In April, the Department of Ecology and Plant Polymers Technology at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute hosted the final round of the First All-Ukrainian Student Competition of Scientific and Practical Projects, "EcoInnovator." The event became an important platform for bringing together young researchers who are already working to address today's pressing environmental challenges.
This year's competition brought together talented young participants from across Ukraine, focusing on several of the most important areas of modern environmental science and practice: clean water, waste management, environmentally friendly materials and biopolymers, and green energy. Each of these themes plays a vital role in promoting sustainable development, preserving natural resources, and building an environmentally responsible future.
A total of 28 projects were submitted for the first stage of the competition. They stood out for their high level of preparation, originality, and strong practical orientation. The participants demonstrated not only a solid understanding of scientific principles but also the ability to apply their knowledge to solving real-world environmental challenges. Following the preliminary evaluation, the 12 highest-ranked projects advanced to the final round, where their authors presented their research before an expert jury and the audience.
The projects were evaluated using a comprehensive set of criteria, including the relevance and originality of the proposed ideas, scientific rigor, practical significance of the results, creativity, and the quality of the presentation. Particular attention was given to the feasibility of implementing the proposed solutions in real-world conditions, highlighting the competition's strong emphasis on practical impact.
The final round became more than just a competition—it also served as a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering inspiration, and supporting the professional growth of young researchers. Participants had the opportunity to engage with faculty members, scientists, and fellow innovators, receiving valuable feedback and expert guidance on their work.
The winners of the competition were:
First Prize – Tymofii Sotnik (Bobrovytsia, Chernihiv Region) for the project "Rapeseed as an Alternative Resource: From Fuel to the Table," which explored the potential of rapeseed as a versatile and multifunctional resource.
Second Prize – Sofiia Kovalenko (Kyiv) for the project "Recycling Household Organic Waste into Biodegradable Materials as a Strategy for Reducing Plastic Pollution," which proposed innovative approaches to minimizing waste and plastic pollution.
Third Prize – Nazar Matviiuk (Polonne, Khmelnytskyi Region) for the project "EcoEnergy of the Polonne Region," dedicated to the development of local renewable energy sources.
All participants received certificates in recognition of their active participation, while their academic supervisors were presented with letters of appreciation for their outstanding contribution to mentoring young researchers. In addition, both participants and supervisors received commemorative souvenirs marking their involvement in the competition. The winners were awarded diplomas and special prizes.
The organizers emphasized that the primary goal of "EcoInnovator" is not only to identify talented young people but also to foster a new generation of responsible citizens who are capable of thinking sustainably and developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. They expressed their sincere gratitude to all participants and their academic supervisors for their dedication, high standard of work, and valuable contribution to the advancement of environmental science.
The organizers also announced that the competition will continue to grow. They plan to expand both its thematic scope and geographic reach, and preparations are already underway for the Second All-Ukrainian Student Competition of Scientific and Practical Projects "EcoInnovator," which will be held in 2027.
Events such as this play an important role in supporting young talent and promoting science among school students, as the future of Ukraine's environmental sustainability will depend on their knowledge, creativity, and commitment.