This year, the second “I Dream PRO” forum at Metinvest Polytechnic Technical University became an example of a new format of interaction between education and big business.
Student projects here go beyond the scope of the educational process and are considered as potential solutions for real-world production. Top managers from Metinvest Group joined the discussion, turning the event into a practical dialogue on the implementation of ideas.
While the first forum focused on bringing students and alumni together around ideas and shared experience, this time the emphasis shifted to practice. At the centre were projects developed by students on the basis of real industrial challenges. These are no longer purely academic case studies, but initiatives that are being considered as potential solutions for business.
Education as an Integral Part of Modern Production
Олександр ПОВАЖНИЙ
Rector of Metinvest Polytechnic, Oleksandr Povazhnyi, emphasises that the forum reflects the university’s approach to education as an integral part of the real sector of the economy.
“We are building a model in which education, research and engagement with business operate as a unified system. Formats like this are therefore not standalone events, but a continuation of the educational process, where student ideas gain the opportunity to be discussed in the context of real-world challenges,” the Rector notes.
An important role in this is played by the university community itself.
“For us, it is essential that students and alumni not only present their projects but also take part in organising such events. This means that an environment of initiative and responsibility is being formed,” adds Oleksandr POVAZHNYI.
He also emphasises the importance of direct dialogue with business: the involvement of Metinvest’s leadership and industry practitioners creates an opportunity to discuss ideas with due consideration to real production processes. This format is reshaping the very logic of interaction between education and business.
The key shift this year was the presentation of real projects and the participation of top management from Metinvest Group in the dialogue. This created a platform for direct interaction between the authors of solutions and those responsible for shaping the company’s strategic development. As a result, student projects are viewed not only as academic case studies, but as developments that can evolve in line with industry needs. At the same time, the university acts as an environment in which such solutions are given the opportunity for further refinement and development.
The development of this interaction extends beyond educational projects as well, particularly in strengthening the research component. Andrii YEMCHENKO, Director for Technical Development at Metinvest Group, proposed establishing an in-house research centre at the university, highlighting the shortage of such institutions in Ukraine. The Rector supported this initiative, noting that the first steps have already been taken: a research council has been established at the university, bringing together both academics and industry representatives.
What solutions are students proposing?
Student solutions cover key industry areas – from steelmaking and mining to digitalisation and environmental technologies. Each project serves as a real example of how educational developments can already be applied in real-world production.
Among the ideas presented was the creation of a digital simulator ecosystem for training specialists prior to entering steelmaking production. This project by graduate Daniil TYMOSHENKO is aimed at developing practical experience in a safe environment.
Another area focuses on the advancement of digital mining through K-MINE – a comprehensive software solution covering the full mining cycle, including geology, geodesy, mine surveying, cartography, and the planning and design of mining operations via real-time interactive tools. This solution was presented by graduate mine surveyor Ihor KYRYCHENKO.
Some of the projects focused on improving the efficiency of production processes. In particular, Svitlana VYSOTSKA-CHERVIATIUK explored the geometry of mill lining as a key lever for controlling a beneficiation plant, demonstrating how engineering solutions can impact the entire system. In the field of environmental technologies, student Anton PODOBNYI proposed an approach to optimising the operation of dust collection units using specialised software.
Digital solutions were also introduced in both managerial and educational processes. In particular, Oleksandr SMYRNOV developed a user-friendly CRM system for the alumni community, while Yaroslav PLUTALOV created an intelligent educational environment with AI agents to enhance the quality of online learning. Systemic challenges related to the sector’s development – namely, the recovery of Ukraine’s mining and steelmaking complex – were specifically outlined in the project by university postgraduate student Ihor NAVOLNIEV.
All these projects share a common feature: they do not remain at the level of ideas. These are results that can already be integrated into production processes or serve as a foundation for further implementation.
Opportunities for future students
The forum organisers emphasise that, for students and graduates, this is an opportunity to bring their ideas into a real professional context and receive feedback from the business community.
For the company, it provides access to new approaches and solutions developed in an environment that closely mirrors real production conditions. The “I Dream PRO” forum, in this format, demonstrates an alternative model of interaction between the university and industry – one in which student projects are viewed not as academic case studies, but as potential solutions with prospects for further development.
Metinvest Polytechnic is a next-generation technical university that trains specialists in demand both in Ukraine and internationally. Top graduates are offered their first employment opportunities at Metinvest, along with career advancement prospects and additional incentive programmes from the company. The university combines online lectures with practical training conducted at the facilities of Metinvest Group enterprises in Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, and Kamianske. The most successful students undertake internships at the company’s international production sites, thereby opening up broad prospects for professional development.
