Innovate Ukraine

The Ukrainian Invention Convention is a grassroots initiative to bring Connecticut's successful Invention Convention program to some of the most under-resourced and challenges areas of Ukraine. Pursuant to the sister-state relationship established between Connecticut and Donetsk, the Ukraine Invention Convention will leverage experienced Connecticut entrepreneurs to bring innovation programs to Ukrainian youth and fly them to Connecticut, where they'll compete head-to-head at the Connecticut State Finals competition. 

All proceeds will directly support the Ukraine Invention Convention, a programmatic campaign of NextMinds, a CT-based 501c(3) charitable organization. Through this program, NextMinds will train an estimated five Ukrainian youth, and see at least five of them flown to the United States to compete directly against Connecticut youth. No donor funds will go towards administrative salaries or operational overhead - all training and instruction is being offered in-kind on a volunteer basis. Instead, all donated funds will go directly towards:

• Prototyping and material costs for Ukrainian inventors ($2,500)

• Travel costs for highest performing Ukrainian inventors to compete in the United States ($15,000)

• Chaperone travel costs and local Ukrainian program support ($5,000)

• Host and event costs associated with Ukrainian inventors competing at State Finals  ($4,500)

• Ukrainian student stipends to help advance their innovations ($3,000)

• Total campaign goal: $30,000

The first $5,000 raised will be allocated for travel costs to ensure at least one Ukrainian youth and chaperone can compete directly in the United States. All additional funds raised will be evenly split across cost categories. Every donation of any amount can help ensure that these creative students who have overcome so much adversity in simply continuing their education can realize the life-changing experience to bring their inventive solutions to the world.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing this campaign with someone who may be able to. Every child has a million dollar idea. We plan to make sure these Ukrainian youth have a chance to share theirs with the world.