PRESS RELEASE : UK launches new tech programme in partnership with Ukraine [January 2024]

• 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 Nusrat Ghani 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 Nusrat Ghani 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 Nusrat Ghani 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.