The award ceremony event announcing the winners of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 program in Ukraine was held at the National Philharmonic of Ukraine. The program traditionally recognizes Ukrainian entrepreneurs who demonstrate innovation, resilience, responsible leadership, and a strong impact on the development of the economy and society.
This year, the title of EY “Entrepreneur of the Year 2026” in Ukraine was awarded to Oleksandr Yakovenko, founder of TAF Industries, a Ukrainian defence tech company specializing in the development and production of FPV drones, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic warfare systems, and other high‑tech solutions.
Today, TAF Industries is a partner to the state, business, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine and operates as a scalable technology company that combines in‑house R&D, manufacturing, and rapid product adaptation to changing battlefield conditions. The company is a vivid example of how innovative business can play a crucial role in strengthening national defense capabilities and developing Ukraine’s technological ecosystem.
Winners in Other Categories (listed in alphabetical order by category name)
- Academia and Scientific Innovation – Tymofii Mylovanov, President, Kyiv School of Economics
- Business Courage – Petro Lyshak, CEO and Co‑owner, Poelle
- Choice of Bank FUIB and Veteran Success Story Award – Serhii Zhukovskyi, Founder and Owner, Sushena Radist
- Cultural Impact – Viktor Kruglov, CEO, Ranok Publishing House
- Entrepreneurial Spirit – Dmytro Krymskyi, Co‑founder, goodwine (Bureau of Wines LLC)
- Market Transformation – Serhii Krolevets, Owner and President, Eridon
- New Horizons – Stanislav Ronis, Founder and Major Shareholder, Comfy
- NV Readers’ Choice – Andrii Khudo, Co‑owner and Chairman of the Supervisory Board, !FEST Emotional Holding
- Social Impact – Polina Kosharna, Co‑owner and Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board, Suziria Group
- Women Leadership – Olha Melykh, CEO and Owner, KVOTA Research and Manufacturing Company
The national selection process for the EY “Entrepreneur of the Year 2026” competition in Ukraine began in February 2026. Following a thorough evaluation of applications, a shortlist of 10 finalists was formed, from which the jury selected the national winner.
The jury panel included: Andriy Hunder, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Ukraine; Vitaliy Sych, Editor‑in‑Chief of the NV Media House; Olena Vdovychenko, CEO, METRO Ukraine.
The Entrepreneur of the Year program in Ukraine was held with the support of the NV Media House and PUMB.
At the next stage, winners from 46 countries will compete in the international EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition, which will take place May 25-29, 2026, in Monaco.
About the EY Entrepreneur of the Year
The Entrepreneur of the Year program was first launched by EY in 1986 in the United States. Today, this unique international program operates in 94 countries worldwide.
The competition is open to owners of medium‑sized and large businesses, with winners in each participating country selected by a national jury composed of independent experts. National winners go on to represent their countries in the international final, where the global winner – EY World Entrepreneur of the Year® – is selected.
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
