KSE and the Ministry for strategic industries launch free executive education programme for Ukrainian defence business leaders

The Ministry for strategic industries of Ukraine, in partnership with the Kyiv School of Economics, is launching Smart Force Academy — a free, year-long development programme for leaders in the defence sector. The initiative was announced by Deputy Minister Ganna Gvozdiar.

The programme targets owners and managers of defence-related enterprises and aims to enhance operational efficiency, scale up production, and foster new partnerships. Training sessions will be held regularly in Kyiv and will include lectures, seminars, and panel discussions based on real-world case studies.

The curriculum comprises eight modules covering core topics essential to the defence industry: financial management, sales, research and development (R&D), human capital management, internal process optimisation, and cooperation with international partners.

The first module begins on 6 July 2025. Topics will include government support mechanisms, incentive systems for manufacturers, sales to the state, defence business development strategies, and investment attraction. Speakers will include Minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, Deputy Minister Ganna Gvozdiar, President of KSE Tymofiy Mylovanov, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Defence Cluster Olena Zhuzha, and Head of Innovation Policy at the Ministry for Strategic Industries Vitaliy Kolesnikov.

Previously, Calibrated agency’s Operations Director, Luca Lobareva, shared insights on how startups can maximise the value of defence tech events.