WASHINGTON – The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation has announced the launching of its Biotechnology Initiative, which will support the advancement of biotechnology in Ukraine. The program is supported by an initial gift of $250,000 by a foundation donor, Irene Hoffman.
The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation is a publicly supported 501(c)(3), not-for-profit non-governmental organization established in 1991 to support democracy, a free market and human rights for Ukraine. Over the course of 26 years, the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, with offices in Washington and Kyiv has directed over $43 million to build peace and prosperity through shared democratic values in programs focusing on economic development, education, health and humanitarian aid, and public policy.
Discussions have already been taking place with Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States Valeriy Chaly with the intent of maximizing efforts for the initiative and helping Ukraine focus on its specialization development strategy for biotechnology.
Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze visited the USUF recently and learned of the new program through discussions with foundation President Nadia McConnell.
Working with public and private sector leaders, the USUF aims to heighten the awareness of the benefits of the biotechnology sector for Ukraine. The foundation plans to develop cooperative relationships between Ukrainian and U.S. biotechnology players through trade shows, conferences and other networking opportunities that will assist Ukrainian biotech companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs in their market activities.
The foundation recently participated in a Kyiv trade show to formally present its new program in Ukraine.
For more information or to get involved, readers may contact John A. Kun, vice-president and chief operating officer of the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation, at [email protected].