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Mogilyansky Open Hackathon ‘BE FIRST’ (‘FIRST: Future of Innovation, Resilience, Security, Technology’)
Problem and Solution:
Insufficient interaction between education, science and business reduces the motivation of students and young scientists to engage in innovative activities and hinders the development of entrepreneurial skills in the field of sustainable development.
The Mohyla Open Hackathon ‘BE FIRST’ creates conditions for the development of innovative ideas, promotes cooperation with business, forms teams and supports young people in implementing solutions for sustainable development through education, science and entrepreneurship.
Products and Services:
BE FIRST is an interdisciplinary educational and innovative hackathon organised by the Centre for Analytics and Business Modelling of Sustainable Development, the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship Management at NaUKMA in partnership with Kyiv Academic University, and Bogomolets National Medical University, bringing together students, young scientists, teachers, and business representatives to develop entrepreneurial and innovative skills. Participants work in teams on real sustainable development challenges, present their own projects, and receive mentoring support from experts.
Audience:
Students and young researchers under the age of 35.
Investment proposal:
BE FIRST is a fast-growing EdTech initiative that started as a hackathon and evolved into a systemic program for student startups.
It seeks investment for network expansion, international outreach, marketing, and startup mentorship.
History and mission of «BE FIRST»
The hackathon was created in 2021 in response to the need to boost students' entrepreneurial potential after the COVID-19 pandemic. The first Mohyla Open Hackathon brought together 11 teams with innovative ideas. In 2022, due to the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation, it became impossible to hold the event. However, in 2023–2024, the BE FIRST hackathon took place in a hybrid format, complying with safety measures and principles of inclusivity. The growth in the number of teams (from 11 in 2021 to 24 in 2024) demonstrates the sustained interest in and importance of the platform. The initiative became part of the international projects SMART4FUTURE, 4InnoPipe, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine's project to develop a network of startup schools at universities, providing student startup teams with support from mentors, IP experts, and investors. It has transformed into a platform for cooperation between businesses, scientists and partner universities (NaUKMA, KAU, NMU), which promotes the launch of student start-ups.
Mission:
We create opportunities for young people to implement innovative ideas in the field of sustainable development, combining education, science and business in a flexible EdTech environment.
Company's values:
We value innovation, openness, sustainable development, partnership, creativity, inclusiveness, diversity of ideas and approaches.
Description of the learning culture:
Our culture is based on mutual respect, teamwork, tolerance, support for young people and academic freedom, which inspires creativity and responsible decisions for the common good.
Achievements of the platform:
● From 11 teams in 2021 to 24 in 2024● Embedded in SMART4FUTURE, 4InnoPipe, and Ministry of Education initiatives● Connecting Kyiv-based universities (NaUKMA, KAU, NMU) with business and research
Success Stories:
BE FIRST has become a safe and inclusive space where youth-driven innovations continue to thrive even during wartime. With mentors, investors, and a growing network, student teams launch real-world impact projects.
Expectations from Collaboration:
● Access to mentors and investors from the association● Integration into global EdTech networks● Promoting Ukrainian student innovations internationally
Open to partnerships:
We welcome collaborations with investors, EdTech companies, universities, and NGOs to empower youth innovation and expand the Ukrainian EdTech ecosystem.
«BE FIRST» Contacts
au.ude.amku%40alahc.n
+38 (050) 784 29 68 Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp
Kyiv, 10 Voloska Street
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