
The "FAB LAB Kropyvnytskyi" public organization has initiated the creation of a multifunctional space aimed at supporting entrepreneurship within the light industry sector. The project involves establishing specialized classrooms, meeting areas, and a dedicated coworking space. This facility will serve as a launchpad for startups and emerging brands, providing them with access to high-end specialized equipment and allowing them to minimize capital expenditures during the initial production phase.
The initiative's implementation will commence in June 2026 with the launch of free practical training courses. The program is designed to train seamstresses, tailors, and critically needed specialists—sewing equipment mechanics. The curriculum is based on best practices from leading industry clusters and has been tailored to the specific demands of local enterprises. This approach aims to swiftly address the regional labor shortage and provide graduates with immediate employment opportunities.
The project is supported by a grant of UAH 1.44 million from ISAR Ednannia. These funds will be utilized for the procurement of technical equipment, facility leasing, and faculty compensation. Recruitment for the training programs will prioritize internally displaced persons, women, and youth, fostering the social integration of vulnerable groups and promoting the garment industry as a modern, technology-driven field.
The strategic objective of the hub is to transform the perception of vocational professions and build a comprehensive ecosystem for the city's fashion industry. According to Anna Oleinikova, head of the organization, once the fundamental need for frontline staff is met, the project plans to expand into advanced educational tracks, including training for production technologists and garment designers to facilitate further industrial scaling.