The Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum (QUBF), in close collaboration with the Embassy of Ukraine in Qatar and the Qatar Government Communications Office (GCO), has hosted the visit of promising Ukrainian startups to showcase various projects in Qatar.
QUBF chairperson Dr Olga Revina stated to Gulf Times that the visit of the startups from Ukraine was among the key highlights of the forum’s participation in the Web Summit Qatar 2025 held last month.
Another QUBF achievement during the summit was the establishment of the Qatar-Ukraine Tech & Innovation Committee, which aims to facilitate co-operation in technology and innovation between Qatar and Ukraine, Revina pointed out.
“The committee aims to contribute to the Third National Development Strategy (NDS3) 2024-2030, where strengthening the innovative ecosystem is one of the priorities,” she also explained.
In January 2024, the government of Qatar launched the NDS3, which is the final stage of the country’s journey towards achieving the goals of its ambitious Qatar National Vision 2030.
Launched in 2008, the national vision aims to transform Qatar into an advanced state capable of achieving sustainable development and ensuring the continuation of a decent life for its people for generations to come, through four basic pillars that include human, social, economic, and environmental development.
Revina emphasised that Ukraine’s startups have a strong potential to contribute to NDS3 and, consequently, to Qatar National Vision 2030, owing to their strong expertise and advances in technology and innovation.
“Because of its expanding talent pool, increasing startup activity, and advancements across various technological fields, Ukraine's technology and innovation sector is emerging as a significant player in the global economy,” Revina stressed.
She noted that Ukraine’s tech and innovation sector has made major achievements in the following fields: IT outsourcing and software development, startups and entrepreneurship, AI and data science, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, tech education and innovation hubs, e-government and digital transformation, cybersecurity, and venture capital investment.
“Ukraine has become one of the top outsourcing destinations in the world. Ukrainian IT professionals are highly skilled, with strong expertise in software development, AI, machine learning, and blockchain technology. The country’s tech talent is sought after by global companies.
“Ukraine's startup ecosystem has flourished, particularly in cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Kharkiv. The number of tech startups has been growing, and Ukrainian entrepreneurs are known for developing innovative solutions in areas like fintech, health tech, and e-commerce. Ukraine’s strong tech talent pool has been a major factor in this success,” Revina pointed out.
She said, “Ukrainian researchers and developers have contributed significantly to AI and data science fields. Ukraine has been home to various AI-focused companies, and the country has seen growth in AI research, particularly in machine learning and neural networks.
“Ukraine has a strong educational foundation in science and technology. The country’s universities and tech hubs, like UNIT.City in Kyiv is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and tech innovators. Many tech firms also collaborate with universities to promote research and development.”
Revina stressed that venture capital investment in Ukraine has grown, with numerous funds focusing on tech startups. “These investments are further propelling the growth of Ukraine's innovation sector,” she added.
Dr Olga Revina, Qatar-Ukraine Business Forum chairperson.
