Underground Tech — a new infrastructure for Kharkiv’s safe development

Kharkiv is a city with a strong industrial legacy, and we want it to have an equally powerful future.

Underground Tech is a hackathon that launches the creation of Ukraine’s first underground industrial park. The overarching goal is to provide Kharkiv with a new kind of infrastructure — one that functions even under constant threat and serves as a catalyst for economic recovery.

Kharkiv IT Cluster implements the project in partnership with the Ukrainian Industrial Cluster.

What Are We Aiming to Change?

Kharkiv lives under constant threat of shelling, and secure infrastructure is a vital need.

The underground park will be a new economic core that:

• Creates jobs
• Attracts investment
• Rebuilds the production ecosystem
• Proves that even during war, the future can be built

Underground Tech — The Launch of a Transformational Project

Underground Tech is an open platform for ideas and action. It brings together the city’s needs, the energy of young teams, mentor expertise, and real business demands. This synergy of ideas and realities offers a chance to create something truly meaningful and viable.

The main theme: the creation of a modern underground industrial park that opens up new opportunities for production and supports the city’s recovery.

Key Focus Areas:

• Architecture & Urban Planning
• Construction & Engineering
• Ecology & Energy
• Digital Solutions
• Business Models
• Social Aspects — accessibility, safety, and community impact

The hackathon will take place in October — team registration is available via the link. During the hackathon, participants will generate ideas, work in teams with mentors, and develop concepts and prototypes for underground infrastructure.

The best ideas will receive follow-up support, including inclusion in pilot design and the chance to take part in Kharkiv’s real transformation.

Who Can Participate?

•  Young professionals and students: architects, urbanists, IT specialists, engineers, designers, analysts
•  Experts and researchers: mentors, jury members, consultants
• Businesses and industrial companies: partners, challenge owners, technical donors
•  Investors, funds, and donors: to discover ideas worth funding

We invite everyone who wants to contribute to Kharkiv’s transformation, with ideas, experience, or resources.

 How to Join?

🔹 Want to participate in the hackathon?

Fill out the form to register your team.

🔹 Have experience in architecture, engineering, IT, or urban development?

Become a mentor and help participants strengthen and refine their ideas. Mentor registration is open.

🔹 From business or industry?

Join as a partner: share expertise, offer technical support or materials, or present real-world challenges for the teams.

🔹 Work in funding or investment?

Come explore ideas that are truly worth supporting. Additional info and pitch deck available here: Hackathon Presentation

📧 Contact us:

— Anastasiia Tarabanova, Edu Programs & Events Coordinator, Kharkiv IT Cluster

 edu.team4@it-kharkiv.com

— Mariia Moroz, Ukrainian Weighing Company / Ukrainian Industrial Cluster morozmash1509@gmail.com, +38 (099) 088 07 09