Through its Talents for Ukraine grant program, KSE Foundation supports those who advance the country through their ideas and work in culture, science, and technology. This week’s winners include a researcher of Ukrainian cultural heritage, a musician and cultural initiator, as well as an engineer developing innovative solutions for energy and defense.
Tina Peresunko is a researcher and curator of projects promoting the history of Shchedryk / Carol of the Bells. She is a research fellow at the Institute of Ukrainian Archaeography and Source Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and the founder of the Leontovych Institute. Since 2016, she has been studying the tours of the Ukrainian Republic Capella under the direction of Oleksandr Koshyts and the worldwide triumph of Mykola Leontovych’s Shchedryk as an example of Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy. She is also the author of books, exhibitions, and international initiatives that highlight the Ukrainian origin of this world-famous melody, collects artifacts related to the song’s history, and dreams of creating a Shchedryk Museum.
“What matters to me in people is their passion for Ukraine and openness to the cultures of other nations”, emphasizes Tina.
Mykhailo Adamchak is a musician, cultural figure, and initiator of artistic projects. He is the co-founder and frontman of the band KORALLI, which has been performing in Ukraine and abroad for over 15 years. Mykhailo is also a co-organizer and art director of festivals such as Pidkamin, Pid Pokrovom Tryzuba, and others, shaping contemporary Ukrainian festival culture. Additionally, he is the initiator of the cultural-documentary project My Motokrayina, which promotes Ukrainian places, history, and culture through travel and media stories. Mykhailo actively supports cultural initiatives and strengthens national identity.
“I believe that, even in failure or when results are absent, one must always take one more step”, Mykhailo notes.
Serhii Tkachuk is a military engineer-inventor and co-founder of the R&D company VOLNIR. He develops devices that convert water into hydrogen and electricity to power engines, drones, and equipment without conventional fuel. As a commander of the combined unit of the 37th SCB of the Ukrainian Navy, he combines military experience with engineering expertise to create compact and efficient systems. His developments are being tested and demonstrate high potential for autonomous systems and sustainable energy solutions, opening new opportunities for defense, transportation, and civilian applications.
“For me, success is not stopping between two points: the starting «A» and the ending «B»; success is reaching point “B””, Serhii comments.
The third stage of the Talents For Ukraine grant program continues in 2026. You can submit your application via the link https://150.foundation.kse.ua/en
More about the Talents For Ukraine winners
