Innovation and technology were at the forefront of discussions during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026 (URC 2026) in Sopot, where EU4Innovation East supported the side event “Ukraine on Europe’s Digital Innovation Map.” Co-organised by Diia.City Union and EIT Community Hub Ukraine, the event brought together government representatives, European institutions, global technology companies, investors, and innovation ecosystem leaders to discuss Ukraine’s growing role in Europe’s digital future.
The discussions highlighted Ukraine’s progress in strengthening its innovation ecosystem despite the ongoing war, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship, deep tech, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and closer integration into European innovation networks. Participants also explored how long-term partnerships, investment, and access to European programmes can accelerate Ukraine’s recovery while contributing to Europe’s competitiveness.
Representing EU4Innovation East, Julien Schmitt, Project Director, emphasised the importance of supporting Ukraine’s integration into the wider European innovation ecosystem.
“Ukraine has already demonstrated that innovation is one of its greatest strengths. Even under extraordinary circumstances, its technology ecosystem has continued to develop solutions with global relevance. Through EU4Innovation East, we are proud to support stronger connections between Ukrainian entrepreneurs, researchers, and companies and European innovation networks, investors, and markets. Ukraine’s innovation potential will contribute not only to the country’s recovery, but also to Europe’s long-term competitiveness and innovation capacity,” said Julien Schmitt.
Charles Mathiaux, Deputy Director of EU4Innovation East, contributed to the panel discussions by highlighting the importance of turning international engagement with Ukraine into structured, long-term innovation partnerships. He emphasised that Ukraine’s integration into European innovation ecosystems should go beyond symbolic cooperation, focusing instead on practical mechanisms that connect startups, research institutions, and industry with European programmes, investors, and R&D networks. His intervention underlined EU4Innovation East’s role in facilitating these linkages and supporting initiatives that strengthen Ukraine’s innovation capacity while also reinforcing Europe’s broader technological competitiveness and resilience.
EU4Innovation East remains committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration across the Eastern Partnership region, supporting initiatives that strengthen resilient, competitive, and connected innovation ecosystems.
