UK and Ukraine launch new tech initiative to further
support Ukraine’s recovery following Putin’s illegal
invasion
The UK-Ukraine TechBridge encourages collaboration
between UK and Ukrainian tech sectors to boost investment and
trade, innovation and skills, to the benefit of both
countries
Minister for Industry and Economic Security delivers speech in London to
companies and investors as part of the official launch, along
with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation and
private sector partners
The UK and Ukraine have today launched a new initiative to
facilitate commercially-driven partnerships and growth in both
tech sectors and further support Ukraine’s recovery.
The UK-Ukraine TechBridge aims to support economic resilience for
Ukraine while bringing benefits to the tech sectors in both
countries.
The initiative will seek to facilitate digital trade and
investment by supporting relationships between high potential
Ukrainian businesses and UK tech firms and investors, and through
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 will officially launch the
UK-Ukraine TechBridge with Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Digital
Transformation Oleksandr Bornyakov, in London today.
Minister for Industry and Economic Security
said:
As Minister for Ukraine Reconstruction, I am delighted to be
launching this fantastic programme, building connections between
the UK and Ukraine tech companies.
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 accessible as of today, and in-person
missions for Ukrainian companies will start as early as March.
Organisations or individuals are invited to sign up to receive
more information as we continue to build the offer and set up
specific events.
Ukraine Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation
Oleksandr 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.
The UK remains a key partner for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts
and this programme adds to the UK’s commitment to ensure UK
companies are well-placed to maximise their contribution to one
of the largest infrastructure programmes globally.
Background
- More information about the TechBridge can be found on the
dedicated website: ukukrainetechbridge.org.
- The intention to establish TechBridge was announced by the UK
Prime Minister at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London in
June 2023. We have developed strong relationships with
Ukrainian officials and ministers to identify immediate needs and
provide the expertise of UK businesses, as prioritised by the
Government of Ukraine.
- The UK is supporting private sector engagement with Ukraine
through several initiatives including on war insurance, and a
CityUK-Ukraine Hub for sharing expertise in financial and
professional services. The UK signed the UK-Ukraine Digital Trade
Agreement in November 2023, read more on gov.uk.
