UK launches new tech programme in partnership with Ukraine

The UK-Ukraine TechBridge is designed to bolster economic resilience for Ukraine while simultaneously offering advantages to the tech industries of both the UK and Ukraine. It focuses on encouraging digital trade and investment by facilitating connections between high-potential Ukrainian enterprises and British tech companies and investors. The initiative includes a series of virtual ‘missions’ targeting key sectors such as healthtech, agritech, and fintech.

In support of this initiative, several UK-based tech firms are offering a range of free online training sessions, complemented by both in-person and virtual expert discussions. These are tailored for Ukrainian businesses aiming to enhance their skills.

Following a pact signed last year, Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani and Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation Oleksandr Bornyakov will formally inaugurate the UK-Ukraine TechBridge in London.

Minister Nusrat Ghani remarked: “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 business sectors have access to each other’s markets for commercial opportunities, making the most of the UK-Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement.”

The TechBridge website has been launched, with in-person missions for Ukrainian companies scheduled to begin as early as March. Organisations and individuals are invited to register to receive further information as the programme continues to expand and specific events are organised.

Deputy Minister Oleksandr Bornyakov added: “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.”