How can a Ukrainian IT company get involved in international R&D projects?

4 Листопада 2026

International R&D projects open up opportunities for Ukrainian IT companies to co-develop technologies, test innovative solutions, collaborate with European research centres, and secure funding for product development.

Kharkiv IT Cluster creates opportunities for this kind of cooperation. One example is ITBridge Connect 2026, an international online forum that brought together representatives of businesses, clusters, and innovation organisations from Ukraine, the EU, and other countries.

During ITBridge Connect 2026, representatives of IT companies, clusters, and innovation organisations from Ukraine, Spain, Italy, and Romania discussed how Ukrainian businesses can find international partners and join such initiatives. Participants shared their experience of working in European consortia, presented partner-search tools, and explored funding opportunities.

We have gathered practical recommendations to help Ukrainian IT companies prepare for international cooperation: define their role in a project, find partners, use European networks, and get ready to apply for funding.

Define what your company can bring to an international project

European consortia look for partners who can contribute to research, develop specific components, test technologies, or build prototypes.

Before looking for partners, define what expertise your company can bring to a project. This could include experience with specific technologies, industry knowledge, or the ability to test solutions in real-world conditions.

Find partners through European networks

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is an international network that helps companies find business partners, technology partners, and consortium members for joint projects. Organisations publish their profiles and partnership requests, while local contact points help identify relevant opportunities and establish connections. Kharkiv IT Cluster is the only technology organisation in the EEN-Ukraine consortium representing the interests of technology companies and helping them join the network.

European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) bring together digital technology expertise and help businesses find solutions to specific challenges. Kharkiv IT Cluster is an implementing partner of Eastern Ukraine EDIH. Through the EDIH network, companies can connect with organisations that have the required technological expertise, testing infrastructure, or experience in implementing innovations.

European Cluster Collaboration Platform (ECCP) helps companies find clusters across different countries, connect with industry communities, and explore international cooperation opportunities. This approach provides access to a wider pool of potential partners through organisations that already work with local businesses and research centres.

Find a funding programme for your joint project

International R&D projects are often supported by European and national funding programmes. These can cover research, technology development, prototyping, testing, and cooperation between organisations from different countries.

European funding instruments include Horizon Europe, the European Defence Fund, and programmes supporting innovative companies. It is also worth monitoring national funding programmes in individual EU countries and opportunities available to Ukrainian businesses, including those under the Ukraine Investment Framework.

Build a consortium and agree on the terms of cooperation

Taking part in an international R&D project involves collaboration between several organisations.

At the outset, partners need to agree on the project’s objectives, each partner’s contribution, and the distribution of tasks and responsibilities. Intellectual property also requires particular attention: who will own the research results, how participants can use the technologies developed, and under what conditions they will share data and research findings.

Research centres also need business partners who can help identify real industry needs and test solutions in practical conditions.

How to get involved in international cooperation

European networks, clusters, and digital innovation hubs help companies find organisations with the right expertise, understand funding programme requirements, and establish initial contacts.

Kharkiv IT Cluster develops international cooperation opportunities for Ukrainian technology companies through Enterprise Europe Network and partner initiatives. The team helps businesses connect with European organisations and take part in international projects.

Watch the recording of ITBridge Connect 2026 to learn more about finding partners, working with European networks, and opportunities for joint R&D projects. 

ITBridge Connect 2026 record

About ITBridge

ITBridge is an initiative aimed at strengthening digital cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union.

The project is implemented by a consortium of Ukrainian IT clusters — Kharkiv IT Cluster, Dnipro IT Community, and Odesa IT Family — together with European partners Transilvania IT Cluster (Romania) and Cluster Digital of Catalunya (Spain), with the support of the European Union under the Single Market Programme.

The ITBridge project is co-funded by the European Union under the Single Market Programme, in accordance with Grant Agreement No. 101196018. The views and opinions expressed in this material are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.