Innovation under pressure
HNDIC in Kyiv
A delegation from HNDIC spent a week in Kyiv. The programme included meetings with member companies, Ukrainian authorities and new partners, with drone attacks as a constant backdrop. The delegation returned home with practical lessons for both member companies and the working groups focusing on preparedness and security of supply.
Kyiv School of Economics is located in the Dragon Capital building in central Kyiv. The university was the first stop for the HNDIC delegation.
HNDIC was in Kyiv from 31 August to 6 September 2026.
The trip took place against a serious backdrop. Russian drone attacks marked the days the delegation spent in the country. Nevertheless, the main impression was a different one: Ukrainians continue to innovate and develop, and refuse to let go of everyday life.
Meetings with members and authorities
PBO Boats brought the delegation to several demonstrations organised for visiting Norwegian companies. The delegation also enjoyed meeting GUR and the participants from the workshop held in Northern Norway in June again. In addition, the delegation met representatives of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence.
Lesia Ogryzko from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence set aside ample time for meetings with several members of the group. From left: Steinar (Safetech), Johan (Schjødt), Lesia (MOD Ukraine), Robin (SuperCap Technologies) and Aleks (HNDIC).
Ole Henæs from Innovation Norway gave the entire group a briefing on the organisation’s work in Ukraine. The presentation was held at iHUB’s premises in Kyiv. Here with Vegard from Machia and Jann from EISP, both pleased with the briefing and the discussions that followed
Testing alongside the end users
The delegation took part in PBO Boats Ukraine’s testing of the Ragnar 28 with various applications, together with the end users. The feedback was direct and constructive. At the same time, Machia had the opportunity to demonstrate its products together with PBO.
This short distance between developer and end user is one of the clearest characteristics of Ukraine’s innovation environment, and something the delegation particularly noted.
Preparedness and security of supply in practice
The power supply is a frequent target of Russian attacks. The response is visible throughout Kyiv: generators are positioned on pavements across the city. Ukrainians have developed effective solutions for emergency power supply and for the logistics surrounding them.
Shelters are available throughout the city, although their form and standard vary. Mobile alert apps direct people to the nearest shelter when the air-raid alarm sounds.
This generator in a courtyard in Kyiv supplied power to several homes, shops and restaurants.
The memorial on Maidan
In the centre of the city stands the memorial on Maidan, with thousands of flags commemorating those who have fallen. Several volunteer veterans work to maintain the area.
Volunteer veterans maintain the memorial on Maidan.
The Norwegian flag can also be found among the flags. Many of those who have fallen on the Ukrainian side
came from other nations.
What we are bringing home
The trip provided lessons on several levels. For the industry members, it demonstrated how quickly development can progress when products are tested together with end users, and the requirements imposed by a real operational market. For the working groups focusing on preparedness and security of supply, the lessons concern robust, decentralised emergency power solutions, alert systems that work effectively for the population, and logistics that continue to function under pressure.
HNDIC will bring these experiences into its continued work with members and partners in the north.
