The third day of IT Arena, the largest tech event of the year in Ukraine, will feature a series of meetups. We’ve prepared a unique program so that every attendee can find an engaging topic, connect with colleagues, and join exciting discussions. This year, the meetup topics are impressively diverse: from cybersecurity and data protection to modern developments in drone warfare and new defense solutions. We’ll discuss mobile applications in the IoT ecosystem, automation, and the power of community in business growth. Experts will share insights on securing funding for startups during wartime, including how to apply for acceleration programs and enter international markets. We will also give practical advice for entrepreneurs, current marketing changes, and women’s leadership in IT.

Among the companies organizing meetups at IT Arena are Google, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, USAID, GIZ, Payoneer, Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation, Intellias, the Lviv IT Cluster, and many others. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the latest trends and establish valuable business connections.

Scaling Startups

Each year, IT Arena expands opportunities for Ukrainian startups. This year’s third-day program includes a series of meetups specifically for startup founders. At the meetup “Prospects for Cooperation and Scaling of Ukrainian Innovations in the European Market: Opportunities from the Seeds of Bravery Project,” you’ll hear stories from founders who successfully secured funding and learn about scaling Ukrainian startups in the European market. The meetup “Money Makes Money: How to Get Funding During the War,” hosted by the EIT Community RIS Hub Ukraine, will bring together experts who will discuss venture and grant funding for Ukrainian businesses, as well as preparation for entering the international market and due diligence.

Meetup Program:

Money Makes Money: How to Get Funding During the War

13:00 – 14:30, Jam Hotel, Akadema Hnatyuka St. 6

Breaking Borders: Global Growth for Ukrainian Startups

11:00  – 12:30, MAD Bar’s house, Shevska St. 9

Prospects for Cooperation and Scaling of Ukrainian Innovations in the European Market: Opportunities from the Seeds of Bravery Project

13:00 – 14:30, MAD Bar’s house, Shevska St. 9

Grow Your Startup with Google

13:00 – 14:30, MAD Bar’s House, Shevskaya St. 9

Cybersecurity

In the context of war and instability, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. Several meetups at IT Arena will focus on this topic. In the meetup hosted by Intellias, “Cost of Data Breach,” we will explore all aspects of data breaches: attack vectors, root causes, and strategic investments to reduce breach costs. We will also discuss practical applications of AI for enhancing cybersecurity and using AI tools in business. USAID is organizing the meetup “AI-Powered Cybersecurity: The Next Wave of Product Innovations.” At this event, you will learn how AI can significantly strengthen cybersecurity at various business levels and help solve specific issues.

Meetup Program:

Cost of Data Breach
15:00 – 16:30, Jam Hotel, Kopernyka St. 18a

AI-Based Cybersecurity: The Next Wave of Product Innovations
11:00 – 12:30 

Striking the Balance: Turning Gender Equality in Cybersecurity into Action
13:00 – 14:30, USAID HOUSE, Moment, Furmanska St. 17

Cyber Security

11:00 – 12:30, Royal Brewery, Staroevreyska St. 9

Technology

Strategic planning, budget allocation, and customer retention are crucial for successful business operations. In the meetup “7 Cornerstones of your Delivery Management Process,” Sigma Software, a company with over 250 active projects, will share its experiences. You will receive practical advice and approaches to solving problems. This meetup will reveal how to enhance management efficiency and highlight common mistakes companies make during their growth stages.

Meetup Program:

Testing Mobile Applications in IoT: Tips and Recommendations

11:00 – 12:30, Lviv Tourist Office, Ruska St. 20

7 Cornerstones of Your Delivery Management Process

11:00 – 12:30, MAD Bar’s house, Shevska St. 9

Winning the Drone War: New Anti-Drone Solutions Developed by the State and Volunteer Groups
11:00 – 12:30, Coffee Mine, Rynok Square 10

Automation of Organizational and Administrative Document Flow Using Low-Code on the Creatio Platform
13:00 – 14:30, Sense Hub Lviv, Rynok Square 26

Building Innovative GovTech Products That Go Global
11:00 – 12:30, Small Session Hall of the Lviv City Council, Rynok Square 1

Why is Your Corporate Education System Doesn’t Working?
11:00 – 12:30, 36Po, Rynok Square 36

MOD Talks

13:00 – 14:30, Royal Brewery, Staroevreyska St. 9

What Weapons Will We Use in 10 Years?

15:00 – 16:30, Sense Hub Lviv, Rynok Square 26

Glory Tech Run

8:45 – 10:00, Lviv Tech City, Stryiska, 48

For Business Owners

There’s a special lineup of valuable meetups for business owners. When starting a business, it’s essential to understand how to achieve a profitable exit. This will be the focus of the meetup from Payoneer, “Exit Strategy Brunch.” In the meetup “Battle Generation” by Diia.City.Union, we will unite two generations of entrepreneurs to discuss key aspects of running a business, sharing perspectives, experiences, and approaches. Most importantly, we’ll find out what matters more in business: ambition or experience, or perhaps the synergy of both approaches.

Meetup Program:

Synergy Between the State and Business: How to Achieve Great Goals Together
11:00 – 12:30, Grand Hotel Lviv, Svobody Ave. 13

Matchmaking for EU-Ukraine Tech Clusters: Developing Strategic Partnerships

13:00 – 14:30, Grand Hotel Lviv, Svobody Avenue 13

LEGO Workshop: Development of Product Mindset Through Self-Reflection
11:00 – 12:30, Sense Hub Lviv, Rynok Square 26

Exit Strategy Brunch

14:00 – 15:30, Lviv Coffee Mine, Rynok Square 26

Battle Generation
13:00 – 14:30, George Hotel, Mickiewicz Square 1

Convincing Hesitant Clients to Stay in Ukraine During the War: A Practical Case Study

11:00 – 12:30, Dzyga, Armenian St. 35

Fueling Business Expansion with Benefits from Technology Alliances

13:00 – 14:30 The Most Expensive Restaurant in Halychyna, Rynok Square 1

Ukraine – A Place for Plans
15:00 – 16:30, 36 PO, Rynok Square 36

Inclusion of veterans into the tech industry

15:00 – 16:30, Lviv Tourism Office, Ruska St. 20

Marketing

After participants learn how to manage multiple projects simultaneously, they’ll have a chance to enhance their marketing skills. In the meetup “CMO Coffee Talk,” you’ll discover new team structures, effective tools, successful advertising campaigns, and budget management. This meetup will bring together marketing department heads from leading product and service companies for an informal coffee gathering. You will learn about the latest changes in marketing, and have the opportunity to meet one-on-one and ask your questions. Join us to share valuable experiences and ideas.

Meetup Program:

CMO Coffee Talk
14:00 – 16:00, Dzyga, Virmenska St. 35

Women in Tech

We will also discuss gender balance in tech and cybersecurity. In the meetup hosted by USAID, we’ll examine concrete strategies for achieving gender equality in the industry. We’ll talk about challenges and ways to overcome them, as well as STEM education for girls. At the SheTech business breakfast, we’ll discuss women’s paths in technology during wartime.

Meetup Program:

Business Breakfast SheTech: Driving Ukraine’s Victory and Recovery

11:00 – 12:30, Moment Bar, Furmanska St. 17

Striking the Balance: Turning Tough Gender Equality Conversations into Action
13:00 – 14:30, Moment Bar, Furmanska St. 17

Education

In educational meetups, we will talk about talent development and the hidden advantages of close collaboration between IT professionals and students. Mentorship and teaching involve not only educating the new generation but also the continuous development of experienced professionals. In the meetup “From Mentorship to Leadership: A Win-Win Strategy for Companies and Students,” we will show how companies in the Lviv IT Cluster benefit from delegating their employees as teachers and mentors. We’ll also discuss why it’s important to encourage IT professionals to work with students.

Meetup Program:

From Mentorship to Leadership: A Win-Win Strategy for Companies and Students
15:00 – 16:30, The Most Expensive Restaurant in Halychyna, Rynok Square 14

From Lectures to Innovations: How Universities and Businesses Achieve Synergy for Mutual Impact
11:00 – 12:30 The Most Expensive Restaurant in Halychyna, Rynok Square 14

To join any meetup, you must be an IT Arena attendee, have a conference badge, and register ahead of time for each event. Registration for meetups begins on September 27. Discover more about the meetups here.