WEST UKRAINIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

 The second day of STEM Week at WUNU – T – TECHNOLOGY DAY: ‘Technologies of the Future’ – proved to be an exceptionally dynamic, informative and inspiring event. It was held at the STEM R&D Lab as part of the All-Ukrainian ‘STEM Spring 2026’ festival.

The highlight of the day was a meeting with a truly unique speaker – the founder and CEO of the Dutch innovation company ‘Spark Design & Innovation’, a stakeholder at Delft University of Technology, a trusted partner and long-standing friend of the WUNU Education and Research Centre for Communications – Robert Barnhoorn.

Among those attending the event were teachers from secondary schools in Ternopil, including representatives of lyceums, gymnasiums, educational complexes and general secondary schools, who actively participated in the discussion on modern technologies and innovations in the field of education. During the meeting, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of modern technologies and innovative design, learn about the evolution of ideas and the process of creating inventions at the international company ‘Spark Design & Innovation’, and familiarise themselves with examples of projects that combine design, engineering and digital technologies to address the pressing challenges of the modern world.

Founded in Rotterdam in 1992, the company is now a strong international team comprising over 30 designers and engineers. Working with clients around the world, it creates innovations that go beyond the ordinary – meaningful, groundbreaking and focused on sustainability.

In its work, Spark brings together elements that are often kept separate: technology and human experience, business logic and social responsibility. It is at this intersection that solutions are born which transform approaches to design and engineering.

During the webinar, particular attention was paid to how a modern innovative product is developed – from concept to implementation. In particular, the discussion focused on environmentally responsible design and consideration of a product’s entire life cycle, the integration of design, mechatronics and digital technologies, as well as the creation of medical solutions that have a direct impact on people’s quality of life.

Particular emphasis was placed on the development of robotic systems for the medical, security and service sectors, as well as on the evolution of technology – from mechanical and hydraulic tools to modern intelligent, cost-effective and scalable solutions.

Another key element of the presentation was an explanation of the agile design approach, which enables ideas to be tested quickly, products to be adapted, and a swift response to the needs of the market and users.

At the heart of the company’s philosophy lies the creation of products that not only meet the demands of today’s market but also have a tangible positive impact on people and the environment. Each project is developed as a balance between user needs, technological capabilities and economic viability, underpinned by a deep sense of responsibility for the future.

Time flew by incredibly quickly, which is the best testament to the relevance and value of the event.

The STEM R&D Lab team of West Ukrainian National University would like to express deep gratitude to Mr Robert Barnhoorn for his incredibly inspiring and professional lecture, his openness to dialogue, and his willingness to share his world-class expertise.

We are convinced that this meeting will serve as a starting point for new ideas, bold decisions and the development of fruitful cooperation between Ukrainian higher and general education institutions and the international community of practitioners, innovators and inventors.