Ukraine has already become one of the global hubs of defense tech, and the war has pushed Ukrainian companies to develop technologies at an unprecedented pace. But can this experience lay the foundation for a new wave of innovation — from robotics and autonomous systems to bionic prosthetics?

Nataliia Denikeieva, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, will speak about this and the future of Ukrainian tech on the Business Stage at IT Arena 2026. Ahead of her talk, we spoke with Nataliia about what Ukraine’s tech ecosystem is still missing and why now may be the best time to build new technology products with global potential. 

— Ukraine is a trendsetter in defense tech and has strong positions in AI, cybersecurity, and FinTech. Which technology areas do you think could be the next ones where Ukraine can compete globally?

— I see great potential for Ukraine in hardware, robotics, and autonomous systems. The war has significantly accelerated the development of Ukraine’s defense tech sector. We have gained experience and expertise that, perhaps, no other country in the world has. But the potential of this sector is much broader.

We already need to start thinking about how military technologies can be applied to the civilian sector — for example, in logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, construction, and other areas where automation and autonomy are needed.

Another area where I see strong potential is MedTech, specifically bionic prosthetics. There is currently a huge demand for such solutions in Ukraine. When real market demand is combined with strong engineering expertise, a technological base, and the ability to test solutions under real-world conditions, it creates a very strong foundation for developing products that can compete not only in Ukraine but globally.

— How does Ukraine’s innovation sector differ from those of other countries? Where are we still falling behind, and where are we already ahead of the world?

— We are highly motivated. For us, technological development is not just an ambition or a matter of economic growth. Today, it is a matter of survival. Crisis forces us to move faster, and Ukrainians are incredibly resourceful, ambitious, and motivated to find solutions where others do not yet see them. This is definitely one of our advantages.

At the same time, we are still falling behind in creating a predictable environment for developing these solutions: the rule of law, intellectual property protection, regulatory speed, and predictable rules for businesses.

— Can the Diia.City experience serve as an example for other countries? Which Ukrainian solutions could be adopted beyond its borders?

— Why not? Diia.City is a model that can be adapted to another jurisdiction. But it’s important to take into account the characteristics and specifics of each particular country. The idea of creating a special environment for technology businesses can work not only in Ukraine.

But the main lesson from our experience is the ability to listen to business and actually hear it. The government should be an enabler, not a bottleneck. The private sector often understands the practical problems it faces every day better than others. That is why it’s important not to develop solutions in a vacuum, but to consult with businesses and find the right balance between government and market interests.

We also built this approach into Diia.City. I think this is another part of our experience that any country can use, regardless of its jurisdiction.

— What does Ukraine’s technology ecosystem need most for further development — capital, talent, infrastructure, a favorable regulatory environment, or perhaps something else?

— We are lacking everything at once — capital, talent, infrastructure, and a favorable regulatory environment. We are developing our technology ecosystem not thanks to favorable conditions, but despite them.

Let’s be objective: we have a serious shortage of people, numerous security risks, and many restrictions related to the war. All of this makes it harder to develop a technology business.

But I would not want to focus the conversation only on what we lack. It’s important to see the opportunities as well. And there are many of them in Ukraine right now. We are in a “perfect storm” that could give us a chance to leapfrog not one, but several stages of development at once.

We have learned to master, test, and develop in a very short period of time things that would have taken years under different circumstances. This pace has helped us gain unique experience and build expertise. Now we need to turn these assets into technologies and solutions that will have value far beyond Ukraine.

— What role will technology play in Ukraine’s recovery? Which solutions do you think could become game changers in the coming years?

— One of the most important roles. Automation, robotics, and autonomous systems are among the priorities for the country’s recovery.

Technology can already transform entire sectors — from agriculture and logistics to healthcare, construction, and civilian security. That is why it is important for the government to create the necessary foundation for the development of hardware technologies: remove regulatory barriers, create opportunities for testing, and help strong solutions scale.

We are already working on this. Last autumn, together with the Ukrainian Startup Fund and the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, we launched a grant program for manufacturers of firefighting unmanned aerial systems and unmanned ground vehicles. We funded eight teams, each receiving up to 8 million UAH to develop their solutions.

— What technology product do you use every day and can no longer imagine your life without?

— I like technologies that integrate seamlessly into everyday life and make it a little easier. I have two favorites.

The first is the PLAUD NOTE voice recorder. It’s extremely useful in my work. The device records meetings, transcribes them, generates summaries, highlights key points, and creates follow-ups. It is very convenient and helps me focus on the conversation, context, and decisions instead of mechanically taking notes.

I also use an Oura Ring. It helps me track my sleep, recovery, and activity, and better understand where I might need to make adjustments.

— If you had one message for Ukrainian tech founders, what would you tell them?

— Don’t wait for a better time to build your business in Ukraine. The best time is now.

We are living through that same “perfect storm” that forces us to look for opportunities faster, create new solutions, and become stronger. Yes, these are extremely difficult conditions. But they give Ukrainian companies experience and speed that cannot be gained in a stable market.

So don’t be afraid to build your business in Ukraine. Hire people here, build teams, test new solutions, and scale. We have all the prerequisites to create strong technology companies.

— You will be speaking at IT Arena this year. Can you give us a little preview of what you will focus on during your talk and the main idea you would like to share with the audience?

— For Ukraine, innovation is no longer a nice-to-have option that simply makes life more convenient. It’s a matter of our survival, development, and future place on the global technology map.

That is exactly what I will be talking about at IT Arena — how to turn innovation from individual strong solutions into a systemic advantage for the country.

This year, Nataliia Denikeieva will take the Business Stage at IT Arena 2026, where she will continue the conversation about how Ukraine can turn its innovation potential into a long-term competitive advantage. 

Join IT Arena this fall and hear Nataliia Denikeieva speak live.