Promotion of innovation networks between startup ecosystems in Berlin and Ukraine - Ecosystem Connectors Berlin, Kyiv

After being hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian invasion has fundamentally worsened Ukraine's economic situation since 2022, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Kyiv is the leading startup ecosystem in Ukraine. This ecosystem is characterised by a skilled and innovative workforce and is dominated by tech startups, especially in the departments of software development, FinTech, HealthTech, EdTech and AgriTech. Nevertheless, it faces challenges such as limited access to capital and the potential long-term impact of the conflict, including the brain drain and disrupted infrastructure.

Building on the existing city partnership agreement between Berlin and Kyiv, signed in September 2023, this network project aims to strengthen the beneficial connection between the two cities' vibrant startup ecosystems. The capacities of actors from Kyiv's startup ecosystem to identify cooperation and business opportunities with actors from Berlin and the European Union are to be strengthened through networking. The aim is to enable Ukrainian startups, especially from the Kyiv region, to contribute to economic reconstruction in line with the results of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 agreed internationally with Ukraine.

The implementation of the project will be realised through three interlinked work packages. First, in cooperation with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit programme in Kyiv, key people in the relevant sectors will be identified and approached in the network ("ambassador" system). Special ownership is intended to ensure the continuation of the network after the end of the project. A series of physical and digital dialogues will connect relevant stakeholders from both ecosystems in Berlin and Kyiv in a targeted manner. This exchange and cooperation between the participants will be strengthened through joint networking events and an independent, self-organised dialogue will be promoted. A study trip to Berlin is intended to further strengthen this cooperation and potential business deals.  a targeted communication campaign (including press reports and website development) will address relevant players in both cities and inform them about the project.

The project factsheet is available.