Photos of the participants of the International Industrial Forum 2026. Photo source: Facebook Page APPAU
UCA news
UCA conducted a webinar on the entry of textile SMEs on European markets via Enterprise Europe Network
The Ukrainian Cluster Association (UCA) together with EDIH Clotex Hub held a webinar ‘Textile × Europe: how SMEs enter international markets through EEN’, dedicated to the capabilities of Enterprise Europe Network for textile and sewing companies. During the event, participants learned how to use the world’s largest network of support for small and medium-sized businesses to find partners, develop industrial cooperation and enter new markets in Europe.
The speaker of the webinar was the manager of the EEN Ukraine project Lesya Sobolevska, who spoke about the mechanisms of the network, free services for Ukrainian companies, opportunities to participate in international matchmaking events and the peculiarities of preparing business to cooperate with European partners. The event became a practical platform for acquainting representatives of the industry with the tools of European integration and the development of international competitiveness of the Ukrainian textile sector.
UCA published a report on the results of the mission of the Ukrainian delegation to Stuttgart
The Ukrainian Cluster Alliance has prepared a detailed report on the results of the Ukrainian delegation’s mission to Stuttgart (Germany), which took place on May 18-22, 2026 within the ClusterBridge project. The delegation included representatives of UCA, authorities, regional development agencies and clusters of Khmelnytsky and Vinnytsia regions. During the visit, participants studied the experience of one of the strongest innovative ecosystems in Europe, got acquainted with the models of support for clusters and small and medium-sized businesses, and established new international partnerships.
The report analyzes key insights on the role of clusters as drivers of innovation, mechanisms for the transformation of regional economies, the development of cooperation between business, science and government, as well as the functioning of regional development agencies in Germany. The experience gained will be the basis for further improvement of regional cluster support programs within the Clusters4regions initiative and will promote the implementation of modern approaches to the development of innovative ecosystems in Ukrainian regions.
Read the detailed report for link.
Cluster news
APPAU held a series of round tables on digital transformation and integration of Ukrainian producers into international value chains
within the International Industrial Forum 2026 Association of Industrial Automation Enterprises of Ukraine (APPAU) Organized a series of round tables dedicated to digital modernization of production and new opportunities for Ukrainian industrial enterprises.
First event held with partners Edih Kyiv Hitech, was devoted to the capabilities of European digital innovative hubs for the modernization of industries. Participants discussed the access of small and medium-sized businesses to digital solutions, expertise, financing and international cooperation to increase the competitiveness of enterprises.
The second round table focused on the possibility of integrating Ukrainian companies into international value chains in the field of defense and dual-use technologies. During the discussions, participants considered the requirements for manufacturers, new standards, innovation financing tools and practical cases of entering international markets.
National Contech Cluster introduced Ukraine at Contech Connect in Paris
Kharkiv IT Cluster Together with the participants of the National Contech Cluster for the first time presented the Contech-Sector of Ukraine on the world platform of construction technologies Contech Connect. A delegation of 10 companies demonstrated solutions on robotics, digital twins and construction automation, received the support of the Ukrainian Embassy in France and formed new contacts for further development of the platform.
Such an international presentation promotes investment and scaling of Ukrainian Contech solutions.
Ukraine’s Maritime Cluster Strengthens Partnerships for Blue Economy
Within the European Maritime Day 2026 HS ‘Sea Cluster of Ukraine’ held Blue Summit in Mykolaiv – an event that brought together representatives of the maritime community, business, government, experts and international partners on the development of the blue economy, marine technology, European integration and the restoration of the Black Sea region. Participants discussed European financing instruments, the possibilities of Horizon, Life and cross-border cooperation programs, digitalization, green crossing, water transport and new partnerships for Mykolayiv and the Ukrainian maritime industry.
Also, together with the Association of Ports of Ukraine ‘Ukrport’ the cluster signed a memorandum of cooperation. The document provides for the implementation of joint projects, the development of scientific and technical cooperation, the introduction of innovations in shipbuilding, ship repair and port infrastructure, as well as attracting international investment.
For the cluster, these events were an important step towards strengthening coordination in the maritime sector, integration of the Ukrainian sector into European value chains and the restoration of Ukraine’s maritime economy.
Prykarpattia Industrial Cluster supported the opening of a new engineering laboratory in IFNTUNG
Representatives Precarpathian industrial cluster took part in the opening of the educational and practical laboratory of Ariston Frankovsk Lab at Ivano-Frankivsk National Technical University of Oil and Gas. The new educational space was created in cooperation with the University and Ariston Ukraine to train specialists in the fields of energy, heat engineering and energy efficient technologies.
The laboratory is equipped with modern equipment and engineering systems that will allow students to work with real production technologies, undergo practical training and join educational and industrial projects. The Prykarpattia Industrial Cluster emphasizes that the development of partnerships between business and educational institutions is an important prerequisite for the training of qualified personnel in accordance with the needs of industry and the introduction of innovations in the production sector of the region.
UADUT Cluster held a webinar on the possibilities of financing defense production through the EDIP program
UADUT Cluster He continued a series of online educational events for participants and partners, conducting a webinar ‘EDIP: European funds for a plant in Ukraine or in the EU for the production of military products.’ During the meeting, participants got acquainted with the opportunities of the European Defense Industry Program (EDIP) and the Ukraine Support Instrument tool, which open new prospects for attracting European funding to the defense sector.
The event helped companies better prepare for participation in European support programs and plan production scaling in Ukraine and the EU.
Events
June 9 webinar & nbsp; ‘Grants for Technological SMEs – three open competitions’
Free online webinar ‘International grants for Ukrainian SMEs’, dedicated to three current cascade grant competitions of the European Commission with deadlines in July 2026 and the opportunity to raise up to € 130 thousand per the project. Participants will learn about grant opportunities in the fields of energy, robotics, advanced materials and digital technologies, as well as receive practical recommendations for participation in competitions.
Details and registration for link.
June 11-12 ‘Public-private partnership: from idea to contract’
The forum is dedicated to the development of the PPP market and the launch of the support service of the relevant section. The event will bring together communities, businesses and financial institutions to work on real projects – from forming ideas to partnerships, focusing on practical solutions, networking and launching new initiatives.
Details of the program and registration are available for link.