The government adopted a resolution on the introduction of a pilot project to create a network of startup schools – incubators – accelerators based on higher education institutions and scientific institutions. The project will strengthen cooperation between universities and research institutions with business and will help increase the share of knowledge-intensive startups and innovative products in Ukraine in key areas. As part of the pilot project, it is planned to create six startup schools – incubators – accelerators. For this purpose, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine will conduct a competitive selection among educational institutions and scientific institutions.
The main criteria for competitive selection for institutions of higher education and scientific institutions:
- commercial effectiveness of scientific, scientific and technical projects;
- the presence of innovative infrastructure on the basis of an institution of higher education, a scientific institution;
- experience of cooperation with the private sector;
- potential for the development of an ecosystem of higher education startups and scientific institutions, taking into account priority government needs.
The competitive selection and start of the project is scheduled for early summer 2024.
A network of startup schools – incubators and accelerators will help in testing scientific projects, finding and attracting investors, and providing financial support at the initial stage of startup development. In the future, it is planned to involve as many universities and scientific institutions throughout Ukraine as possible in the project.
Creating a powerful startup ecosystem among Western Military Districts and scientific institutions will strengthen the country’s economic potential and allow students and scientists to develop startups.