Oksana Sedashova, recipient of the EIT Red Kalyna Award 2024, Associate Professor at KROK Business School, and International Ambassador of Creativity in Ukraine, participated in a three-day study tour to Copenhagen, Denmark. The program was supported by EIT – European Institute of Innovation and Technology and EIT Jumpstarter under the auspices of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. The visit was facilitated by Climate-KIC – a leading European agency and community focused on climate innovation, catalyzing systemic change through innovation.
From August 26 to 28, Red Kalyna finalists engaged in a rich and dynamic program.
The official opening took place at the BLOX innovation hub with representatives of the EIT Community and Torben Klitgaard, CEO of BLOXHUB, who spoke about solving societal challenges through design thinking and urbanization, especially within the framework of green, social, and digital transitions.
A key highlight was the visit to the Confederation of Danish Industry, where participants discussed the role of business in promoting innovation on an international scale.
The second day was dedicated to visiting the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Skylab), where participants explored the startup creation model for students and young researchers. Solvej Carlshøj Christiansen, Partner for Finance and Impact at DTU Earthbound, shared insights into the university’s startup support system: regular mentoring from professors, access to modern prototyping labs with 3D printers, and spaces for experimentation and testing. Since its inception, DTU Skylab has launched over 250 startups of varying scale and impact – including rocket technology projects for NASA.
Another important part of the visit was the discussion at the Confederation of Danish Industry on Denmark’s industrial support for Ukraine during the full-scale invasion and the role of business in driving innovation globally.
The culmination of the tour was the TechBBQ 2025 summit – Denmark’s largest startup event. The Ukrainian delegation hosted a panel discussion titled “Women. Innovation. Ukraine. A European Perspective” and held several meetings with potential partners and investors. Among the innovative solutions presented were technologies for healthcare, defense, green solutions, and digital developments. During the summit, the Ukrainian delegation also met with Jens-Kristian Lütken, Mayor of Copenhagen for Employment and Integration, a known friend of Ukraine.
The final day included workshops on integrating Danish innovation experience into Ukraine and a closing networking session.
The Copenhagen study tour was not only an opportunity to gain valuable experience but also a platform to showcase the community of Ukrainian women innovators who demonstrate resilience and creativity even in the most challenging times.
“Innovation begins where people are trusted and given space to dream. The Danish experience of a culture of collaboration, sustainable development, and startup support is exactly what can strengthen Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem,” noted Oksana Sedashova.
Develop your creative thinking and innovation skills with us:
https://bs.krok.edu.ua/modulni-programi/kreativne-mislennja-basics/
