A pioneering workshop united business, academia, and innovation to transform the textile industry
On June 10, 2025, Kyiv became the epicenter of textile innovation as industry leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs gathered for a groundbreaking workshop under the Erasmus+ InnovaTex project. This wasn’t just another conference – it was a glimpse into the digital future of textile manufacturing and design.
When University Meets Business
At the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design (KNUTD), over 40 experts came together to discuss the future of textile industry. The event brought together an explosive mix of:
- Visionary entrepreneurs like Bohdan Kass (founder of KASS brand) and Iryna Makhinko-Dumih (director of “І-CHEF by Irina Makhinko”)
- Prestigious academics from universities across Ukraine and Moldova
- Cluster managers and technology experts ready to lead the digital transformation
InnovaTex: Driving Digital Transformation in Textile Education
The InnovaTex “Innovation in Smart and Digital VET Skills for Advanced Textile Industry” project represents an unprecedented initiative, co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. With 8 partners across 5 countries (Romania, Greece, Italy, Ukraine, and Moldova), InnovaTex is reshaping vocational education and training in the textile sector.
Smart Labs: Where Innovation Meets Practice
One of the most exciting announcements was the establishment of smart laboratories at KNUTD and KNTU. These state-of-the-art facilities will feature:
- 3D modeling software, Style3D Studio for advanced design capabilities
- Digital textile technologies for sustainable production
- Hands-on training environments where theory meets practice
Key Highlights from the Workshop
Industry Validation: Business representatives like Olga Ostapchuk, Bohdan Kass, and Maryna Polikarpova emphasized the critical importance of digital and smart skills in today’s fashion industry.
Sustainability Focus: Tetyana Pushkarova highlighted the need for specialists who understand environmental technologies and sustainable design innovations.
Digital Transformation: Halyna Shvets shared insights on fashion cluster digitalisation, while Oksana Zakharkevych stressed that industry development requires both innovative technologies and well-trained specialists.
Educational Support: Strong interest was expressed by representatives from professional and higher education institutions across Ukraine and Moldova.
What’s Next?
The workshop confirmed the readiness of all stakeholders to:
- Develop comprehensive training modules
- Strengthen capacity-building programs
- Foster innovation in smart textile technologies
- Create sustainable industry partnerships
Building the Future Together
This workshop wasn’t just about sharing knowledge – it was about building bridges between education, industry, and innovation. The enthusiasm and constructive discussions confirmed that InnovaTex is on the right track to revolutionize textile education and industry practices in Eastern Europe.
The textile industry is evolving, and InnovaTex is leading the way forward.
