On 27 November, Khmelnytskyi National University hosted an important event — the official opening of the 3D Hub of Digital Technologies at the Department of Fashion Industry in Light Industry. This is far more than just another educational space; it is a modern platform for developing ideas, technologies, experiments, practical solutions, and broad opportunities for students, academic staff, and business representatives in the field of fashion.
The creation of the 3D hub became possible thanks to the university’s participation in the Erasmus+ international project Erasmus+ 3D4U «3D concepts for fashion education in Ukraine» / «3D концепції для освіти моди в Україні». The project opened new horizons for the KhNU team, enabling them to build connections with European partners, gain access to innovative technologies, and exchange experiences and expertise, which ultimately led to the formation of a truly international educational environment. The result of this collaboration is a state-of-the-art laboratory — the new 3D hub, which has now officially opened its doors.
The event began with words of gratitude to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is thanks to their courage and daily struggle that we have the opportunity to study, create, discover new things and build the future. Those present honoured the memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom and security of Ukraine with a minute of silence.
The Rector of KhNU, Serhii Matiukh , was invited to deliver a welcome address, highlighting the strategic importance of the 3D hub for the university’s development and educational modernisation.
Speeches were also delivered by Mykola Vavryshchuk, Deputy Mayor, and Oleksandr Punda, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Khmelnytskyi Regional State Administration. They emphasised that the light industry is a key industrial sector in the Khmelnytskyi region, forming a significant share of the region’s economic potential and creating a demand for highly qualified specialists.
International Erasmus+ project partners also shared their thoughts and congratulations:
- Evridiki Papachristou (Greece) — Associate Professor of Creative Design and Clothing, International Hellenic University, International Coordinator of the 3D4U Project;
- Olena Kyzymchuk, Professor, Doctor of Sciences, Dresden University of Technology (Germany), Institute of Textile Machinery and High-Performance Textile Materials;
- Mariana Costea, Associate Professor at the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași (Romania);
- Nataliia Pervaia, Professor at the Department of Fashion Technology, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.
Їхня участь засвідчила масштабність та значимість співпраці, що виводить українську дизайн-освіту на новий міжнародний рівень.
The ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the official opening of the 3D hub — a symbolic start to a new stage in the development of digital technologies in the fashion industry at KhNU. Afterwards, guests were introduced to the hub’s technological capabilities. The 3D hub enables garment and footwear modelling, the creation of digital prototypes, and work with 3D scanning, printing and other tools of digital transformation in the fashion industry.
Two insightful panel discussions were held as part of the event.
- “Digital Transformation of the Fashion Industry: The Role of Government, Education and Business” (Moderator: Oksana Mykhailovska)
Participants:
- Serhii Matiukh – Rector of Khmelnytskyi National University
- Roman Uzhva – Deputy Head of the Khmelnytskyi Regional Military Administration
- Oksana Zakharkevych – Professor at the Department of Clothing Technology and Design, Head of the Research Department at KhNU, Coordinator of the EDIH CLOTEX-HUB Project
- Mariia Artemenko – First Vice-Rector of Kherson National Technical University
- Serhii Paraska – Co-owner of the STIMMA garment factory
- Oleksandr Kizikov – Co-owner of a footwear manufacturing company
Participants discussed how digital technologies influence design, production, management and promotion of fashion products. Special attention was given to cooperation between government institutions, universities and businesses — a partnership essential for building a new ecosystem of the fashion industry.
- “Who Will Create Fashion Tomorrow? Searching for, Training and Retaining Talent for the Industry” (Moderator: Tetiana Anatoliivna Nadopta)
Participants:
- Tetiana Ivanishena – Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Design
- Голда Виноградська – Голова «Національного галузевого партнерства в легкій промисловості України», засновниця і керівник проєкту «Fashion Globus Ukraine», віце-президент Конфедерації дизайнерів і стилістів України;
- Ruslan Budiak – Director of the Kalynivka Technological Vocational College
- Dmytro Kalach – Wholesale Trade Manager at Softorg
- Anton Labchuk – Executive Director of Hypanis LLC, Khmelnytskyi
- Larysa Kononchuk – Director of LARSY, Khmelnytskyi
During the discussion, participants talked about the competencies required of future designers, how educational institutions can prepare a new generation of specialists, and what is needed to ensure that talented young professionals stay in Ukraine and contribute to the development of the industry.
The opening of the 3D hub is a landmark event for Khmelnytskyi National University. It demonstrates that Ukrainian education is actively integrating into the global context, implementing innovations, strengthening partnerships and preparing specialists who will shape the future of the fashion industry.
The 3D hub is becoming a space where creativity and technology unite, giving students the opportunity to develop skills essential for the modern market.
This is another step towards the digital transformation of education and strengthening Ukraine’s position in the global educational and scientific arena.