The Research and Innovation Center (RIC) is a structural unit of the Private Higher Educational Institution "IT Step University".
Mission:
To promote innovation and excellence in the fields of digital technologies, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation by conducting cutting-edge research, fostering collaboration between industry and academia, and creating effective solutions that shape a secure and transformative digital future.
Vision:
To become a recognized center for advanced research, technological innovations, and digital transformation solutions that contribute to scientific development, enhanced information security, and positive social impact.
Purpose, Tasks, and Functions of the Research and Innovation Center:
- Implementation of international (particularly within EU programs such as Horizon Europe, Creative Europe, Digital Europe, EU4Health, European Defence Fund, Innovation Fund, ERA4Ukraine, COST, etc.) and domestic scientific projects.
- Application of research results in creating and producing innovative technological digital products.
- Startup incubation through funding, mentorship, and technical support.
- Conducting certifications and workshops, organizing scientific and educational programs, seminars, and certifications for researchers, developers, and business representatives, as well as participating in international scientific conferences.
- Writing articles, patents, and monographs, participating in editorial boards, and peer-reviewing domestic and international scientific publications.
- Organizing educational practices for students and internships for IT company specialists.
- Hosting hackathons and innovation competitions.
Strategic Goals:
1. Knowledge Expansion: Conduct breakthrough research in digital technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
2. Enhancing Cybersecurity: Develop modern tools and structures to address emerging challenges in information security.
3. Supporting Digital Transformation: Assist organizations in implementing innovative technologies to improve efficiency and resilience.
4. Fostering Collaboration: Establish strong partnerships with universities, industries, and government institutions.
5. Talent Development: Train future innovators through specialized programs, certifications, and real- world projects.
Main Areas of Activity:
1. Digital Technologies:
- Design technologies for computer and software systems, cyber-physical systems, network technologies, IoT, cloud, and edge computing.
- Autonomous, robotic, self-organizing, self-improving, quantum- and bio-inspired systems.
- Remote monitoring and control system technologies.
- Cybersecurity and blockchain technologies.
- Smart infrastructure and Industry 4.0.
2. Artificial Intelligence:
- Generative AI.
- Neural networks.
- Machine learning technologies.
3. Cybersecurity:
- Intelligent threat analytics, secure architectures, cryptographic systems, and protocols.
- Blockchain technologies.
- Real-time threat response systems and compliance standards.
4. Digital Transformation:
- Developing strategies and informatization tools for organizations.
- Using AI and big data for analytics and decision-making.
5. Other IT-Related Activities.
Organizational Structure:
Head: Responsible for developing strategies, structuring the Center, forming work plans, organizing interactions with clients and partners, managing the Center's activities, and coordinating international and domestic scientific projects and contracts.
Advisory Board: Established to support the strategic development of the Center, provide scientific- technical consultation, and promote innovation. Members include research unit heads, leading IT experts, representatives of academic and educational institutions, business entities, government,
and public organizations.
Research Units:
- Advanced Digital Technologies Research Group: Investigates and creates the latest digital technologies.
- Practical Generative AI Research Group: Studies and implements advanced AI technologies and digital transformation tools.
- Cybersecurity Technologies Research Group: Develops secure systems and policies.
- Other research groups may be formed within the Center.
Leadership and Staff:
Management of the Research and Innovation Center is overseen by the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation of IT Step University, as per the Rector's decree.
Heads of research units are appointed by the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation based on their qualifications and experience.
Staffing of research units is finalized upon signing contracts for research and project work.
Infrastructure:
- Modern laboratories: Digital technologies, AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
- Computational resources: Cloud services and local computing capacities.
- Co-working and innovation spaces: For startups and team collaboration.
