. Oksana inspires the next generation of creative and entrepreneurial minds, contributing to a more dynamic and innovative workforce.
  • Olga Shapoval – Executive Director, Kharkiv IT Cluster. Olga plays a pivotal role in uniting tech companies to advance Ukraine’s IT industry, fostering collaboration, growth, and resilience within the sector.
  • Yulia Koinak – CEO & Co-founder, VITA325.  Yulia leads efforts to develop sustainable and innovative healthcare solutions, showcasing how Ukrainian entrepreneurship can improve global healthcare outcomes and redefine rehabilitation processes for people with prosthetics.

Acknowledging Organizational Impact

In addition to the individual awards, two organizations were also recognized for their contributions to Ukraine’s growth:

  • NGO “Rivne-Tacmed”, a vital force in healthcare innovation. A driving force in healthcare innovation, this organization is dedicated to improving medical practices and systems in Ukraine. Their initiatives focus on advancing tactical medicine and emergency response, addressing critical healthcare challenges, and saving lives. Their impact is particularly vital in the current context, where innovative solutions in medical training and equipment have a direct effect on community resilience and well-being.
  • International Organization of Women in Ukraine – MOZHU, empowering women across various fields. This organization plays a transformative role in empowering women across diverse sectors, fostering leadership, and promoting gender equality. Through mentorship, networking, and capacity-building programs, MOZHU is helping women unlock their full potential and contribute to various fields, including technology, business, and the arts. Their efforts enhance inclusivity and create a more equitable and dynamic Ukrainian innovation ecosystem.

Honoring Leadership in Transformation

Two figures stood out for their leadership in shaping Ukraine’s innovation and digital future:

  • Natalia Denikeieva, Director of the IT Industry Development Directorate, Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine. Natalia plays a key role in shaping the nation’s IT sector. Her work focuses on fostering growth, innovation, and collaboration within the tech industry, ensuring Ukraine remains competitive on the global stage. By driving strategic initiatives, she helps create opportunities for startups, enterprises, and professionals, significantly contributing to the country’s digital transformation journey.
  • Kateryna Chernohorenko, Deputy Minister of Defense of Ukraine for Digital Development, Digital Transformation, and Digitalization. Kateryna is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies into Ukraine’s defence sector. Her efforts enhance operational efficiency, modernize military capabilities, and strengthen national security through innovative solutions. Her leadership highlights the critical intersection of digital innovation and defence, demonstrating the transformative power of technology in addressing contemporary challenges.

Their efforts are key in driving forward Ukraine’s digital evolution and positioning the country as a growing hub of technological innovation.

The success of the EIT Red Kalyna 2024 Awards would not have been possible without the support of several key partners: Enterprise Europe Network UkraineEmerging EuropeCOSTEUIPOTECHUKRAINESET UniversityŁukasiewicz  Research Network and the entire EIT Community. Their continued collaboration is essential to driving innovation across the region.

A special mention goes to the EIT Community RIS Hub Ukraine, which played an instrumental role in making the EIT Red Kalyna Initiative recognised in Ukraine. 

The EIT Red Kalyna Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organisations who are redefining what it means to lead in innovation. These awardees represent not just the best of Ukraine, but a new generation of thinkers and doers whose work will leave a lasting imprint on the world.

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