TechHope Transitions Newsletter: Issue 2

Empowering Innovation: From AI Leadership to Strategic Growth

The October edition of TechHope Transitions captures a season of momentum and connection. From advancing ethical AI education in Lviv to welcoming a new strategic leader and expanding partnerships at the Grand Founders Business Breakfast, this month showcased THT’s accelerating momentum across education, leadership, and innovation.

TechHope Transitions participated in the Summer School on AI Transformation

TechHope Transitions proudly participated in the Summer School on AI Transformation, an international program that brought together participants from Europe and the United States, as well as over 630 Ukrainian students. Hosted by Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, the program united emerging researchers, entrepreneurs, and global experts committed to shaping responsible, human-centered AI development.

Representing THT, Chief of Operations Shane Molinari (CISSP, CIPM, PMP) delivered intensive sessions on AI Project Leadership and Human-Centered Leadership in AI. The training addressed key governance topics, including risk management, change models, and the EU AI Act, while linking theoretical frameworks to real-world applications in sectors such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Shane also served on the jury of the AITs Project Competition, where student teams presented solutions for carbon tracking, methane monitoring, open-data water systems, and accessible AI tools. These projects impressed the jury with their technical sophistication and strong emphasis on ethical use, social relevance, and transparency in data design.

The Summer School exemplified the collaboration and resilience that define Ukraine’s technology community, demonstrating how educational initiatives can nurture a new generation of AI leaders who are driven by purpose, responsibility, and innovation. THT’s involvement underscored its growing role in shaping Ukraine’s responsible AI ecosystem—bridging global best practices with local innovation.

THT at the AI Transformation Summer School, Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.

Welcoming Paul E. Hinds II as a Chair of Business Strategy

Paul E. Hinds II has joined the Board of TechHope Transitions as Chair of Business Strategy, bringing over 40 years of international experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and enterprise transformation.

He has advised companies ranging from the Fortune 10 to the Fortune 2000 and has served on multiple corporate boards, including Lavior Pharma. A longtime advocate for innovation in education, Hinds has championed establishing IT incubators at Ukrainian universities - a vision fully aligned with TechHope Transitions' mission to strengthen local talent and foster globally competitive technology ecosystems. 

Paul’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment for THT as we scale our B2B model and deepen our role in shaping resilient, globally connected innovation ecosystems. His expertise in strategy, governance, and cross-border transformation will help us expand impact - particularly in Ukraine’s fast-evolving tech sector. His vision for university-based incubators is already shaping our path forward.

Paul has already begun actively contributing to our mission by developing the THT Business Development Plan, which outlines the key directions of our business strategy. Recently, we had a productive discussion with our board members on the approaches to implementing this plan.

Business strategy discussion with Paul Hinds, Ezio Sabatino and Shane Molinari

Networking for Impact: THT at the Grand Founders Business Breakfast

Building on its growing network of partnerships, TechHope Transitions took part in the Grand Founders Business Breakfast, which was hosted by Richard Ogilchyn, founder of Grand Founders https://www.grandfounders.org. Representing the organization, Shane Molinari engaged in a dynamic exchange with innovators, investors, and business leaders committed to Ukraine’s technological advancement.

The meeting brought together new contacts, including Corey Louton, Vasyl Pyrozhyk, Dr. Maksym Plakhotnyuk, Vitalii Ilchenko, and Kyrylo Pogrebenko, and offered an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, such as Andrew Frank, Sergey Kraytman, Vlad Lukashevsky, Maxwell Brown, and Marko Henien.

Conversations centered on collaboration, resilience, and knowledge exchange, underscoring the shared belief that relationships are the cornerstone of innovation. The event reflected THT’s broader philosophy that progress emerges where expertise meets community and dialogue fuels lasting impact. Events like this strengthen THT’s bridge between Ukraine’s entrepreneurial community and global investors committed to long-term recovery and innovation.

THT Participation in the Grand Founders Business Breakfast

Looking ahead

As TechHope Transitions enters the closing quarter of 2025, its focus remains steadfast: bridging education, technology, and leadership to create pathways for transformation. Together, we are turning shared purpose into measurable progress—one partnership, one project, and one opportunity at a time. The upcoming months will feature the launch of new strategic initiatives led by Paul Hinds, expanded university collaborations, and continued engagement with Ukraine’s rapidly evolving tech ecosystem.

Together with our partners and supporters, we continue to transform knowledge into resilience and ideas into meaningful change.