The Ministry of Defence is initiating the establishment of an ‘innovation hub’ for the adoption of advanced demining technologies

The Ministry of Defence is initiating the establishment of an ‘innovation hub’ to unify efforts across stakeholders in implementing cutting-edge technologies for demining de-occupied areas of Ukraine. 

This was reported by Colonel Oleh Shuvarskyi, Head of the Mine Action Department and Deputy Head of the Main Directorate of Mine Action, Civil Protection, and Environmental Safety.

“One of this hub's objectives will be to evaluate contemporary technologies, benchmark global innovations, categorize potential solutions according to international and national mine action standards, and test cutting-edge developments. This approach will help establish a ‘mine action technology repository’ and streamline the prioritization of solutions for implementation and large-scale deployment nationwide,” noted Oleh Shuvarskyi.

He also reminded that the Ministry of Defence is exploring the possibility of establishing a modern test site for trialing innovative demining technologies, including those incorporating artificial intelligence. 

The session was organized by the Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining. Alongside representatives of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, the event was attended by diplomats, UN and OSCE officials, the Secretariat of the National Mine Action Agency, as well as global experts, experienced professionals in mine action, and developers of cutting-edge technologies.