New Opportunities in Tech Education: Kyiv Aviation Institute and Lviv IT Cluster Launch Two Updated Educational Programs Supported by Tech Business

Lviv IT Cluster has signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Kyiv Aviation Institute. As part of this partnership, two updated programs — Intelligent Systems and Electronics — will launch at the beginning of the new academic year. This marks a significant step in modernizing technical education in the capital and strengthening high-demand engineering fields.

“Launching technical programs in Kyiv is a strategic move forward for Lviv IT Cluster. We’ve long been working on a national level — implementing large-scale projects across various sectors in collaboration with the government and businesses. Expanding to the capital is a logical next step in this trajectory. We believe strong education drives a strong tech industry — that’s why we keep investing in it. The business community shares this vision and actively supports our efforts. Kyiv Aviation Institute is our key partner in the capital. The university combines a well-established technical foundation with great potential and an ambitious faculty. We’re excited to collaborate with a team ready to advance Ukraine’s tech industry,” says Stepan Veselovskyi, CEO of Lviv IT Cluster.

“We launched these two programs – one focused on developing intelligent tech solutions using AI, and the other on electronics – to respond to a market demand. AI is one of the most dynamic areas in the global tech landscape, and the need for qualified talent is only increasing. At the same time, the hardware and IoT sectors in Ukraine require further development: according to IT Research Ukraine 2024, only 8.3% of Ukrainian tech professionals work in this field. Moreover, the development of engineering fields is critically important for the country’s post-war recovery — these specialists will help rebuild infrastructure and deliver tech solutions across key sectors. We recognize these challenges and respond to them through a systematic approach to technical education programs that address the real needs of the industry,” adds Julia Tsymbala, Education Lead at Lviv IT Cluster.

“Building strong industry connections with employers is a strategic priority for Kyiv Aviation Institute. It’s important to us that students learn the technologies they will actually use in their future careers. We truly appreciate the Lviv IT Cluster’s support in launching these joint educational programs. We’ve chosen two of the most popular specialties — F6 — Intelligent Systems and G5 — Electronics. Thanks to our participation in the IT Expert project by the Lviv IT Cluster, we received support from several market leaders and future employers of our students — N-iX, Brainstack, SoftServe, Renesas, and Indeema. We’re excited to take part in Lviv IT Cluster events — IT Arena and IT Future Fest 2025 — and to connect with partners, high-schoolers, and students from Lviv,” summarizes Kseniia Semenova, Rector of Kyiv Aviation Institute.

Starting Collaboration: From Idea to Implementation

The first step towards collaboration was taken in 2024, when the KAI team joined IT Arena in Lviv, presenting their defense startups, actively establishing themselves as innovative players in this field. At that time, the university and the Cluster discussed the idea of modernizing educational programs with the support of tech business representatives.

Since then, active collaboration has begun. The process involved specialists from tech companies working in relevant fields as well as university faculty members. Together, they defined key competencies graduates of the programs should possess: what knowledge, skills, and practical experience students need to acquire to meet the demands of the modern job market. These contributions serve as the foundation for the updated curricula and teaching methods.

The programs were publicly presented during IT Future Fest 2025, the largest educational event of the year, organized by Lviv IT Cluster. During the festival, KAI representatives showcased student projects and officially announced the updated programs, which will be launched in the fall.

The Intelligent Systems program focuses on developing intelligent tech solutions.

“The growing complexity of tech infrastructures and rapid advancements in technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) have created a high demand for professionals who not only understand these tools but can also drive innovation. This program provides fundamental knowledge and practical skills essential for designing intelligent tech solutions for the future. Among the program’s strengths is its focus on practical application and modern curriculum, featuring key areas like AI, machine learning, and data science. Internships at leading tech companies, work in modern labs, use cutting-edge tools and platforms, participation in startups and research projects, preparation for international certifications, and the development of soft skills and analytical thinking,” explains Olena Nechyporuk, Head of the Department of Intelligent Cybernetic Systems and curator of the Intelligent Systems program.

Iryna Morozova, Head of the Department of Electronics, Robotics, Monitoring, and IoT Technologies and curator of the Electronics program, adds:

“The Electronics program is a launchpad for future high-tech engineers, training specialists who are ready to work in key industries — from smart devices and telecommunications to avionics and automation systems. This program is for those passionate about technology, computer programming, and innovation. By choosing it, students will gain hands-on skills, a highly in-demand profession, and a wide range of career opportunities in the field of modern engineering.”

Tech Business Involvement in Program Development

Representatives from tech companies, including Renesas, Brainstack, Indeema, N-iX, and SoftServe, contributed to the program updates. They not only helped shape the curriculum but also provided tools, case studies, and expert support.

“Effective engineering education today requires a dialogue between universities and industry. At KAI, we see an example of a flexible approach to market needs, and as representatives of Renesas, we’re interested in further developing this collaboration – because this is where the next generation of tech-ready talent is coming from,” says Andriana Kushnirenko, Community Relations Senior Specialist at Renesas.

Brainstack emphasizes the importance of partnerships between education and business:

“At Brainstack, we believe meaningful change begins with simple but important decisions – like joining in the modernization of an educational program in collaboration with KAI. It’s not just about technology or curriculum. It’s about people. About students seeking their path in the profession. About educators who want to teach what will truly matter to young Ukrainians. For our company, this is also part of our “Focus on Impact” CSR ecosystem, where we invest in the development of Ukrainian youth, share our experience, and help them find their place in tech,” says Iryna Blinova, Employer Brand Manager at Brainstack.

Lviv IT Cluster’s expansion of educational programs beyond Lviv is not only about advancing tech education but also about strengthening the country’s technological potential. In partnership with universities and the business sector, Lviv IT Cluster is shaping a new standard of education — innovative, practical, and aligned with real industry needs.