Kyiv is the leading start-up ecosystem in Ukraine. It is characterised by a skilled and innovative workforce and dominated by tech start-ups. Nevertheless, it faces challenges such as limited access to capital and the impact of the Russian war of aggression, including the brain drain and a disrupted infrastructure. There is an urgent need for reconstruction and economic revitalisation.
The Russian invasion has fundamentally worsened the country's economic situation, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Investments in the country are associated with high risks. However, the association agreement between Ukraine and the European Union (EU) and its status as an EU accession candidate offer new economic opportunities.
Berlin is known as the thriving start-up hub in Europe. Building on the 2023 city partnership agreement between Berlin and Kyiv, this project aims to build a bridge between the two cities' dynamic start-up ecosystems and strengthen economic ties by creating concrete initiatives and fostering direct connections at the private sector level.
The project aims to strengthen the links between the start-up ecosystems of Kyiv and Berlin and thus contribute to the sustainable economic strengthening of Ukraine and its rapprochement with the European Union's internal market. Co-operations between the start-up ecosystems of Berlin and Kyiv are to be supported.