Talents for Ukraine by KSE Foundation supports talented Ukrainians who shape modern science, education, and the cultural landscape. This week’s honorees include a civic activist working on inclusion, a mathematician with international recognition, and a musician blending post-punk with social themes.
Dmytro Shchebetiuk is a civic activist and founder of Dostupno.UA, one of Ukraine’s key experts on inclusion and architectural accessibility. For over 10 years, he has worked toward systemic change: conducting audits of urban spaces, advising businesses and government institutions, and developing educational programs and public campaigns. His work has contributed to updating accessibility standards, increasing the visibility of people with disabilities, and fostering a new culture of equality. In 2017, he completed a solo hitchhiking journey across Ukraine as a social project; he is currently preparing a book about this journey and adaptation practices.
«For me, success is not measured by external attributes. Its criterion is inner integrity, which manifests outwardly», Dmytro notes.
Evgeny Sevost’yanov is a Ukrainian mathematician, a specialist in the geometric theory of functions and mappings. He founded and leads the Zhytomyr Scientific School of Mapping Theory and the Laboratory of Complex Analysis, supervising PhD students and research projects focused on planar and spatial mappings. He is the author of over 220 scientific works, including 174 Scopus-indexed articles and a Springer monograph. Evgeny is a laureate of the President of Ukraine’s Award, the Verkhovna Rada Award, and the Cabinet of Ministers Award. His research shapes the modern direction of mapping theory, contributes to the development of mathematical education, and supports the training of new scientists.
«Everything should be questioned: any assertion, truth, or rule requires proof», — Evgeny comments.
Ivan Shmahno, known by his stage name Yakiv Marnyi, is the leader of DK Energetyk, a band with nearly 2 million monthly listeners. He founded the band after the outbreak of the war, combining post-punk with social themes, which quickly drew attention on the Ukrainian independent scene. DK Energetyk’s songs have been featured in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2soundtrack and in a compilation supporting the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. Collaborations with DTEK and the music video filmed in Pripyat demonstrated the synergy between music and culture. In 2025, the band placed 6th in the national selection for Eurovision and continues to sell out shows across Ukraine.
«The thought that helps me through difficult times: tomorrow will be better», Ivan explains.
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
