Driven by a desire to empower Ukraine's future IT leaders, particularly women and veterans, TechHope Transitions (THT) was founded in September 2023. Recognizing the potential of Ukrainian talent to contribute to the nation's growth, we established THT to create IT incubators within Ukrainian universities.
By connecting Ukrainian students with real-world IT projects from American businesses, THT aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering a new generation of IT professionals. This collaborative approach, born from discussions with Shane Molinari of BCM Professionals and Paul Hinds of Mitarbet Consulting, will equip Ukrainian students with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the global IT market.
Thanks to the invaluable guidance of Ezio Sabatino from Sabatino Marketing, we’ve refined our online presence and successfully engaged key stakeholders at events like the Grand Founders Spring Summit 2024. These efforts have led to fruitful partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NULES) and V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University.
Professor Marina Nehrey’s innovative concept of a two-week intensive school for students has been instrumental in equipping them with the theoretical and practical skills essential for global IT projects. Our inaugural summer school at NULES, led by industry experts Shane Molinari and Michael Makarkin, culminated in successful student outcomes, including a business analyst internship secured by the NULES graduate student, Polina Reminna.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Katya Andrievskaia of O'Rourke Media Group for the exceptional design of our newsletter.
We are committed to nurturing Ukrainian IT talent and bridging the gap between Ukraine and the global tech industry.
Celebrating a Successful Summer Session with TechHope Transitions and NULES
We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the joint summer session between TechHope Transitions and the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NULES) on July 12, 2024. This landmark initiative has not only enriched the academic landscape but has also paved the way for future collaborations and innovation in the field of information technology.
The summer session was a remarkable journey of learning, growth, and practical application, guided by the expert leadership of Professor Maryna Nehrey and her dedicated assistant, Associate Professor Dr. Vadym Shkarupylo. Under their supervision, students delved into the complexities of the Secure Development Lifecycle and emerged with not only enhanced technical skills but also a deeper understanding of collaborative project work.
Our incredible students, the true stars of this program, impressed everyone with their dedication, resilience, and innovative thinking. Their ability to grasp challenging concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios was nothing short of inspiring. This session underscored their potential to shape the future of technology.
The presence of distinguished guests, such as the Igor Bolbot, DSc, Professor, Dean of IT Faculty of NULES, Kyiv and Lidiya Guryanova, DSc, Professor of the Department of Economic Cybernetics and Applied Economics of Kharzin University, Kharkiv, added great value to the event. Their engagement and support highlighted the collaborative spirit of the academic community and its commitment to fostering educational excellence.
We are especially grateful to Professor Nehrey, without whom this transformative experience would not have been possible. Her vision and leadership have been pivotal in the successful implementation of this program. Her efforts have not only benefited the students but have also strengthened the partnership between TechHope Transitions and NULES.
In an exciting development, Professor Guryanova extended an invitation to TechHope to establish a similar training session and IT incubator at their university. This new venture promises to expand our reach and impact, bringing more opportunities for students to learn and excel in the burgeoning field of IT.
As we reflect on the achievements of this summer session, we look forward with anticipation to the opportunities that lie ahead. This program is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long and fruitful collaboration between TechHope Transitions, NULES, and universities across Ukraine and beyond. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to the success of this program. Your hard work and enthusiasm have truly made a difference, and we are excited to see what the future holds for our promising students and the evolving partnership.
Ukrainian Women in IT: Gender Gap and The War Impact
Before the war, Ukraine was one of the fastest growing IT hubs in Europe, as Ukrainian IT-professionals were highly regarded in the IT talent pool and at a reduced cost. Since 2022, the war in Ukraine has had a great impact on the availability of IT support, which has traditionally been a male dominated industry. Specifically, the availability of men in IT has reduced significantly because they either evacuated early on the war or were drafted to serve in the military.
Nevertheless, the demand for IT support has increased approximately 30%, yet societal and cultural norms have continued to create barriers for women in IT. According to statistical data, women's representation in the Ukrainian tech industry has increased over nine years, especially during the past 3 years from 20% to 27%, yet there still exists a substantial gap and a pressing need to further boost female participation that aligns with THT's mission to empower women in this sector.
The war has exacerbated pre-existing gender inequalities. The majority of refugees and internally displaced persons are women and children, creating additional challenges for women trying to enter or remain in the tech sector. Many women have been forced to take on additional caregiving roles, limiting their ability to work or pursue further education. Additionally, economic instability has pushed many into informal employment, further complicating efforts to close the gender gap in IT and other sectors.
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian women have been pivotal in the digital transformation of the country. As of 2023, women make up about 25% of the tech workforce in Ukraine, a number that has been steadily increasing due to targeted initiatives and societal shifts. Ongoing support from international organizations and government initiatives continues to foster an environment where women can thrive in the tech industry, even amidst the war.