Karazin Students Among Winners of an International Startup Competition

Bachelor’s and Master’s students enrolled in the Hotel and Restaurant Business educational successfully represented the university at the International Student Startup Competition TourSystemUkrChallenge, held at the State University of Trade and Economics. The final took place on March 25, 2026.

Karazin representatives demonstrated a high level of training, creativity, and the ability to adapt startup ideas to modern challenges, particularly to the development of the hospitality industry in Ukraine. The winners were determined based on the results of their pitch presentations.

A second-degree diploma was awarded to second-year Bachelor’s student Artem Nazarenko for the project “Taste of Life,” while Master’s student Ilona Bielushkina received a third-degree diploma for her project “Drive Away.”

In 2026, the competition brought together more than 120 startup projects from 32 higher education institutions in Ukraine and abroad, with the final held in the format of public defense of business ideas.

Participants presented innovative solutions in tourism, the hospitality industry, and creative sectors — ranging from digital services and mobile applications to concepts of inclusive environments and new service formats. Participation in such international events is an important step toward developing practical skills, fostering innovative thinking, and implementing one’s own business ideas.

We are proud of our students and wish them further success!