The pinnacle of global tech convergence, Web Summit 2023, unveiled a remarkable chapter for Ukraine. Amidst the buzz of innovation and collaboration, this year’s summit not only spotlighted groundbreaking tech strides but also showcased Ukraine’s resilience in the face of adversity, extending a helping hand to its military forces. Serhiy Tokarev, an IT entrepreneur and co-founder of Roosh, explains the highlights of Web Summit 2023 for Ukraine.
Charity Auction
An inspiring gesture unfolded during Web Summit 2023 as a Ukrainian charity auction raised over 1.5 million Ukrainian hryvnias (appx €40,000) earmarked for the Ukrainian military. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation and generous donations, symbolizing solidarity and support for Ukraine’s armed forces.
Web Summit’s Crucial Themes
Artificial Intelligence emerged as a focal point, with Serhiy Tokarev underscoring its future impact on society. Tokarev, an IT entrepreneur and Roosh co-founder, championed the idea of “Augmented Intelligence,” emphasizing its potential to amplify human capabilities and efficiency.
Moreover, discussions on female leadership in tech industries echoed across the summit. Tara Chklovski, CEO of Technovation, highlighted gender disparities, sparking dialogues on creating an inclusive tech landscape. Elizaveta Korenko, head of STEM is FEM, shared insights on combatting gender inequality, emphasizing Ukraine’s resilience in fostering education and technology during turbulent times.
Ukraine’s Rising Presence
Ukraine made significant strides since its inaugural participation in 2021. Accorsing to Serhiy Tokarev, this year, the country showcased an impressive array of 25 startups spanning diverse fields like AI, ecology, and psychology. Remarkably, projects of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute students, including innovative drone technologies and eco-friendly solutions, captured global attention.
Iryna Volnytska, president of SET University, highlighted Ukraine’s potential as a testing ground for international tech projects, citing the nation’s innovative spirit driven by adversity.
The Free People Gathering, doubling as a networking event and charity auction, stood as a testament to Ukraine’s spirit. Over 150 global representatives joined forces to raise funds for mobile bath complexes for the military, showcasing unity and compassion transcending borders.
Web Summit 2023: A Defining Moment
Despite enduring a full-scale invasion, Ukrainian IT specialists showcased unwavering dedication, crafting technological marvels that enticed global investors. Ukraine’s openness to international collaboration was palpable, resonating with Web Summit’s theme of global interest in Ukraine’s projects and companies.
The Ukrainian delegation’s presence was a collaborative effort, supported by entities such as the Ministry of Digital Transformation, Ukrainian Startup Fund, and the Ukrainian Hub. Notably, Roosh served as the general partner, with contributions from WNISEF, UNIT.City, GENESIS, and others, reflecting a unified front towards progress.
In conclusion, Web Summit 2023 not only propelled Ukraine’s technological prowess onto the global stage but also highlighted the nation’s resilience, generosity, and unwavering commitment to innovation in the face of adversity.