The UK and Ukraine have launched a TechBridge programme to support the latter’s recovery from its invasion by Russia.
The new initiative will seek to facilitate digital trade and investment by supporting relationships between high potential Ukrainian businesses and UK tech firms and investors.
It will run a series of virtual ‘missions’ in priority sectors such as HealthTech, AgriTech and FinTech.
A number of UK-based tech companies have worked together to present a set of free online training opportunities alongside in-person and online expert discussions for Ukrainian businesses looking to develop their skills.
Following an agreement signed last year, Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani officially launched the UK-Ukraine TechBridge with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Bornyakov in London.
“As Minister for Ukraine Reconstruction, I am delighted to be launching this fantastic programme, building connections between the UK and Ukraine tech companies,” said Ghani.
“Ukraine’s tech sector has provided crucial support throughout the war and is key to the country’s resilience and future recovery.
“By building partnerships between British and Ukrainian businesses and promoting innovation, we are demonstrating the power of trade, and are helping lay the foundations for Ukraine’s long-term recovery, opening up future opportunities for businesses on both sides.”
The programme will ensure that both British and Ukrainian tech businesses sectors have access to each other’s markets for commercial opportunities, making the most of the UK-Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement.
The TechBridge website is now accessible, and in-person missions for Ukrainian companies are expected to start as early as March. Organisations or individuals are invited to sign up to receive more information.
Bornyakov said: “The UK-Ukraine TechBridge is a platform that brings together the potential and the expertise of both Ukrainian and UK’s tech sectors. Its launch provides crucial support for Ukraine’s IT industry.
“I am confident that, through the UK-Ukraine TechBridge, numerous large-scale joint projects will be implemented, setting an example of successful, mutually beneficial international partnership for other countries.”