DTP-Lab and its innovation space appeared at the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technologies thanks to the financial support of the Enzym Group.
This marked the launch of a new format of cooperation between the university and the business sector. Its essence goes far beyond simply financing modern equipment; rather, it focuses on addressing complex scientific and technological challenges. The laboratory and space were equipped within the newly created Deep-Tech Center of APP – an interdisciplinary platform that combines scientific research, open digital laboratories and industrial prototyping to create scientifically sound solutions.
The first industry-oriented prototyping laboratory in the fields of FoodTech and BioTech at APP – DTP-Lab and its innovation space – was established as part of a scientific and innovation project that opens up new horizons for research and technological advancement in the food industry and biotechnology. The participation of Enzym Group in the implementation of this project marked an important step in strengthening cooperation between the partners.
Given their shared interest in deepening collaboration, Nataliia Shakhovska, Rector of APP and Olena Vovk, co-owner and Chair of the Supervisory Board of Enzym Group, exchanged views on the current state and future development of both the university and the company, particularly regarding the expansion of joint scientific initiatives. Following the discussion, they signed a memorandum to continue and enhance their cooperation.
– The university’s key priority for the coming years is to modernize and strengthen our research infrastructure in close cooperation with business. Without this, we will not be able to educate future leaders in science, particularly in engineering. It is especially encouraging that the new laboratory we are opening today is funded jointly by the state and the private sector, and that businesses understand the importance of such facilities and actively support their development, emphasized Nataliia Shakhovska.
Iryna Yaremchuk, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, briefed those present on the legislative initiatives of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in the field of science, as well as on the university’s own initiatives. She emphasized that this year significantly greater funding has been allocated to the development of science compared to previous years. This, she noted, demonstrates that science is finally becoming a state priority. The key objectives include strengthening scientific and innovation capacity through the modernization of research infrastructure, the establishment of centers of excellence, and the development of human capital by supporting young researchers and doctoral students, as well as nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders.
Olena Vovk emphasized that it is extremely important that scientific endeavors are supported not only by business, but also by the state:
– Business must support science, regardless of current circumstances. State support is also a key factor that will help our scientific sector recover, which has every prospect for growth. By investing in science and new projects even amid challenges, we are actively shaping the future.
Roman Nebesnyi, Head of the University’s Research Department, presented the laboratory, highlighting that it will serve as a hub for developing and testing new technologies, including sustainable practices and recycling solutions. The facility is designed for research and application in chemical technologies, biotechnology, and food technology.
— The amount of funding for the laboratory is five million hryvnias, two million of which were financed exclusively for equipment by Enzym Group. We consider this as an investment, a start, a beginning... The laboratory equipment has already been tested, and we are ready to start working on it as soon as possible. And in the innovative space of the laboratory, it will be possible to prepare presentations, organize meetings of various formats, etc.
— The laboratory’s total funding amounts to five million hryvnias, with two million allocated by Enzym Group specifically for equipment. We see this as an investment, a starting point for future development. The laboratory equipment has already been tested, and we are ready to begin work immediately. Additionally, the laboratory’s innovation space will allow for presentations, meetings of various formats, and other collaborative activities.
Nazarii Podolchak, Director of Tech StartUp School, presented the activities of the APP Science Park as part of the university’s scientific and innovation ecosystem, highlighting that technologies developed at DTP-Lab are ready for practical implementation.
Zhanna Kravchuk, Director of the Department for Development of Biotechnology and New Markets, Enzym Group, spoke about scientific and innovative startups, competitions and hackathons for scientists, postgraduates and students, which will be organized for students of the APP University together with the company. In particular, we are talking about a competition of student scientific works, cooperation in the field of R&D, a student industrial concept hackathon and a Deep-Tech competition.
Those present visited the new laboratory and innovation space during an excursion conducted by Sviatoslav Polovkovych, Professor at the Department of Technology of Biologically Active Substances, Pharmacy and Biotechnology.
Today, there is every reason to believe that the laboratory will operate as an environment for launching new educational programs, joint scientific and innovative developments, as well as technology transfer. Both parties aim for DTP-Lab to become a driver of industrial innovation in the region and a platform for research commercialization.
