Lviv IT Cluster Launches LEAP EDIH to Support Digital Transformation

Lviv IT Cluster is launching the large-scale LEAP EDIH (European Digital Innovation Hub) project as part of the European program Digital Europe. Its goal is to support the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the public sector, enhance cybersecurity, foster innovation, and boost the competitiveness of Ukrainian companies.

What is LEAP EDIH?

LEAP EDIH will build on the expertise and resources of Lviv IT Cluster, which unites over 300 companies and implements dozens of initiatives in digitalization, education, and business development. This innovative hub will become part of the European network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH). LEAP EDIH will support business and public sector digital transformation across Ukraine, particularly in the Western regions, by helping companies adopt cutting-edge technologies, test innovative solutions, and access expert support and extensive networking opportunities.

Key Focus Areas of the First Project Phase:

• Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and IoT – webinars, conferences, training programs for businesses, and technology consulting.
• Innovative services for SMEs – developing digital platforms to support businesses, including IT Club Loyalty for the local market and CodeUA for international cooperation.
• “Test before Invest” program – supporting companies in selecting, testing, and implementing digital solutions.
• Educational initiatives within “Test before Invest” – engaging students of technical specialties in business solution development and collaborating with universities.
• Investment and financial consulting, legal support – assisting in attracting investments, business development, and providing startup consultations within the IT Arena Startup Competition.
• Networking and partnership opportunities – through professional conferences such as IT Meets and IT Arena.

As part of LEAP EDIH, Lviv IT Cluster will further develop the following projects:

• M&A Office – expert support in legal and financial fields and strategic mergers and acquisitions consulting.
• Founders’ Dialogue – a mentorship program for company executives covering management, marketing, finance, and growth strategies.
• Lviv IT Cluster Professional Communities – exclusive communities uniting experts in sales, HR, gaming, technology, and tech law.
• IT Arena Startup Competition – Ukraine’s largest innovation competition, helping startups attract investment and scale.
• IT Meets – a series of one-day conferences to enhance professional skills in business, law, finance, marketing, AI technology, tech solutions, and cybersecurity.
• Research Center for Engineering Students – a unique project in Ukraine that will serve as a space for learning, development, cooperation with businesses, and startup creation for thousands of students and young researchers.

Partnerships and International Collaboration

LEAP EDIH will collaborate with the Ukrainian EDIH network, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), and European digital innovation hubs across the EU, such as the EDIH Hamburg Project (EDIH4UrbanSAVE) from Germany, EDIH Latvia, CiTy InnoHub from Romania, and others.

Before the official launch, Lviv IT Cluster representatives introduced the project at the EDIH Network Summit 2024, an event hosted by the European Commission that brought together EDIH representatives across Europe. Additionally, Lviv IT Cluster team members exchanged experiences with European colleagues and outlined key areas for collaboration during a business trip to the EDIH Hamburg Project (EDIH4UrbanSAVE).

“LEAP EDIH will become one of the key centers for supporting digital initiatives in Ukraine, helping businesses across various sectors adopt modern technologies, strengthen cybersecurity, and attract investments. Lviv IT Cluster continues working to expand opportunities for Ukrainian businesses,” said Stepan Veselovskyi, CEO of Lviv IT Cluster.

Stay updated on the LEAP EDIH project and learn more about collaboration opportunities on the Lviv IT Cluster website!

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.