The "IdeaFest 2025" business ideas competition became a significant event for Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman. The final stage of the event brought together the top ten student teams, who presented innovative startups developed at the intersection of modern technologies, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility. The competition was aimed at supporting youth entrepreneurship, developing startup culture, and strengthening cooperation between universities, businesses, and research institutions.

The main goal of the competition was to promote entrepreneurship among young people, present innovative ideas within the framework of the "Innovative Ukraine" platform, build a community of young innovators, and discuss current challenges and opportunities in the field of startups and digital transformations.

The event took place on May 15, 2025, and was moderated by Larisa Antonyuk — Vice-Rector for Research, Doctor of Economic Sciences, Professor of the Department of International Economics, and Head of the international project WIN-WIN EDIH based at Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman.

Special attention during the competition was focused on security technologies, artificial intelligence, digital community services, and sustainable development.

The competition was supported by leading digital hubs, innovation platforms, and national partnerships. The jury of the competition formed a strong expert council, which included leading specialists and leaders in business and science. Among them were Dmytro Lukyanenko, Rector of Kyiv National Economic University named after Vadym Hetman, Doctor of Economic Sciences and Professor, who headed the committee. Other jury members included Andriy Horban — Head of the organization Up To Future, Academician of the National Academy of Higher Education of Ukraine, and Doctor of Medical Sciences; Artemii Yershov — Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Exchange; as well as Stanislav Horbachevskyi, CEO of the Force group of companies and a member of the Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs. The financial and innovation sectors were represented by Rostyslav Diuk, Chairman of the Board of the Ukrainian Association of Fintech and Innovation Companies and Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of "SENS Bank"; Oleksandr Dyba, CEO of BADVASI company; and Ihor Porokh — a well-known venture investor.

The finalist teams presented their developments to the jury and investors, demonstrating not only creativity and deep knowledge but also the ability to work in teams, justify business models, and adapt ideas to real-world conditions.

A special recognition this year was awarded to Viktoriia Lutsiuk, a master's level student of the "Artificial Intelligence Systems" educational program. She won an honorable second place among the competition finalists with her innovative project "Smart Handle" — a household device for detecting gas leaks that automatically shuts off the supply and opens a window for ventilation.

The development attracted the jury’s attention due to its social significance, technical feasibility, ease of implementation, and high commercialization potential.

The scientific advisor of Viktoriia Lutsiuk was Valerii Fedorovych Hraniak, Associate Professor of the Department of Information Systems in Economics, Candidate of Technical Sciences. Thanks to his professional guidance, the concept of the device was improved, testing was conducted, and a business model was prepared, which enabled the team to successfully present their project at the final.

In addition to the honorary second place, Viktoriia Lutsiuk received a certificate and a monetary award. Participation in "IdeaFest 2025" once again confirmed the high level of student preparation, their ability to transform ideas into real technological solutions, and their capacity to represent the Department of Information Systems in Economics with dignity at various competitions.

It is worth noting that the Department of Information Systems in Economics has been actively participating in international scientific and startup development competitions for many years, consistently demonstrating high results. Thus, in the "IdeaFest" competitions of 2024–2025, teams led by Associate Professor Oksana Mykolaivna Pomazun (3rd place), Associate Professor Yurii Mykhailovych Lozovyk (2nd place), and PhD student of the department Yaroslav Yuriiovych Vozniuk (2nd place) won prize positions.

These achievements highlight the effectiveness of the scientific and pedagogical work of the Department of Information Systems in Economics, its strategic focus on innovation, research approaches, and the development of applied entrepreneurship among students.

We sincerely congratulate Viktoriia Lutsiuk and her scientific advisor Valerii Fedorovych Hraniak on winning the honorable second place for the project "Smart Handle" — an innovative device for the automatic detection of gas leaks, aimed at increasing household safety. Viktoriia Lutsiuk’s success is evidence that innovation, perseverance, and quality educational support create real opportunities to influence the future.

May your success inspire both students and faculty members toward further creative and professional achievements!