On May 18, 2026, on the occasion of Science Day in Ukraine, students from technical professional faculties of higher education institutions gathered at the V.M. Glushkov Institute of Cybernetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to participate in engineering and technological competitions in the format of a practical hackathon.
The competition was aimed at creating developments in the field of the Internet of Things and embedded systems. The engineering hackathon was dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the creation of the first Small Electronic Calculating Machine (SECM, known as "MESM") in continental Europe.
The slogan of the competition: "Think in code, embody in hardware".
The contest turned into an exciting space for ideas based on modern technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as a model of teamwork among students under the guidance of teacher-mentors.
Students from the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute," Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, and Vadym Hetman Kyiv National Economic University presented their own developments in the fields of information technology, automation, robotics, and applied engineering. The main idea was the implementation of a full cycle of cybernetic system operation, including data collection and processing, decision-making, and influence on the control object. Participants had to not only create a technical device but also demonstrate the logic of its operation as a complex system.
Two teams from each educational institution participated in the competition. The teams demonstrated a high level of knowledge, remarkable creativity, and the ability to present their projects under time constraints.
The hackathon united active and talented students from leading higher education institutions in Ukraine who found time for team developments. It can be stated that they are already shaping the future of engineering sciences and invention to create and improve technologies, machines, infrastructure, and software.
Among the presented projects were an automated parking system based on artificial intelligence, robotic complexes, and software solutions aimed at ensuring road safety.
 The jury unanimously awarded first place to the team from the National Technical University of Ukraine "Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute," consisting of Mariya Zuyeva, Vladyslav Lakey, Volodymyr Antropov, Serhiy Ometsynskyi, and Maryan Sikovskyi, under the mentorship of senior lecturer Hanna Saryboga, for the development of the project "Intelligent Driver Condition Monitoring System," aimed at creating the safest possible conditions for a driver who is behind the wheel for an extended period, which may cause drowsiness and lead to an accident. |
 Second place was awarded to the team from Kyiv National Economic University with the project Smart Parking System (Yevheniya Yurchenko, Sofiya Dimitrova, Ihor Zaharchuk, Anastasiya, Artem Pisnyi; mentor Yaroslav Voznyuk). The project's goal is to organize and maximize the convenience of automating parking spaces in parking lots. |
 Third place was won by the team from Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (Yan Stadnik, Artem Dmytriiev, Andriy Pustovoyt, Vladyslav Zubrytskyi, Kostyantyn Huriyev; mentor Mykola Malenko) with the project "Multifunctional Robotic Autonomous Mobile Platform." |
Based on the defense results, the best teams received diplomas and certificates, and the competition itself became a great opportunity for students to showcase themselves, find like-minded people, and take another step towards scientific and professional development. Jury members noted a significant scientific component in the works of Ukrainian students, indicating the youth's readiness for serious scientific research and solving current problems.
