Conference program April 28 | Truskavets
The conference brings together Ukrainian and Euro-Atlantic partners to create a practical platform for launching joint Ukrainian-European projects in the field of dual-use and defense, with a focus on the integration of innovation, production and scaling. The objective of the event is to connect key players (clusters, companies, scientists, investors and state institutions) around specific project initiatives, solutions and partnerships, which can be quickly implemented in the format of joint R&D initiatives, production cooperations, and pilot programs.
The event format is hybrid. Representatives of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Security Service of Ukraine, Main Intelligence Directorate, and the National Police will also participate in the discussions.
Program
9:30 – Welcome remarks, program
Dmytro Nikulin, Oleksandr Yurchak
9:40 – 11:30 SESSION #1: JOINT INNOVATION AND R&D: From Battlefield Innovation to Joint R&D Ecosystems
Main topic: how to establish joint R&D and cooperation in innovation ecosystems, putting the priorities of the Ukrainian front first
Moderator – Nadiya Vasilyeva, Brave 1 expert, Digital Transformation Institute
Speakers –
- Martin Josaar, Head of EU defense innovation office (online)
- Thomas Dodd (CEO Optio Venture Partners, Danmark online)
- Dmitry Nikulin, CEO Coremission essential
- Serhiy Korniychuk, CEO NK Engineering
- Yuriy Klymenko, CEO Vinnytsia AIM cluster
- Vitaliy Dobrianskiy, Head of department of the Central Unit of Innovation of the General Staff
- Violeta Moskalu, Founder & CEO KViTKA | GBH France (Franco-Ukrainian defense-tech & fintech corridor)
Key discussion questions
- From the lessons and priorities of the Ukrainian front to integrated innovation ecosystems: Ukraine as a “living lab” for EU defense innovation, issues of integrating battlefield learning loop feedback into R&D of Western allies, integration tools, the role of startups, the military, universities
- Shared R&D infrastructure: examples and demonstrations of joint R&D centers, joint hubs (UA + EU) and prototyping centers, how to properly position Western testbeds (drones, EW, robotics)
- Integration into European programs and innovation networks ( Defence Tech Valley / · EDIH / EIC / Horizon Europe / EDF calls etc.
12:00 – 13:30 SESSION #2 COMMON PRODUCTION CHAINS: Building Integrated Euro-Ukrainian Supply / Value Chains
Main topic: moving from simple “supply” to joint production and integrated chains
Moderator – TBD
Speakers–
- Markus Ciupek, Vice President Czech-Ukrainian Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- Dmitry Nikulin, CEO Coremission essential
- Vakarenko Iryna, CMO, Telekart-Prylad
- Mitasov Volodymyr, CEO Aerostrategist
- Ola Roch Jacobsen, CEO Sage24-7 (Norway, Phillipines)
Key discussion questions
- New model of value chains: clear division of roles (Ukrainian developers – assembly / testing / iteration, European – components / technologies) – other options / transition to co-production(as – options)
- Critical segments: microelectronics, electronics, sensors, photonics, composites – how to level, reduce dependence on China
- Production integration tools and frameworks: existing joint ventures – lessons and first experiences, support programs, joint ventures, industrial corridors etc.
14:30 – 15:00 SESSION #3PRODUCTION SCALE:Low Cost – High Volume Defense Production
Main topic: reaching a consensus with Western partners in understanding the main driver of war – mass, cheap, fast production
Moderator – Oleksandr Yurchak
Speakers:
- Danny McGrant – CEO OPES GROUP (UK)
- Brian Bos, CEO Gate / AMS Global(Poland)
- Olena Prokopenko, Business development manager, United Space clusters
- Vasyl Kryvonos, Chief engineer UNIT
Key discussion questions
- The New Economy of War: speed innovation – “above all”, a new balance between speed and standards quality /how to adapt the help in terms of volumes to production capabilities / requirements for adaptability)
- Production scaling models: distributed production and networks, production in frontline regions – survival tactics/ walks to modular productions
- Industrial technologies for scaling: how to accelerate automation and robotization / standardization and unification /digital productions)
15:20 – 17:00 – Session #4: pitching of startups and SMEs
This conference is an opportunity to engage directly with government representatives, businesses, investors and international partners, to forge new partnerships and scale up your own solutions.
Join the conference bringing together key players from the defence and technology ecosystem in Ukraine and Europe, and be part of launching real joint projects in the fields of innovation, manufacturing and R&D – Register now to help shape the future of the Euro-Ukrainian defence industry.