Smart Industry Hackathon 2026: shaping the future of engineering in Ukraine
The Smart Industry Hackathon: Automation & Power Solutions, organised by S-Engineering in partnership with Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics and the ‘Centre-Career’ at KNURE, served as a prime example of effective collaboration between business and education.
This project demonstrates how the synergy between industry and academia creates real opportunities for the development of future engineers in Ukraine.
This is not merely an educational event — it is a fully-fledged ecosystem: from students’ first encounter with a company to real opportunities for employment and integration into the professional world.
A Unifying Idea
The hackathon was designed as a hands-on platform where students could work on real engineering challenges closely aligned with modern industrial conditions. The key focus areas included:
automation, power supply, energy efficiency, and digital infrastructure.
The event was held in two stages:
- Round 1 (online): April 1–2, 2026
- Round 2 (offline): April 8, 2026
This format allowed organizers to assess not only technical knowledge but also participants’ ability to operate in conditions similar to real-world production environments.
Selection and Real-World Problem Solving
A total of 26 students, forming 13 teams, took part in the first stage. All participants received encouragement awards, highlighting the inclusive approach of the organizers and their commitment to nurturing young talent.
Six teams (12 participants) advanced to the second stage, where they demonstrated the strongest performance. The final round included interviews and technical discussions, enabling a deeper evaluation of analytical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills.
Notably, even first-year students participated—despite facing greater challenges, they showed strong motivation and a clear drive for professional growth.
Focus on Thinking, Not Just Knowledge
The evaluation process went beyond technical solutions, emphasizing mindset and approach.
Oleksandr Kovalenko, Head of the Integrated Solutions Department at S-Engineering, commented:
“For us, this hackathon is not just an educational initiative, but an opportunity to work with students in an environment максимально close to real projects.”
The team also highlighted the level of engagement:
“We are very pleased that 26 students participated in the selection stage. Among them were even first-year students—it was more challenging for them, but their motivation and willingness to grow were clearly visible.”
Results and New Opportunities
The winners of the hackathon were:
- Bohdan Karpovych
- Andrii Mashura
Starting from September 2026, they will receive enhanced scholarships from S-Engineering.
One of the most notable stories is that of Bohdan Karpovych, who is already part of the company’s team. His journey began even before the hackathon through a series of online meetings and introductory sessions with students from Kharkiv National University of Radioelectronics.
This case clearly demonstrates that systematic engagement with young professionals—from first contact to real project involvement—delivers tangible results.
Additionally:
- 6 finalists received the opportunity to apply for paid internships
- several participants will continue through additional selection stages
Strategic Vision
Batyr Annayev, founder of S-Engineering, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative:
The main outcome of this hackathon goes far beyond selecting winners.
Even if these students do not join S-Engineering in the future, it is not a loss.
They will still become part of the industry—as colleagues, partners, contractors, clients, or even competitors.
If they grow with the right understanding of the professional environment, it means we are contributing to the development of the entire industry.
We are investing in the future of engineering.
A Partnership That Works
The hackathon is a natural continuation of the collaboration between S-Engineering and Kharkiv National University of Radioelectronics.
The university recently congratulated the company on its 19th anniversary, recognizing its professionalism, innovative approach, and contribution to industry development.
The parties are currently working on signing a memorandum of cooperation, which will unlock even more opportunities for students—from internships to participation in real industrial projects.
Investing in the Future
The Smart Industry Hackathon is not a one-time event—it is part of a long-term strategy to build a sustainable engineering ecosystem in Ukraine.
Initiatives like this are shaping the environment that will define the future of Ukrainian industry.
Each such project is another step toward an industry that does not just catch up—but leads.
