Building bridges between the UK and Ukrainian tech ecosystems

What was the catalyst for launching UK-Ukraine TechExchange?

The UK-Ukraine TechExchange was created as a direct response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of my native country, Ukraine. While I’ve been living in the UK for many years since before the outbreak of the war, I couldn’t sit idly by and knew that I needed to help Ukraine in any way I could. 

Necessity is leading to technological innovation in Ukraine that is unparalleled and is ultimately saving lives. TechExchange enables me to work with these companies to help them become more financially sustainable while opening doors to international markets when the time is right.  

Tell us about the business – what it is, what it aims to achieve, who you work with, how you reach customers and so on?

UK-Ukraine TechExchange is a business support programme for British and Ukrainian DefenceTech and AgriTech startups. It also exists as a forum for collaboration around the key issues affecting the war in Ukraine and the country’s rebuild, beyond the conflict. We want to help save lives in Ukraine now and lay the foundations for long-lasting peace and security in Europe. We maintain that technology must be dual-use to ensure commercial viability beyond the war. 

The programme is built around three key themes: 

• Respond - how can Ukraine respond to the different threats it faces
• Restructure - how should processes like procurement be restructured to make them more effective and encourage greater collaboration between the public and private sector.
• Rebuild - how can/should things be rebuilt - both from a physical perspective in terms of constructing power stations, etc. as well as how Ukraine and its allies should rebuild their defensive capabilities 

We aim to strengthen commercial ties between the UK and Ukrainian defence sectors, advance the conversation around investment in dual-use technologies, and explore technology’s role in de-mining Ukraine. Saving lives is at the crux of what we do.

We bring together industry stakeholders from across the UK and Ukraine DefenceTech and AgriTech through bespoke events, as well as supporting cohort companies and their technological development. We work with innovators, investors, philanthropists, defence primes, government and military officials, as well as established organisations. UK-Ukraine TechExchange aims to create a strong network spanning the entire tech ecosystem. This is particularly useful for our cohort companies: Black Sea Associates, Dronarnia, FoxFour, Huless, Kvertus, Skyeton and Transimpex.

How has the business evolved since its launch? When was this?

Officially launched in early 2024, UK-Ukraine TechExchange has pivoted from a support programme specialising in DefenceTech and AgriTech in the UK and Ukraine to an all-encompassing network. While we still help the companies in our network and provide them with the ability to secure vital funding, mentorship, and growth opportunities, we are now also a facilitator within the tech ecosystem, helping previously siloed stakeholders to talk and collaborate with others in order to help address a number of different challenges. Going forward, TechExchange will move from being solely a non-profit to a business with commercial services designed to support our stakeholders. The rich network we have built in the UK will be perfectly placed to see cohort companies make the next steps as Ukraine moves towards the vital stage of rebuilding its economy to retain its independence and sovereignty.

Tell us about the working culture at UK Ukraine TechExchange?

It’s fast-paced and challenging. However, our small team can all agree that the work is truly rewarding as it has a genuine, tangible impact. We’re actively contributing to the war effort in Ukraine and doing all that we can to save lives. We are also helping to secure long-lasting peace in Ukraine and Europe.

How are you funded?

We’re a privately-funded non-profit organisation.

Our yet-to-launch commercial consultancy arm will provide DefenceTech and AgriTech companies from the UK and Ukraine with access to commercial opportunities in both markets.

What has been your biggest challenge so far and how have you overcome this?

Navigating the UK ecosystem presented many challenges I couldn’t have foreseen. However, thanks to a strong network and skilled team, I have learnt a lot about operating within the UK. I’ve also attended lots of tech, defence and business-focused events where high-profile speakers have shared their insights and been willing to interact. This has certainly helped me to grow my personal network here, the value of which can help to support companies affiliated with TechExchange. Having seen with my own eyes the complexities of operating in the mature and saturated market of the UK, I would strongly recommend any company willing to build commercial presence here to find a strong partner on the ground.

How does UK-Ukraine TechExchange answer an unmet need?

We’re helping to turn the tide of the war, safeguard Ukraine and its allies against future conflict, and support the nation in its future rebuild. By focusing on DefenceTech and AgriTech, TechExchange can embed itself into solving some of the most pressing issues that Ukraine faces. The tech discovered can also be utilised further afield than Ukraine as a way to keep nations safe and improve agricultural practices.

UK-Ukraine TechExchange also helps to spotlight the innovative Ukrainian technologies. Thanks to constant communication with the frontline battalions, many of the Ukrainian companies in our network are consistently iterating their tech to be exactly what soldiers need. We also actively share these insights with the UK defence community to build a wider understanding of the technologies and innovations that are proving the most critical in modern warfare, such as electronic warfare to help neutralise the threat of FPV drones.

What’s in store for the future?

While the war is still being fought and also when peace is achieved, the nation must de-mine. The landmine clearing process is costly and time-consuming, which is why TechExchange is working with the de-mining community to explore ​​the role of technology to de-mine Ukraine. With a greater focus on innovation within the sector and more investment, we can plug the funding gap and invest in AI-driven technology that can expedite the lengthy de-mining process. The lessons learnt here can also be applied globally to any country that is unfortunately riddled with the explosive remnants of war.

The long-term goal is to harness technology to end the war and secure peace in Ukraine. Once this has been achieved, the country will have to turn its attention to rebuilding (both the economy and critical infrastructure) and restoring its agricultural status as the ‘breadbasket of the world’. Pre-war, agriculture accounted for 41% of the country's total exports and provided employment for 14% of the population; we will need to find the technology solutions that can help Ukraine meet and then surpass this.

By launching commercial operations we will build a portfolio of companies where TechExchange invests. As a result of our knowledge and network capital, we believe we’re well-placed to provide bespoke consultancy for DefenceTech and AgriTech companies in the UK and Ukraine looking to trade with the other nation.

What one piece of advice would you give other founders or future founders?

Listen and learn. As a founder, you might think you know best - which may be true in certain situations - but it’s unlikely that you’re always right, and there’s no shame in that. Listening to your (potential) customers and those who have come before you is crucial to creating a successful business. So is learning from your mistakes, and those others have made, to create a better outcome in the future.

And finally, a more personal question! What’s your daily routine and the rules you’re living by at the moment?

I’m an early riser. 5am to be precise. These extra few hours mean I can be with my family, work, and also fit exercise into my already busy schedule. In addition to being a husband and father of four, my days include managing my business portfolio, meetings with partners, charity work and TechExchange.

Andriy Dovbenko is the Founder and Principal of UK-Ukraine TechExchange.