Visit of the Expertise France delegation to the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University

Visit of the Expertise France delegation to the Chernihiv Polytechnic National University

          On 2 October 2024, Chernihiv Polytechnic National University was honoured to receive a delegation from the French organisation Expertise France. The visit was aimed at presenting the EU4Innovation East project, which aims to develop innovation ecosystems and support start-ups in the Eastern Partnership countries, including Ukraine.

          EU4Innovation East is a regional project funded by the European Union and co-funded by the French government. The project aims to strengthen innovation ecosystems in countries such as Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine. Its main goal is to increase the maturity and sustainability of the start-up ecosystem, as well as to facilitate integration with the markets and start-up ecosystems of the European Union. Special attention is paid to providing targeted support to the digital technology sector in Ukraine. The project is being implemented by Expertise France, which provides the expertise and resources to achieve the objectives.

          The meeting was joined by:

•  Mr Pierre-Alain VOLTZ, Political Counsellor, Embassy of France in Ukraine;
•  Mr Yannick GAUDIN, Project Manager – Expert on Economic Policy for Sustainable Development, Expertise France;
•  Mr Charles MATHIAUX, Deputy Project Director, Expertise France;
•  Ms Sofia OLIYNYK, Director of Expertise France in Ukraine;
•  Mr Julien SCHMITT, Project Director, Expertise France.

          Rector of Chernihiv Polytechnic National University Oleh Novomlynets expressed his gratitude to the Expertise France delegation for supporting Ukrainian education and noted that, despite the difficult circumstances, the university continues to actively expand international relations, and cooperation in the field of innovation is particularly important, which is the key to the recovery and development of the Ukrainian economy.

          After the official part of the meeting, the university representatives and the Expertise France delegation went to the Peremoha Science and Art Centre, which is an important cultural and scientific centre in Chernihiv. During the meeting, they discussed the possibilities of organising joint cultural events and exhibitions, as well as involving university students in projects to promote scientific research. The centre’s director, Serhii BEZBORODKO, spoke about the centre’s activities, stressing that such initiatives could become the basis for deepening scientific and cultural cooperation between Ukraine and France.

          This visit was an important step in strengthening the international cooperation of Chernihiv Polytechnic National University with leading European partners. Projects such as EU4Innovation East not only support innovative development, but also contribute to building scientific capacity and integrating Ukrainian start-ups into the global market.