War has decimated much of Ukraines economy, but a notable exception is the IT sector.
Since Russia invaded in February,58% of Ukrainian tech firmshave processed new orders from clients.
Despite brutal assaults, martial law, and general mobilization, 85% have restored their pre-war business activities.
Thats according toLviv IT Cluster,a community of companies, universities, and local authorities.
This triumph over adversity has been indispensable for Ukraine.
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It can be mutually beneficial.
Those that remain now endure blackouts sparked by attacks on infrastructure.
Some fear that empathy from clients will dwindle as war fatigue sets in.
As the challenges mount, help from overseas becomes increasingly crucial.
But the benefits of support extend far beyond altruism.
Charity is good, but you’re able to also work with companies.
It can be mutually beneficial, says Oleksandr Yatsenko, managing partner atBRISE Capital, a Kyiv-based investment firm.
Indeed, Ukraines tech ecosystem has a unique blend of assets.
The countrysrich historyin computer science laid the foundations for a thriving sector.
Today, it encompasses over 200,000 IT specialists and one of the worldsbiggest pools of tech talent.
These attributes have made Ukraine a global hub for IT outsourcing.
Now, the country wants to turn its expertise into domestic tech giants.
President Zelenskys administration has made bold moves to bring these ambitions to reality.
In 2019, his government established the Ministry of Digital Transformation.
It currently accounts for around 4.5%.
Industry is united with government.
This program has been bolstered by collaboration between the public and private sectors.
War has made both sides appreciate their interdependence.
The hardships of war have added further qualities.
New skills in crisis management, leadership, teamwork, and efficiency have been forged in conflict.
Ukrainian developers have shown that they are capable of doing their job well even under extreme conditions.
Weve become more active and stronger.
Some tech businesses have thrived since the invasion.
TakeMosqitter, which won the prestigiousIT Arena Startup Competitionin 2021.
While the conflict escalated, the company grew its team and developed a new product line.
Difficulties bring you opportunities and possibilities for growth, says Olga Diachuk, the companys COO.
It shows you who you really are, what you are made of, and how smart you are.
Digital businesses also typically require fewer physical resources which makes their revenues increasingly important to Ukraine.
Brick-and-mortar stores, for instance, are now more likely to close due to safety concerns than e-commerce sites.
Nonetheless, tech firms face immense challenges of their own.
Investment from overseas will be crucial a component of their future fortunes.
Technology is such a long-term beneficial force.
Now were seeing the first wave of successful companies breaking the ground.
People who already invest in Ukraine note that war is fostering a unique set of skills.
Members of the group have attained unparalleled experience.
The volunteers now want to share their expertise with international allies.
The First World Cyber War.
The first IT Army in the world.
270K of angry IT-warriors of cyber frontline.
AI tech & identification of war criminals.
And many more cases to disclose after the victory.
For Veselovskyi, the simplest way they can help is by cutting all ties with Russia.
The future safety and economic prosperity ofEuropedepend on the victory of Ukraine on the battlefield.
you could start working with Ukrainian companies already today through our B2B platformLviv Tech.
To forecast the sectors future, Veselovskyis team surveyed over 5,000 tech industry representatives.
The best way to help Ukraine is to invest in Ukraine.
This outcome can provide the foundations for a flourishing post-war industry.
To build this, continued support from Europe will be essential.
Government officials have sought to spread this message at IT events around the world.
The stakes are extremely high.
IT remains the only industry in Ukraine that still shows growth.
If it shrinks, the whole country will suffer.
If it expands, however, the sector can help Ukraine not only survive, but flourish.
Story byThomas Macaulay
Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he e(show all)Thomas is the managing editor of TNW.
He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers.
Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse).
