From 6 to 8 December, Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University hosted the final of the Hardware Hackathon, dedicated to technological solutions for Ukraine’s post-war recovery.
The event was organised by the Innovation Hub of Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University and the Faculty of Computer-Integrated Technologies, Mechatronics and Robotics, with the Center for Conversion and Professional Adaptation (CCPA) acting as a co-organising partner. The hackathon was held with the support of BGV Group Management, founded by Hennadii Butkevych.
The hackathon started on 1 November and consisted of two main stages.
The first stage included online training sessions delivered by experts on the development prospects of the hackathon’s thematic areas, as well as training on how to create and implement a startup project.
The second stage focused on the development and submission of innovative solutions by participants and teams, the selection of finalists and the final offline event.
Around 100 participants registered for the first stage, including school and university students from educational institutions across Zhytomyr region. During the second stage, 21 projects were submitted, and 11 projects were selected for the final.
From 6 to 8 December, Zhytomyr Polytechnic became a space for developing technological solutions aimed at restoring infrastructure and improving quality of life in the post-war period. Participants refined their ideas in the fields of energy, robotics, industrial automation, rehabilitation and safety.
The teams assembled prototypes in the laboratories of Zhytomyr Polytechnic, tested their solutions and prepared them for final presentation. At the end of the hackathon, each team delivered a short pitch to the jury and demonstrated its prototype.
The presentations were evaluated according to several criteria: innovation, practical relevance, technical implementation, scaling potential and quality of presentation.
Among the finalists, there were 4 projects from lyceum student teams and 7 projects from university student teams. Based on the jury’s evaluation, the winners were selected in both categories.
1st place among lyceum teams — Team “Mrii”
Team members: Karina Polishchuk and Daniil Yevlanov, Scientific Lyceum of Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University.
The team presented the project “Mobile Platform for Detecting Mines and Other Explosive Devices.” The solution focused on safety and demining-related challenges, which are critically important for Ukraine’s recovery.
1st place among university student teams — Team “VitryachOK”
Team members: Oleksandr Vorozhbitov, Denys Horbik and Ivan Kunikin.
The team developed the project “Vertical-Axis Wind Generator Using a Maximum Power Point Tracking Algorithm.” The solution addressed the topic of accessible and efficient renewable energy generation.
1st place among university student teams — Team “PetSens”
Team members: Anton Horlakivskyi, Roman Khomych and Taras Nahornyi.
The team presented the project “Smart Collar,” a hardware solution with potential applications in monitoring, safety and data-based pet care.
The Hardware Hackathon demonstrated how young engineers can apply technical knowledge to real challenges connected with recovery, infrastructure resilience and quality of life. It also showed the importance of giving students access to laboratories, mentors and practical formats where ideas can be tested through real prototypes.
For CCPA, participation in the hackathon reflects its broader commitment to supporting youth innovation, technology entrepreneurship and applied engineering initiatives that can contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and long-term development.
CCPA thanks all participants, mentors, jury members and partners for their contribution. Special thanks go to BGV Group Management for its continued support and belief in the innovative potential of young people in Ukraine.
