Lviv IT Cluster Hosted EBRD Delegation to Discuss Tech Industry Development and Business Support

On September 28, Lviv IT Cluster welcomed an official delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), led by EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso. The meeting also brought together representatives of tech businesses, startups, and organizations working to develop Ukraine’s startup ecosystem. The participants discussed the state of Ukraine’s technology industry, key challenges facing businesses, and opportunities to support the tech sector.

The Lviv IT Cluster team presented the association’s key areas of work, including strengthening the technology sector and human capital, analyzing the market, supporting startups, and implementing projects aimed to reinforce the resilience of Ukrainian businesses.

The discussion focused in particular on technology education and IT industry research, including IT Research Ukraine and Salary Report. The Cluster team also presented current support tools for tech businesses, including legal consulting, M&A support, and investment attraction. The participants also discussed the prospects of Ukraine’s startup ecosystem and the development of CodeUA, a platform that helps technology companies find partners and expand into international markets.

Access to financing was one of the key topics of the meeting. The participants discussed various opportunities for raising capital, from private investment and grant programs to European funding and banking instruments. The discussion focused on the needs of startups, including those developing civilian and dual-use technologies. Representatives of the startup ecosystem noted that a significant share of available resources is currently directed toward the defense sector, highlighting the need for additional opportunities for other technology areas to grow.

EBRD representatives also outlined the Bank’s activities in Ukraine and its main areas of support, which currently include critical infrastructure, energy, transport, and the private sector. The discussion also covered opportunities for technology companies and startups, as well as financial instruments that could support their further development.

The resilience of the technology sector amid the full-scale war was another important part of the discussion. Among the challenges affecting the industry’s development, participants highlighted human capital, employee mobilization, and attracting specialists from abroad. The participants also discussed the regulatory environment and tax conditions for technology businesses. Industry representatives emphasized the importance of stable and predictable rules that enable companies to plan for long-term growth, retain their teams, and continue investing in Ukraine.

The meeting provided an opportunity to continue the dialogue with international financial institutions and discuss support instruments that address the real needs of Ukraine’s technology industry.