At the ITs DISCO Boost competition within DISCO InnoLab Lviv 2023, held on December 1, Sumy State University presented a total of 5 projects. One was prepared by the team of the Educational and Scientific Institute of Business, Economics and Management and four startups by students of the Faculty of Electronics and Information Technologies.
As a result, the OKTOWN Institute team won the third place.
OKTOWN is an innovative startup that develops an electronic commercial platform aimed at supporting local tourism businesses through volunteer tourism in Ukraine and beyond. However, the volunteer initiative promotes cultural exchange, giving travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ukrainian culture through volunteering, thereby allowing the local population to profitably showcase their traditions and cultural heritage. OKTOWN creates conditions for guests and hosts to come together, while promoting the development of local communities, stimulating economic development and deep cultural understanding.
The OKTOWN team is a group of experienced professionals who are leaders in innovation and sustainable development. The team includes Elena Kasyan, she is the general director of the project, has 5 years of experience in business and 7 years in advertising and public relations, and is also getting a PhD degree in the specialty 073 Management at NNI BiEM. Olena is the driver of strategic initiatives and leadership that directs OKTOWN to success. Serhii Lyulchenko, CTO with 12 years of experience in software development and system analysis is the foundation for the development of OKTOWN technological infrastructure, ensuring the reliability and innovation of the platform and team leadership, and Victoria Godik, Partnership Manager with 15 years of experience in the field of partnership and sustainable development, she works fruitfully on expanding the network of business contacts and implementing sustainable growth strategies.
Target Audience and Influence:
Targeting international volunteers, we also plan to attract local businesses offering authentic cultural and tourism services. OKTOWN will contribute to socio-economic development in the regions of Ukraine, increasing the attractiveness of the country at the international level.
Innovation and Sustainability:
By introducing an innovative approach to tourism, OKTOWN creates a model where cultural exchange and volunteerism are key elements of sustainable development. Our platform aims to reduce economic inequalities and support local communities.
The projects were evaluated by an authoritative jury, which included well-known Ukrainian and foreign experts, in particular, the representative of Sumy State University, doctor of economics, associate professor of the department Yuliia HALYNSKA.
We are proud of the participants from the institute and wish for new ideas and interesting innovative projects!
Fundraising campaign ukr – https://gofund.me/5dae4fb2
Eng – https://gofund.me/94ba7a53
Website – https://www.oktown.com.ua/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ok_town/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OKTOWN.com.ua/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/OKTOWN2
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@oktown.ukraine
