Building Competitive Ukraine–EU Research Partnerships

Climate Engine is proud to highlight a success story that demonstrates how international networking, partner matchmaking, and innovation ecosystem engagement can strengthen the participation of Ukrainian institutions in European research and innovation programmes.

Through Climate Engine activities, the institution significantly expanded its network of European academic, research, and industry partners. This strengthened cooperation created a solid foundation for long-term international collaboration and has already resulted in the formation of several competitive Ukraine–EU consortia for Horizon Europe and other European funding programmes.

The achievement reflects the strategic role of Climate Engine in supporting Ukrainian research actors in building stronger European partnerships, developing joint project ideas, and increasing their capacity to participate in international research and innovation initiatives.

Climate Engine’s Contribution

Climate Engine enabled this success by providing opportunities for partner matchmaking, co-creation workshops, international networking, and collaboration with innovation ecosystems across Europe.

These activities helped the institution identify complementary expertise, establish new partnerships, and engage with strong European consortia. Through Climate Engine, researchers and innovation actors were able to connect with partners from academia, industry, and innovation support organizations, creating the basis for joint project development and future cooperation.

The project also supported the development of collaborative ideas aligned with European research and innovation priorities, particularly in areas related to climate innovation, sustainability, food systems, green transition, and applied research.

Outcomes and Impact

This success story demonstrates Climate Engine’s contribution to strengthening Ukraine–EU research cooperation and increasing the competitiveness of Ukrainian institutions in European funding programmes.

One Horizon Europe project involving partners from the EIT Climate-KIC and EIT Food partnership network was successfully developed and funded. In addition, one Horizon Europe proposal reached the final evaluation stage, demonstrating the competitiveness and quality of the consortium and project concept, although it was not ultimately selected for funding.

Four additional Horizon Europe proposals are currently under preparation for submission in September 2026. This growing proposal pipeline reflects the long-term value of Climate Engine in supporting strategic international collaboration and expanding participation in European research and innovation programmes.

Beyond the proposal pipeline, Climate Engine has strengthened the integration of Ukrainian research institutions into European innovation networks. It has increased institutional capacity to participate in international R&I projects and fostered long-term collaboration between academia, industry, and innovation support organizations.

Strengthening Long-Term European Collaboration

This achievement illustrates how Climate Engine supports the development of sustainable international partnerships that extend beyond individual project proposals.

By facilitating networking, matchmaking, and co-creation with European partners, Climate Engine has helped Ukrainian institutions position themselves more strongly within European research and innovation ecosystems. The resulting collaborations provide a foundation for future joint projects, knowledge exchange, and innovation-driven responses to climate and sustainability challenges.

The success demonstrates the importance of structured international cooperation in building competitive consortia, advancing applied research, and strengthening Ukraine’s participation in the European innovation landscape.