For decades, wealthy people have engaged in philanthropy to make their voices heard and, potentially, leave their trace in history by making this world a little better. We’ve seen plenty of important initiatives advocated by businessmen and celebrities, but few of them are so important now as philanthropy in Ukraine, fighting against Russian invaders. Since February 24, 2022, the whole country got united under one purpose — supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces and helping the victims of war.
Obviously, businesspeople did not stay behind — in fact, many of them, philanthropist Max Polyakov included, fuelled this movement, donating millions of dollars to the just cause. As one of the most active advocates of Ukraine’s industrial and economic development, space entrepreneur Maxym Polyakov has already donated about eight million dollars to support his homeland struggling through difficult times. Most of his donations went to space and technological initiatives because Polyakov believes that technology and equipment give one of the most important strategic advantages to Ukrainian defenders.
Importance of Philanthropy During Wartime
Max Polyakov’s investment in developing the IT and technology industry in his home country Ukraine was well-known even before the Russian invasion. By the time Russia invaded Ukraine, the entrepreneur had already built several profitable businesses and invested in many more. One of his most prominent investments, Firefly Aerospace, purchased out of bankruptcy, is headquartered in the US, but its R&D centers were located in Ukrainian Dnipro. For years, Dr. Max Polyakov has successfully developed international businesses and supported local talents.
One of his most influential efforts was establishing a non-profit organization Noosphere Association back in 2016. This foundation sponsored and supervised many STEM projects for Ukrainian teens, motivating them to pursue careers in the space sector. Many such projects have inspired the young generation of Ukrainians to choose careers in STEM sciences, potentially reviving the country’s space sector.
However, when Russia openly invaded Ukraine in February, it became clear that new philanthropic efforts were necessary to defend Ukraine and its people. Fortunately, this new wave of aggression acted as a catalyst for many Ukrainians, who immediately started to engage in all sorts of philanthropic efforts. The level of charity and volunteering in Ukraine sky-rocketed, bringing all people — from the wealthiest tycoons to ordinary blue-collar workers — towards the common goal of helping their country.
Max Polyakov, too, saw the need to support his compatriots. But, it was already clear that initiating educational programs for future engineers would not be enough at this point. With lives at stake, Ukraine needed technology and equipment to protect people fighting for their country’s freedom.
Businesses and startups working for the greater good
One of Max Polyakov’s first steps a week after Russia’s invasion was to ask earth observation companies to provide Ukraine with real-time satellite imagery of the country and its surrounding areas. Thanks to Polyakov’s company, EOS Data Analytics (EOSDA), arrangements have been made to ensure the Ukrainian Armed Forces have access to real-time images and intelligence obtained from space.
Later in March, the entrepreneur donated a million dollars to a charity fund TAPS-Ukraine. The main focus of TAPS-Ukraine is to offer humanitarian help to victims of war; however, some of its funds also go to ensure the Army does not lack anything.
In April, Maxym Polyakov once again donated an impressive sum of money — this time, slightly over a million dollars. The money went to Serhiy Prytula Foundation, a charitable organization that, similar to TAPS, offers humanitarian help to victims of war. However, Prytula’s main focus is on providing the Army rather than the civilians. In late August, this very fund purchased an ICEYE satellite for the Army. The deal did not go without Polyakov’s help, who offered technical and financial guidance. As of now, the case of the ICEYE satellite is the only example of a crowdfunded satellite.
Max Polyakov’s Long-Term Visions for Developing his Homeland
Besides the above-mentioned donations, Max Polyakov transferred 100 million UAH (almost $3 million) to the government intelligence project, the Army of Drones. He also singlehandedly acquired a hundred anti-drone weapons from a Kyiv startup Kvertus. These jamming systems disable enemy drones remotely, guarding the military bases and Ukrainian troops at the frontlines.
This last purchase perfectly aligns with Max Polyakov’s long-term vision for his country’s development. For years now, space entrepreneur has been an ardent tech development advocate and generous investor in Ukrainian technologic initiatives. Now, when the people of Ukraine are fighting for their freedom, access to modern equipment tips the balance of the war in Ukraine’s favor. And when the war is won, Max Polyakov will surely keep contributing to the restoration of his home country.