On 29 October 2025, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design hosted a meeting of the Council of the Educational Investment and Technology Cluster of Light Industry in Kyiv. The event was an important milestone in the development of partnerships between the University, industrial enterprises and businesses united by a common goal – strengthening the economic potential of the state and supporting Ukraine’s defence capabilities.

Representatives of leading light industry enterprises participated in the Council’s work: Deputy Chairman of the Cluster Council, Director of LLC “RA.DA” Andrii PROKHOROVSKYI, Director of LLC “SCIENTIFIC AND PRODUCTION COMPANY “HYDROSTIL” Oleh PIVOVAR, Deputy Director of LLC “TK-FURNITURA” Liudmyla BALASHOVA, Director of LLC “DANA-MODA” Liudmyla IVANOVA, Director of TM “EKOTAPOK” Oleksandr HOLOTKO, Director of Individual entrepreneur and Secretary of the Cluster, Head of the Department of Fashion Technology at KNUTD Olha HARANINA. Among the guests were the heads of the University: Acting Rector of KNUTD Oleksandra OLSHANSKA, First Vice Rector Mykhailo KULYNIAK, Vice Rectors Liudmyla HANUSHCHAK-YEFIMENKO, Alla KASYCH, Taliat BIELIALOV, Volodymyr STATSENKO and Anatolii SERPUTKO, and Head of the Research Department Liudmyla HALAVSKA. Also among the guests was Oksana ZAMYSHLIAK, Deputy Head of the Industry and Regular Policy Board, Head of the Industry Division of the Department of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development of the Executive Body of the Kyiv City State Administration.

The meeting participants reviewed and approved a number of important personnel and strategic decisions. The Council supported Andrii PROKHOROVSKYI’s proposal to remove Ivan GRYSHCHENKO and Viktor LISHCHUK from the Council due to personnel changes.

New members have been added to the Council: Oleksandra OLSHANSKA, Acting Rector of KNUTD, who has taken up the position of Deputy Chair of the Cluster Council, and Taliat BIELIALOV, Vice-Rector of KNUTD, who has become the Council’s coordinator. This decision underscores the strengthening of the University’s role in forming strategic partnerships between education, science and industry.

During the discussion, Andrii PROKHOROVSKYI, Liudmyla IVANOVA, Liudmyla BALASHOVA, Oksana ZAMYSHLIAK and other participants emphasised the importance of mutual support among businesses at a time when light industry has become one of the fronts in the economic struggle for Ukraine.

The speeches expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and all manufacturers who continue to work, supplying uniforms, ammunition, textiles and materials for defence needs, creating the basis for rear stability. At the same time, the need to develop modern educational programmes that prepare a new generation of specialists – designers, technologists, engineers, and managers capable of working in a highly competitive environment and implementing innovative solutions – was emphasised.

Acting Rector of KNUTD Oleksandra OLSHANSKA emphasised that the University has always been and remains a reliable partner for industrialists, because it is cooperation with the real sector of the economy that ensures the practical implementation of scientific developments and the introduction of the latest technologies. The Acting Rector of KNUTD emphasised, “Our task is to build a strong bridge between education, science and business so that Ukrainian light industry can develop, strengthen and work towards victory”.

Oksana ZAMYSHLIAK familiarized those present with the results of the capital’s industrial performance and noted that the cluster movement in light industry is a powerful tool for integrating business, science and education. Such associations help to use resources efficiently, develop infrastructure, form joint production chains and promote the sustainable development of the industry.

During the meeting, Mykhailo KULYNIAK, First Vice-Rector of KNUTD, also spoke, emphasising that the development of the cluster movement is not only an economic necessity, but also a manifestation of the civic responsibility of business, education and science to the state. He said, “Today, every university, every enterprise, every specialist must be part of a great mission – the restoration and strengthening of Ukraine. A cluster is not just an association of producers, it is a community of people working for Victory, for the future of our students and the whole country”.

First Vice-Rector of KNUTD Mykhailo KULYNIAK noted that it is precisely through close cooperation with light industry enterprises that the University creates conditions for the practical application of students' knowledge, supports scientific initiatives and forms an economically self-sufficient model of partnership between education and business, which strengthens the defence capability and economic stability of the state.

Vice-Rector Taliat BIELIALOV noted that the University has significant potential in the field of innovation, particularly in materials science, production technologies, automation and digital design. Its implementation within the cluster will enable Ukrainian enterprises to reach a new level of competitiveness.

Andrii PROKHOROVSKYI summed up that the Cluster’s activities are not only an economic initiative, but also an example of responsible civic partnership, because every Ukrainian enterprise today works towards a common goal: Victory, development and revival of Ukraine.

Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, together with its partners Educational Investment and Technology Cluster of Light Industry in Kyiv, is confidently moving forward on the path of innovation, education and development, strengthening Ukraine’s scientific and industrial potential for the sake of its victory and future!

07.11.2025