SoftServe in Kharkiv: Embracing New Meanings and the City’s Cultural Code
IT ClusterSoftServe is one of the largest and oldest Ukrainian IT companies. Its story began in 1993. Today, SoftServe specializes in IT consulting, software development, and digital technology services. It has completed over 20,000 projects for clients, a team of more than 10,000 IT professionals, and 53 offices across 16 countries.
Last year marked the 10th anniversary of SoftServe in Kharkiv. To celebrate, we spoke with Gennadiy Bukhshevalov, the first and current director of the Kharkiv Development Center. Gennadiy has been leading the office since it opened in 2014, ensuring its growth and contribution to the city and local IT community.
In this article, we delve into how the company operates in today’s challenging conditions, its contribution to the city’s development, and its new challenges.
Adapting to Challenges in Kharkiv
When SoftServe opened its first office in Kharkiv in 2014, it was a traditional workspace where specialists worked daily. However, the pandemic and the war drastically changed the situation, with about 75% of Ukrainian specialists now working remotely. Offices, however, have gained new significance—they can now be considered resilience hubs, offering reliable internet connections and backup power. These spaces provide specialists with stable work environments and opportunities for mental recovery through creative workshops, movie nights, board games, and occasional tech meetups.
“Kharkiv’s office has its unique vibe and unbreakable spirit. At the same time, we unite employees from all over the world through shared values, with trust being the primary one. This enables us to build a strong team regardless of cultural backgrounds or physical distance,” says Gennadiy Bukhshevalov.
Before the full-scale invasion in 2022, SoftServe’s Kharkiv office was among the largest, with 1,300 employees. While many had to leave the city due to the war, the company continues to support those who stayed or have returned.
Driving Innovation in Technical Education
Kharkiv has a long-standing history of developing cutting-edge technologies and has always been the heart of Ukrainian science and education. Local universities continue to produce highly skilled specialists, many of whom join the IT industry.
Today, preserving and nurturing talented youth is critical, as they will play a key role in rebuilding Ukraine after the war. Providing modern education and opportunities is essential to engaging the next generation.
SoftServe actively invests in young specialists by collaborating with 66 Ukrainian universities, including those in Kharkiv. The company shares its expertise, organizes events, and reviews educational programs. A key focus is joint educational initiatives, where mentors work with educators to update technical programs. Students can gain hands-on experience through SoftServe’s initiatives. The first such program in Kharkiv was launched at NTU “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute” in 2022, with another at Kharkiv National University of Radio Electronics (KNURE) in 2024. On average, 80% of SoftServe’s junior hires come from the company’s educational initiatives, with 215 specialists joining in 2024.
“The Ukrainian IT industry remains one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy, even amidst the challenges posed by the war. Its resilience, adaptability, and capacity for innovation impress not only international clients but also serve as a model for other industries,” emphasizes Gennadiy Bukhshevalov.
Diversification: The Key to Resilience
According to Gennadiy Bukhshevalov, diversification is one of the primary advantages of the IT industry.
“We don’t concentrate project teams in one location, which has been a critical component of our business continuity plan (BCP). Our team is distributed across Ukraine—from Kharkiv to Uzhhorod—and beyond. This ensures our clients that projects will be completed on time and with high quality, regardless of circumstances,” says Gennadiy.
Diversification not only strengthens the business but also helps support regional economies heavily impacted by the war. SoftServe has achieved remarkable results in its social initiatives. Even during the most challenging times, the company has created jobs and actively supported the military, healthcare, and local communities.
“Practically every employee at our company is a volunteer. People donate, assist the military, and engage in local initiatives. We have our charity foundation, ‘Open Eyes,’ which regularly supports the military and medical institutions,” shares Gennadiy.
One notable initiative is a project to provide equipped ambulances to the military. In 2024, the SoftServe corporate fund “Open Eyes,” in collaboration with the band Okean Elzy, launched the “Drive for Life: Okean Elzy Edition” project to purchase 30 ambulances. During their global tour across Europe, North America, and the UK, the band raised 17.8 million UAH for the initiative.
Since 2022, the foundation has delivered over 280 ambulances, more than 5,500 sets of uniforms and footwear for soldiers, and over 850 units of essential medical equipment for hospitals in cities like Izyum, Dnipro, and Vinnytsia. Additionally, it has provided over 4,500 tons of humanitarian aid to more than 200,000 people.
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kharkiv development center, the company also raised $10,000 for an ambulance for a brigade involved in the battles for the Kharkiv region. Renowned Kharkiv artists Hamlet Zinkivskyi and Bob Basset contributed by creating branded gifts that were raffled off to donors.
SoftServe also runs the “Shielded Families Project,” aimed at supporting families of fallen soldiers. The program offers financial aid, legal assistance, and psychological support, reflecting the company’s belief in the power of unity, shared values, and social responsibility.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Industry
The times we live in are full of challenges. Gennadiy highlights several key priorities for the future:
“First, it’s crucial to maintain a high level of expertise in Kharkiv and Ukraine as a whole. Second, we need to collaborate with universities to transform and improve educational solutions so that talented youth choose to study in Ukraine, especially in Kharkiv. Adapting programs to attract, develop, and support beginners in the industry is essential for success. Lastly, we must embrace the opportunities offered by AI to enhance software development and explore ways to effectively integrate AI into business operations.”
Reflecting on recent years, Gennadiy believes Ukrainian IT companies have a unique opportunity to enter—and eventually lead—the global Military Tech market. The country’s experience in utilizing drones, AI, and other technologies in military applications could drive significant innovation.
“We see immense potential in developing military technologies, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and automation. Ukrainian engineers have already demonstrated their ability to create groundbreaking solutions under the most challenging circumstances,” concludes Gennadiy.
The Ukrainian IT industry is not just about technology; it’s about the people behind every successful project. It is a testament to resilience, responsibility, and a belief in the future they are building every day, despite all odds. Join Kharkiv IT Cluster to be part of the world of innovation and contribute to building Ukraine’s future today.
