International Humanitarian Demining Academy
About Academy
  • The International Humanitarian Demining Academy (IHDA) is a innovative educational center dedicated to training demining specialists, based on internationally recognized methodologies and best practices. The center will conduct research into emerging demining technologies, validated through field testing and expert collaboration, ensuring their effectiveness in real-world applications globally. By fostering knowledge exchange and international cooperation, this initiative aims to enhance global security and humanitarian mine action efforts


  • We are focused on making the world a safer place by accelerating the clearance of explosive remnants of war and restoring security in post-conflict communities.
📍 IHDA Campus, Kyiv city
Our Vision
Our vision is to become the world’s leading center of excellence for humanitarian demining and explosive ordnance risk reduction—recognized for innovation, integrity, and impact.
We envision:

  • A mine-free future where children can play, farmers can work, and displaced populations can return home safely—without fear of hidden explosives.
  • An inclusive, globally connected Academy headquartered in Ukraine, strategically located at the heart of one of the most affected regions in Europe, while serving as a model for regional centers of mine action worldwide.
  • A world where demining operations are faster, safer, and more cost-effective, empowered by smart technology, AI, unmanned systems, and highly trained personnel.
  • A platform for global dialogue and cooperation, where policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and technology developers can jointly shape the future of mine action.
  • A commitment to humanitarian values, neutrality, and the dignity of affected populations, ensuring that all our efforts place the safety and recovery of civilians at the core.
The mission of the International Humanitarian Demining Academy is to contribute to global peacebuilding and post-conflict recovery by advancing the professionalization of mine action through cutting-edge training, applied research, and technological innovation.
We aim to:
Our Mission
of New Methods and Technologies for Humanitarian Demining.
Research and Development
training specialists for humanitarian missions in Ukraine and abroad.
Global Security
a platform for Ukrainian and international experts.
Knowledge Exchange
📍 Demining operations
📍 Demining operations
📍 Demining operations, Kyiv region
Train and equip a new generation of highly skilled demining professionals capable of operating in diverse, high-risk environments
Training Future Deminers
1.
Provide a comprehensive educational framework aligned with the International Mine Action Standards (IMAS), covering manual clearance, technical survey, EOD, mechanical and unmanned systems, mine risk education, and field leadership.
IMAS-Based Education
2.
Develop and test advanced detection and clearance technologies, including AI-driven tools, drones, robotics, and ground-penetrating radar, in collaboration with global R&D partners.
Innovating Clearance Tech
3.
Serve as a bridge between innovation and operations, ensuring that new tools and practices are validated, field-tested, and integrated into real-world humanitarian demining efforts.
Linking R&D with Operations
4.
Foster international collaboration among governments, NGOs, academic institutions, and mine action operators to promote transparency, knowledge exchange, and ethical field practices.
Global Collaboration & Ethics
5.
Meet our team
Yurii
Marusych
Head of Board,
CEO
Shahab
Moeini
Head of Board,
CEO
Vladyslav
Pobochii
Head of IT
department
Kateryna
Voloschuk
Head of Board,
CEO
Yana
Korzhupova
VP, Student Affairs
and External
Relations
Viktor
Pankiv
CFO
Taras
Kovalchuk
Co-founder
Serhii
Kryvohuz
Co-Founder
Oleksii
Botnarenko
President
and CEO
Sofiia
Pivtorak
Director of
Communication and
Public Relations

Vladyslav
Pobochii

Director
Informatics
and AI

Serhii
Kryvohuz
Operations
Manager
Kateryna
Voloschuk
Director
Legal Department
Shahab
Moeini
Vice President
International Affairs
Research and
Development
Oleksii
Botnarenko
President
and CEO
Taras
Kovalchuk
Chief Technical
Officer

Yana
Korzhupova
Vice president
Deputy
Sofiia
Pivtorak
Director
Public relationship

Sreten Ugričić
Chief Strategic
Officer
Sreten
Ugričić
Chief Strategic
Officer
Vladyslav
Pobochii
Director
Informatics and AI
Shahab
Moeini
Vice President
International
Affairs
Research and
Development
Kateryna
Voloschuk
Director
Legal Department
Yana
Korzhupova
Vice president
Deputy
Taras
Kovalchuk
Chief Technical
Officer
Oleksii
Botnarenko
President
and CEO
Serhii
Kryvohuz
Operations
Manager
Sofiia
Pivtorak
Director
Public
relationship
1. Training & Education Facilities
• Classrooms & Lecture Halls – For theoretical instruction, seminars, and capacity-building workshops.

• Simulation Labs – Equipped with VR/AR and digital training platforms for safe and immersive learning experiences.

• Mine Risk Education (MRE) Centers – For developing and delivering community-based risk awareness programs.

• Language & Communication Labs – Supporting international students and local engagement.
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2. Technical Testing & R&D Facilities
• Field Testing Range – Controlled outdoor areas for live testing of demining equipment, including GPR, metal detectors, and AI-enhanced tools.

• Indoor Testing Lab – For evaluating prototypes and components in a controlled environment.

• Robotics & AI Integration Lab – Focused on developing autonomous or semi-autonomous detection systems.

• Sensor Calibration Center – For precision tuning of GPR, EMI, and multi-sensor systems.

• Drone Operations Lab – For UAV deployment, image processing, and training.
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3. Research & Innovation Hub
• Collaboration Offices – Dedicated space for partner institutions, visiting researchers, and inter-agency project teams to co-develop cutting-edge solutions.

• Data Analytics & GIS Lab – For analyzing field data, generating contamination maps, and supporting predictive modeling using satellite imagery and sensor data.

• Documentation & Standards Library – A centralized resource hub providing access to IMAS, scientific publications, operational manuals, and historical mine action data.

• AI and VR Lab – A specialized facility for developing artificial intelligence tools and virtual reality simulations to enhance detection algorithms, automate analysis, and support immersive training environments. This lab also enables the integration of machine learning models with field robotics, drones, and sensor platforms.

• Innovation Incubator Space – A flexible R&D workspace for prototyping new devices, testing advanced sensors, and piloting novel demining concepts in collaboration with startups and academic partners.
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4. UXO Handling &
Safety Training Area
• Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Training Range – A secure, purpose-built outdoor facility designed for live and inert training with UXO and landmines. It includes designated blast pits, controlled demolition zones, and scenario-based clearance lanes.

• UXO Identification and Disarmament Lab – An indoor facility equipped with inert munitions libraries, X-ray tools, disarming simulation kits, and digital learning aids for safe hands-on practice.

• Protective Equipment Training Center – Dedicated space for instruction on the correct use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE), including blast-resistant suits, helmets, and shields.

• Emergency Medical Response Unit – A field-replica trauma care and first-aid training unit that prepares personnel to manage on-site injuries, with instruction in casualty evacuation and field triage.

• Safety Simulation Room – A controlled environment using virtual and augmented reality to simulate high-risk UXO scenarios for decision-making and reaction training.

• 3D Modeling and VR Lab – A high-tech lab for developing and delivering realistic training simulations, including digital terrain modeling, virtual UXO scenarios, and remote mission planning exercises. This lab supports interactive learning, mission rehearsal, and integration with live field training.
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5.Center for Research and Innovation on Unmanned Systems
• Advanced Drone Laboratory – A specialized facility for the design, development, and deployment of aerial systems used in landmine detection, terrain mapping, and remote surveillance. Equipped with simulation tools, payload integration platforms (e.g., GPR, LiDAR, multispectral sensors), and test areas.

• Ground Robotics Lab – A state-of-the-art center for building and testing autonomous unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with capabilities in sensor fusion, terrain navigation, and AI-guided explosive ordnance detection.

• Control and Command Simulation Suite – A high-tech environment for simulating and coordinating multi-platform unmanned operations, with real-time mission planning, telemetry monitoring, and system interoperability tools.

• Digital Twin Command Center – A virtual operations hub that mirrors live and simulated field scenarios for unmanned systems. It enables predictive modeling, mission rehearsal, system diagnostics, and integration with AI-powered decision support tools.

• GPS-Denied Testing Facility – A secure indoor and outdoor test environment designed to simulate GNSS-denied conditions (e.g., urban canyons, tunnels, forests), critical for developing robust navigation and autonomy in challenging field conditions.

• Maintenance and Engineering Workshop – A fabrication and service lab for the assembly, repair, and upgrading of drone and robotic platforms, supporting rapid iteration and deployment.

• Regulatory and Safety Integration Unit – Ensures all unmanned systems comply with international mine action standards, aviation regulations, and humanitarian use policies, with a focus on safety, data protection, and ethical deployment.
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6.Administrative & Support Infrastructure
• Operations & Command Center – For simulation of real-time mine action coordination and mission planning.

• Accommodation & Dining Facilities – Comfortable living quarters and meal services for international trainees, visiting experts, and staff.

• Dormitory Facility – Secure, on-site housing equipped with essential amenities to support long-term training programs and international fellowships.

• Conference & Briefing Rooms – For hosting meetings, presentations, workshops, and inter-agency coordination.

• Logistics & Equipment Storage – Safe and organized space for demining tools, protective equipment, and mission supplies.
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7. Outreach &
Community Engagement
• Public Awareness Center – Designed to engage local communities, schools, and NGOs with interactive exhibits and Mine Risk Education (MRE) programs.

• Mobile Training Units – Deployable modules to deliver training and awareness in remote or conflict-affected areas.

• International Conference Center – A state-of-the-art venue for hosting global forums, technical workshops, policy dialogues, and multi-stakeholder events focused on mine action, innovation, and humanitarian response.

• Community Engagement Hub – Dedicated space for dialogue with affected populations, veteran support programs, and civil society initiatives.
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Our Courses
Our Roadmap
Території України потенційно забруднені вибухонебезпечними предметами, що вдвічі перевищує площу таких країн як Чехія, Угорщина, Португалія та Австрія​.
140 000 км²
Кількість осіб, які проживають у районах, забруднених мінами та вибухонебезпечними предметами.

Cільськогосподарських земель – частка орних земель України, які потенційно забруднені мінами та вибухонебезпечними предметами, що суттєво впливає на економіку країни та продовольчу безпеку світу.
40%
Defined core areas: education, research, and technology implementation.
Concept Development
Partnerships and Collaboration
Conducting meetings to establish cooperation and sign memorandums.
Partnering with international organizations to create educational programs.
Training Program Development
Funding Acquisition
Securing financial support from national and international partners.
Establishing a "Scientific Park" for research and innovation in humanitarian demining.
Innovation Hub
Specialist Training
Preparing experts in AI and unmanned demining systems.
Ensuring graduates obtain modern competencies in humanitarian demining.
International Certification
Technology Testing Standards
Developing demining technology validation processes in "field conditions".
Establishing testing grounds for new demining technologies
Test Sites Creation
Technology Development
Implementing autonomous systems and sensor networks for remote contamination monitoring.
Creating a DATA CENTER for information processing.
Data Center Establishment
Academy Expansion
Opening regional training and research centers.
Основні показники проблематики
Міни та вибухонебезпечні предмети продовжують становити серйозну загрозу життю людей, безпеці та економічному розвитку постконфліктних регіонів. Процес розмінування просувається повільно через використання застарілих методів, які вимагають значних фінансових витрат і супроводжуються високим рівнем ризику. Окрім того, існує суттєвий розрив між доступними технологіями та їх ефективним впровадженням у процеси розмінування. Відсутність розумних підходів до тестування новітніх розробок на основі штучного інтелекту, автономних роботизованих систем значно уповільною розвиток технологічної складової протимінної діяльності. Глобальна нестача фахівців-саперів лише погіршує ситуацію, затягуючи строки гуманітарного розмінування та відновлення постраждалих громад.
5 млн.
Concept Development
Defined core areas: education, research, and technology implementation.
Conducting meetings to establish cooperation and sign memorandums.
Partnerships and Collaboration
Training Program Development
Partnering with international organizations to create educational programs.
Securing financial support from national and international partners.
Funding Acquisition
Innovation Hub
Establishing a "Scientific Park" for research and innovation in humanitarian demining.
Preparing experts in AI and unmanned demining systems.
Specialist Training
International Certification
Ensuring graduates obtain modern competencies in humanitarian demining.
Developing demining technology validation processes in "field conditions".
Technology Testing Standards
Test Sites Creation
Establishing testing grounds for new demining technologies.
Implementing autonomous systems and sensor networks for remote contamination monitoring
Technology Development
Data Center Establishment
Creating a DATA CENTER for information processing.
Opening regional training and research centers.
Academy Expansion
Oleksii Botnarenko
PRESIDENT AND CEO
Oleksii Bohnarenko is a legal expert with 11+ years of leadership experience in humanitarian demining and administrative law. He played a key role in developing Ukraine's mine action legislation and has 10 years of pedagogical experience.

Oleksii serves as First Deputy Chairman of the Ukrainian National Association for Humanitarian Demining and co-founded humanitarian foundations supporting mine-affected communities.

His strategic vision drives our mission to create a safer Ukraine through education and technology. As President & CEO of the International Demining Academy, he combines legal expertise with practical field knowledge to advance demining innovation and training.
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Yana Korzhupova
Vice president Deputy
Yana Korzhupova brings over 14 years of civil service experience to her role as Vice President and Deputy at the International Demining Academy.

Her expertise includes establishing regional offices, monitoring activities, and collaborating with government bodies, NGOs, and local authorities. For the past three years, she has worked with the Future for Ukraine charity foundation (Czechia). Yana has practical experience in creating mine action operators, preparing necessary documentation, and successfully navigating certification processes.

She holds master's degrees in both Law and Organizational Management, and excels in team management, stakeholder coordination, and operational compliance with state and international demining standards.
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Serhii Kryvohuz
Chief Operating Officer
Serhii Kryvohuz is a humanitarian program manager with over 8 years of experience leading child protection, education, and health initiatives across Ukraine and Europe. As a consultant for UNICEF, he coordinates donor-funded programs supporting trauma-affected communities and works closely with local authorities on sustainable solutions.

With a background in public administration, international logistics, and executive training from Georgetown University and SGH Warsaw, Serhii brings strategic expertise, cross-sector leadership, and a strong commitment to impact-driven development.
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Viktor Pankiv
Chief Financial Officer
Viktor Pankiv brings extensive financial leadership experience to the International Demining Academy. With over 20 years in banking and financial management, including executive positions at PrivatBank and AB "Ukrgasbank," Viktor combines strategic financial planning with project management expertise. His background includes leading construction and energy projects through his company "PremiumSpace" across multiple Ukrainian cities.

Viktor's public service experience as a deputy of Ternopil City Council and his involvement in budget and finance committees enhances his ability to navigate complex financial partnerships essential for the Academy's mission.
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Shahab Moeini
Vice President, International Affairs Research and Development
Shahab Moeini is an expert in UAV systems, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing technologies with over 25 years of experience in engineering and R&D.
He brings exceptional expertise in developing AI-driven solutions and geospatial innovations for humanitarian demining operations as Vice President of International Affairs & R&D at the International Demining Academy.

Shahab holds multiple post-graduate degrees in engineering, geospatial science, and business administration. He is certified as a Flight Instructor for Heavy Duty Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems specializing in Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations. His pioneering work integrating AI and remote sensing technologies transforms how UAVs are utilized in humanitarian missions, particularly for landmine detection.
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Yurii Marusych
Director, Development and Partnerships
Yurii Marusych brings over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience to the International Demining Academy. As CEO and founder of UPTS LLC, he established Ukraine's market leader in specialized underground construction for over a decade.

His expertise spans energy resource trading, sales development, and infrastructure project management. Yurii's background in distributing specialized equipment and technologies directly aligns with the Academy's mission of implementing innovative demining solutions. His proven track record in creating and executing strategic development plans positions him perfectly to forge crucial partnerships that will advance the Academy's objectives.
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Sofiia Pivtorak
Director, Public relationship
Sofiia Pivtorak has over 8 years of experience in the NGO sector, bringing expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, and successful fundraising for social projects.
As Director of Public Relations at the International Demining Academy, she manages stakeholder communications and public outreach initiatives.

With a background in mathematical analysis and sociology, she explores how technology shapes society and applies those insights to robotics development. Sofiia studies sociology at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Her expertise includes volunteer coordination, event organization, and data analysis. She values teamwork, embraces challenges, and brings her experience of international collaborations to advance the Academy's mission.
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Vladyslav Pobochii
DIRECTOR, Informatics and AI
Vladyslav Pobochii brings extensive experience in strategic IT management and technological entrepreneurship. For the past four years, he has led Fridex Group—a group of companies operating in IT, EdTech, SaaS, and marketing across the markets of Ukraine, Poland, Germany, and Latvia.

As the founder and CEO of Fridex Group, Vladyslav has overseen the development and launch of hundreds of digital products focused on automating educational, business, and administrative processes for companies across various industries. Under his leadership, teams have built IT infrastructures, developed technological solutions, and scaled them across multiple markets.

With proven experience in team leadership, a clear technological vision, and a deep understanding of complex systems, he drives the implementation of modern IT solutions at the intersection of education, security, and digital transformation.
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Kateryna Voloschuk
Director, Legal Department
Kateryna Voloshchuk is a seasoned legal professional specializing in non-profit and public sector law. Her expertise encompasses charitable foundation operations, NGO establishment, and public procurement procedures through Ukraine's Prozorro system.

Since 2021, she has maintained a private legal practice focused on organizational governance and tender processes. Her experience as a city council deputy assistant enhances her understanding of public administration regulations crucial for the Academy's operations. Kateryna holds a master's degree in Law from West Ukrainian National University and brings valuable skills in contract development and regulatory compliance.
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Sreten Ugričić
Chief STRATEGIC Officer
Sreten Ugričić is a writer, philosopher, artist, and librarian based in Switzerland. From 2001 to 2012, he served as Director of the National Library of Serbia, leading significant initiatives in literary and cultural development.

He is the author of nine books, including novels, short stories, essays, and theoretical works. His novel An den Unbekannten Helden (2012) and the essay collection Rätsel. Umkehrungen. Fallen. (2022) have been translated into German, receiving critical acclaim.

In 2024, Ugričić was awarded an honorary doctorate from the European Graduate School. He regularly engages in public readings, lectures, and artistic performances, contributing to contemporary cultural and intellectual discourse across Europe.
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IHDA News
Yurii
Marusych
Head of Board,
CEO
Shahab
Moeini
Head of Board,
CEO
Vladyslav
Pobochii
Head of IT
department
Kateryna
Voloschuk
Head of Board,
CEO
Yana
Korzhupova
VP, Student Affairs
and External
Relations
Viktor
Pankiv
CFO
Taras
Kovalchuk
Co-founder
Serhii
Kryvohuz
Co-Founder
Oleksii
Botnarenko
President
and CEO
Sofiia
Pivtorak
Director of
Communication and
Public Relations
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