IT community without geographical limits: Kharkiv IT Cluster brings together IT industry leaders in Kharkiv, Kyiv, Warsaw and online
IT ClusterKharkiv IT Cluster is not only one of the largest IT communities in Ukraine but also an active participant in international initiatives and an important catalyst for innovation in technology and the public sector. During 2024, the community demonstrated significant progress and achievements at various levels: from participation in major international exhibitions to implementing charitable initiatives. The IT community reported on this at the Summer General Meeting, an event about IT and for IT professionals. Read more in the article.
Summer General Meeting 2024
Kharkiv IT Cluster hosted the Summer General Meeting. In this event, the IT community presents a report on achievements and plans, discussing strategic challenges and achievements of the Ukrainian IT sector.
This year’s Summer General Meeting brought together IT industry leaders, leading IT companies, technology universities, and the government. They gathered live at 3 locations — Kharkiv, Kyiv, Warsaw, and online.
New achievements: international recognition
2024 was a year of international recognition. Kharkiv IT Cluster represented the Ukrainian IT community in Germany, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and Poland. There, Kharkiv residents shared their experience of resilience and promoted Ukrainian innovation potential on a global scale.
“2024 was unlike any previous year because the Kharkiv IT Cluster made a name for itself internationally. In April, the largest industrial exhibition in the world took place, where the Cluster presented a new project – the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH). Later, we joined a business mission to the Czech Republic, where we also presented domestic IT technologies. At the European Cluster Conference in Brussels, we spoke about the resilience of the Ukrainian IT community in times of uncertainty. Participation in international events allowed us to demonstrate to the world that Kharkiv is a source of expertise and innovation, with IT companies located around the world and ready for international cooperation,” said Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster.
National initiatives: reservation and education
In 2024, the Kharkiv IT Cluster focused on supporting the IT industry, developing education, and retaining IT professionals in times of war. Thus, the Cluster actively cooperated with various branches of government and the business community to implement legislative changes that promote the development of the IT industry.
However, one of the most pressing problems is the lack of a clear reservation procedure, which means that IT specialists cannot travel on business trips. As a result, Ukraine loses the equivalent of more than UAH 2 billion in foreign exchange earnings every month. But there are also positive developments. In particular, the future of E-booking, and data updates through the Administrative Services Center and the Reserve+ app. Our community actively influences the process of improving these procedures by cooperating with the authorities to implement effective booking tools.
“Currently, 7% of people from the IT industry are defending the country in the Armed Forces, but only 1% of specialists are enlisted. Moreover, in absolute terms, this figure is less than 0.5% of the total number of reservists in the country. We understand the importance and necessity of further mobilization, and that is why Kharkiv IT Cluster has launched pilot projects on recruiting for the Armed Forces, helping IT professionals find a unit where their skills will be most useful. On the other hand, we expect to find a balance that will allow us to reserve key specialists for business, and, accordingly, ensure the stability of the export industry, foreign exchange earnings, and tax stability, which are critical for financing the army,” said Oleksandr Medovoi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kharkiv IT Cluster.
At the same time, Kharkiv IT Cluster worked on the development of IT education. The result: cooperation with more than 60 universities, colleges, and schools from more than 15 regions. As well as the organization of more than 200 events within 20 educational projects.
“We strive to provide access to quality IT education for young people across the country. Our goal is to train a new generation of IT professionals who will shape the future of Ukraine,” noted Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster.
RazomTech and IT4Life: charity and social projects
One of the key social initiatives for 2024 is the RazomTech project, which aims to support veterans and reintegrate them into the tech industry. This project includes training programs, career counseling, and helps create a friendly environment for veterans in the IT field.
“More than 1 million servicemen are now defending Ukraine. The same number have become veterans and returned to civilian life. The number of them is growing every day. That is why the Kharkiv IT Cluster launched the RazomTech project. It is a kind of ecosystem that helps veterans find their place in the tech sector, opens access to education and career opportunities. We offer training and employment in the IT field. We also create an environment where veterans feel supported and comfortably integrate into work and life,” explains Oleksandr Medovoi, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Kharkiv IT Cluster.
And the IT4Life charity foundation, which was created by IT people back in 2020, continues its work. Now it focuses on helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine and civilians in the Kharkiv region. We cooperate with military units, providing them with the necessary resources, and also supporting civilians, helping them adapt to the realities of war.
“We support the Armed Forces of Ukraine by purchasing advanced equipment and facilities that ensure their effectiveness on the battlefield. Our security and infrastructure protection projects in Kharkiv are an important step towards the city’s stability. We help medical facilities and support IDPs. In addition, our work is aimed at transforming Kharkiv’s technical education. In particular, the opening of safe learning spaces, such as at the Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics,” said Olga Shapoval, Executive Director of Kharkiv IT Cluster.
Future plans: innovation and development
Kharkiv IT Cluster is preparing for significant transformations and development in the IT sector.
International cooperation: We are actively expanding international partnerships to provide our members with access to new markets. This will contribute to the successful development of Ukrainian businesses, strengthening their competitiveness in the global IT environment.
Growth and cooperation: We are creating a powerful network of new members and partners, which expands the community’s opportunities for cooperation and development. Together, we are building an ecosystem that will transform the Ukrainian IT industry.
Innovations in education: We invest in educational projects by partnering with academic institutions to create opportunities for young people. This provides our members with access to skilled young professionals, which contributes to the growth of their businesses.
Social responsibility and charity: We support Kharkiv, help the military and IDPs. This contributes to creating a stable environment for development, where our members can work in a socially responsible business climate, strengthening their reputation and ensuring the sustainable development of their companies.
Kharkiv IT Cluster is an IT community that unites more than 600 members and partners: leading Ukrainian IT companies, educational institutions, and the government. We are members of the EEN-Ukraine Consortium, the world’s largest support network for SMEs with international ambitions, and participants in the UkraineReady4EU project aimed at supporting Ukrainian businesses to enter the EU market.
Our team provides Cluster members with access to extensive networking opportunities, protects their interests, and promotes business growth. For current members, it is an option to participate in shaping the future of the IT industry — in Ukraine and abroad. We offer potential members to become a part of an influential community: to get new business opportunities and cooperate with industry leaders to achieve common goals.
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