Unlocking the transformative potential of Ukrainian universities as catalysts and accelerators of systemic change in cities toward sustainable development and climate neutrality is underway! 

On 26-27 June 2024, the «Sikorsky Challenge», a competition for innovative projects, was held with the support of the Kyiv City State Administration, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute, and the «Sikorsky Challenge» Innovation Holding. This event was an important element of the acceleration programme to identify and implement innovative solutions that help cities solve problems caused by hostile shelling and infrastructure destruction. As well as finding energy-efficient solutions based on the Build Back Better principle.

The selection process involved more than 40 applications, of which two projects presented by the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute team reached the final, namely «KPI Energy Monitor» (energy management and remote control system) and «Digital Twin Based Smart Energy System» (intelligent control system for heat-generating equipment). 

It is worth noting that the Research and Training Centre for Energy Decarbonisation, which was established as part of the UniCities project, played a key role in preparing Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute teams for the «Sustainable City» competition.

The «KPI Energy Monitor» project won third place in the competition. The jury noted that the project was effective and promising. Testing by the Energy Management Service of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute confirmed the project’s importance and innovation.

Special thanks were expressed to the development team: Oleksandr Stepants, Volodymyr Voloshchuk, Olena Shevchenko, and Inna Bilous, as well as the organisers of the «Sikorsky Challenge» and the Kyiv City State Administration.

The UniCities project team emphasises the importance of structural innovation, as well as the process of cooperation between universities and cities as innovation intermediaries for multi-stakeholder ecosystems, which already contribute to development, distributed learning, and leadership. 

The success of the projects of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute teams in the «Sustainable City» competition demonstrates that Ukrainian universities can be leaders in innovation and change cities for the better. The UniCities project inspires and motivates all participants to new achievements, demonstrating that together, through joint efforts and a focus on innovation, it is possible to create a sustainable and successful future for our cities and communities.