On April 16-18, StrategEast coordinated a visit by a Ukrainian business delegation to Washington, aimed at forging working relationships with state institutions, gaining insights into their operational principles and exploring avenues for collaboration with prominent US businesses.
The delegation included top managers from Ukraine’s leading IT companies, such as AltexSoft, Deus Robotics, Eleks, Exadel, Intellias, MacPaw, Roosh, Sigma Software Group and SoftServe. This three-day event marked a continuation of the Digital for Freedom initiative, spotlighting the opportunities and necessities of Ukraine’s IT industry in the country’s reconstruction efforts.
The Ukrainian delegation convened with Mark Simakovsky, Deputy Assistant Administrator for European and Eurasian Affairs at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Christopher Burns, Head of the Center for Technological Innovation and Research at USAID. Mr Burns highlighted Ukrainian technologies as a beacon for countries undergoing digital transformation, prompting plans to integrate Ukrainian developments with interested nations in Africa and Latin America.
During a meeting on April 17th, facilitated by the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), discussions with representatives of the US business community centered on launching a platform for collaboration between Ukrainian IT companies and the private and public sectors. Topics included forging new agreements for service companies, market promotion for product companies, and access to capital.
Conversations with the Eurasia Foundation, the Atlantic Council, and the National Democratic Institute delved into crucial matters affecting the Ukrainian technology industry and its pivotal role in the nation’s recovery and growth. Key themes encompassed strategic partnerships, digital transformation, innovation, and the influence of politics and advocacy on shaping the future of Ukraine’s IT sector.
Additionally, fruitful meetings were held with representatives from the Senate and Congress, the World Bank, and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Discussions touched upon the involvement of Ukrainian tech firms in US-funded projects for Ukraine’s restoration, US insurance for international customers utilizing products developed in Ukraine, and the establishment of a fund of funds for early-stage investments in Ukrainian startups with support from international financial institutions.
The delegation also participated in the inaugural Ukrainian Innovation Days at the Ukrainian House, attended by over 300 dignitaries from government, business, academia, and diplomacy. Prominent figures including USAID Administrator Samantha Power, Penny Pritzker, US Special Representative for Economic Recovery of Ukraine, and other distinguished guests voiced their support and announced new initiatives. The event was graced by the presence of Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA Oksana Markarova.
StrategEast aims to host regular engagements with US government executive and legislative representatives, alongside public events with think tanks, to advocate for systemic support for the Ukrainian IT industry.
