Ukrainian Startups Shine at the EU-Ukraine Tech Summit 2025 in Warsaw

On April 7, 2025, the Google for Startups Campus in Warsaw served as a vibrant backdrop for the third EU-Ukraine Tech Summit 2025, organized by the London PR Lab. This highly anticipated event brought together over 200 participants, including Ukrainian startup founders, EU policymakers, investors, and international tech experts. Together, they explored Ukraine's strategic importance in shaping Europe’s digital agenda and the essential need for increased innovation, capital, and trust across borders.

A Gathering of Innovators

The summit not only spotlighted Ukraine's burgeoning tech landscape but also aimed to bridge connections between diverse groups. With its growing startup ecosystem, Ukraine is increasingly being recognized as a key player in the tech sector, and this event was a testament to that. The presence of influential figures from various sectors emphasized the commitment to fostering collaboration and growth.

Insights from Distinguished Speakers

Keynote speaker Michal Szczerba, a Member of the European Parliament, opened the summit with a call to action. He announced the EU's initiatives aimed at supporting startups, including two programs: SAFE, which offers €150 billion in loans, and EDIP, which allocates €1.3 billion in funding dedicated to startups in the defense sector from both the EU and Ukraine.

“Supporting Ukraine's digital development is an investment in the security and competitiveness of all of Europe,” said Michal Kanownik, President of the Digital Poland Association and leader of the CEE Digital Coalition. His remarks resonated with the audience, emphasizing a shared responsibility towards nurturing business cooperation and collaborative digital growth.

Embracing Niche Opportunities

Another notable speaker, Michal Kramarz, Head of Google for Startups CEE, provided invaluable advice to the attendees, encouraging them to identify untapped niches in the tech landscape. With a vivid example of ElevenLabs, a Polish unicorn specializing in audio AI, he demonstrated how startups can flourish by focusing on areas that lack attention. Similarly, Natalia Mykolska, Executive Director at Diia.City United, advocated for a digital-first mindset among startups, claiming, “We’re not just asking for a seat at the table; we’re already co-designing the table.”

Investment and Growth Statistics

In 2024, $462 million flowed into Ukrainian tech startups, marking a significant increase compared to the previous year. This upward trend showcases the growing confidence and investment potential in the Ukrainian tech sector, fueling optimism among founders and stakeholders alike.

Marta Romaniak, VP of Global Branding at Avenga, emphasized that EU policies are foundational not only for regulation but also for establishing trust and facilitating meaningful partnerships. She noted, “Ukraine isn't waiting for better times; it's actively contributing, scaling, and innovating within the European tech landscape.”

The Future of AI and Women in Tech

During the summit, there was considerable focus on artificial intelligence, with Iryna Manukovska, VP of Innovation at XME.Digital, providing guiding principles for AI startup founders. She stressed the importance of building responsibly and addressing real problems, while also highlighting the necessity of robust security measures.

Yuliia Malich, Head of Public Policy Ukraine-West Asia (EAST) at Bolt, spoke passionately about the need for women’s representation in tech leadership. She proposed actionable pathways and strategies to empower the next generation of female tech leaders and overcome existing barriers.

Spotlight on Startup Innovations

The summit's startup pitching session showcased a range of 100% Ukrainian-founded startups addressing real-world challenges in fields such as edtech, robotics, and cybersecurity. The top three winners—Mosqitter, Zibra AI, and Mindship.me—were selected based on their compelling pitches underscoring simplicity, clear product value, and strong founding team backgrounds.

Building the Future Together

With continued support from EU stakeholders and robust funding mechanisms, Ukrainian startups are not only focused on local recovery but are also making significant contributions to the future of Europe. The collaboration established at the EU-Ukraine Tech Summit 2025 promises to create a vibrant tech ecosystem with global implications.

This event was made possible through the collaboration of strategic partners, including Google for Startups, the Ukrainian Embassy in Poland, and various organizations committed to fostering innovation. As these partnerships grow, the potential for Ukraine to emerge as a significant tech hub within the European landscape becomes increasingly evident.