Tech Horizons: Unveiling Ukraine’s Innovation at Web Summit 2023

The Web Summit, the world’s largest tech conference, took place in Lisbon, Portugal, from November 13 to 16, 2023. The event brought together more than 70,000 attendees, 800 speakers, 2,600 startups, and 900 investors from over 150 countries. Among them, a delegation of Ukrainian tech entrepreneurs, innovators, and officials showcased the country’s vibrant and resilient tech sector, which has been growing despite the ongoing war with Russia.

Ukraine’s tech industry is one of the fastest-growing and most promising in Europe, with an annual export volume of nearly $7 billion in 2022. The country has a large and talented pool of IT professionals, estimated at over 250,000, who work for both local and international clients, providing services such as software development, UI/UX design, cloud computing, AI/ML, data analytics, cybersecurity, and more. Ukraine also has a thriving startup ecosystem, with success stories such as Grammarly, GitLab, Petcube, and Reface, as well as emerging ventures in fields such as medtech, edtech, fintech, and gaming.

At the Web Summit, Ukrainian startups had the opportunity to pitch their ideas, network with potential partners and investors, and learn from global experts and mentors. Some of the Ukrainian startups that participated in the event were:

• Enzai, a platform that connects lawyers and clients, and uses AI to automate legal processes and documents.
• Unify Ordering, a B2B marketplace that connects food suppliers and buyers, and streamlines the ordering and delivery process.
• Lip Video, a social media app that allows users to create lip-sync videos with celebrities and influencers.
• HIT Holistic Therapies, a platform that offers online and offline wellness services, such as yoga, meditation, massage, and nutrition.
• Mola Lab, a company that develops wearable devices and software for monitoring and improving mental health.
• KleverCargo, a startup that uses AI and IoT to optimize logistics and supply chain management.

In addition to startups, Ukraine also had a strong presence of government officials, who promoted the country’s tech potential and opportunities, as well as its efforts to foster a favorable business environment and digital transformation. Among them were:

• Wladimir Klitschko, the former world heavyweight boxing champion and the ambassador of Kyiv Digital, a project that aims to make Kyiv a smart and innovative city.
• Marilia Marton, the secretary of culture, economy, and creative industry of the Kyiv city administration, who spoke about the role of the creative economy as a development asset.
• Oleksandra Vasylenko, the director of the department of economic diplomacy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, who presented the key points of the Ukraine Recovery Conference, a platform that seeks to attract foreign investment and support for the country’s post-war reconstruction.

The Web Summit was also a platform for highlighting the challenges and opportunities that Ukraine faces in the context of the war with Russia, which has been escalating since 2022. The war has had a devastating impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions of Ukrainians, as well as on the country’s infrastructure and security. However, it has also sparked a wave of solidarity, resilience, and innovation among the Ukrainian people, especially in the tech sector, which has been using its skills and resources to support the defense and humanitarian efforts.

Some of the examples of how tech is helping Ukraine in the war include:

• Signal, a nonprofit organization that uses AI and satellite imagery to monitor and expose human rights violations and environmental damage in the conflict zones.
• Adventr, a platform that allows users to create interactive videos and stories, and has been used by Ukrainian activists and journalists to raise awareness and funds for the war victims.
• Project Liberty, a global initiative that aims to create a decentralized social network based on blockchain technology, and has been supported by Frank McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and a friend of Ukraine.
• Data Scientific, a company that provides AI and data solutions for various industries, and has been working with the Ukrainian government and military to enhance their capabilities and efficiency.

The Web Summit was a valuable opportunity for Ukraine to showcase its tech achievements and potential, as well as to connect with the global tech community and gain support and recognition for its struggle for freedom and democracy. As Meredith Whittaker, the president of Signal, said in her keynote speech: “Ukraine is a beacon of hope and courage for the world, and we are here to stand with you and amplify your voice”.