Ukraine launches free educational program for defense company executives

The Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) are launching a free educational program for leaders of domestic defense companies, the Smart Force Academy (SFA), according to a statement from the department.

The program will become a key area of partnership agreed upon by the Ministry of Strategic Industry and the KSE . The parties signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities.

"The document provides for interaction in research on education, human capital, and the development of production potential, as well as joint implementation of educational projects for Ukrainian manufacturers of weapons and military equipment, exchange of expertise, and support for defense business leaders in matters of strategic development and scaling of capacities," the ministry noted.

In the context of the Smart Force Academy, the Ministry of Strategic Industry and Industry noted that throughout the year, owners and managers of defense ecosystem enterprises will be able to undergo training on selected modules or topics. It will take place in the format of regular offline sessions in a closed, secure environment.

The sessions will include lectures and seminars with free listening, panel discussions in the defense business environment, analysis of real cases, as well as field trips to defense industry enterprises.

"The program will cover a number of important topics for the defense sector: sales to the state, development strategy, attracting investments, financial management, R&D, building processes and scaling them within enterprises, operational efficiency, production processes, as well as interaction with foreign partners," the Ministry of Strategic Industry added.

Speakers include government officials and industry experts. Participants can choose lectures that are of interest to them. Separate registration is required for each individual lecture or seminar.

The first module of the Smart Force Academy program is now open for enrollment. Training will begin on July 6, 2025. Participants in this module will receive:

· Short lectures from leading experts on the topics: state support and incentive system for manufacturers, sales to the state, defense business development strategy and investment attraction.

· The opportunity to get answers to your own questions and build real partnerships with colleagues in the industry.

· Practical solutions in defense that work today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.

To receive an invitation to participate in the first module of the program, you must fill out a short registration form.