Web Summit is one of the largest technological innovation events in the world, which this year gathered more than 900 investors, 2,600 startups and more than 70,000 visitors from 160 countries. This number and quality of participants, despite the high-profile scandals that have created excitement in the industry, shows its sustainability and appeal. This year, we used a unique opportunity for startups and companies to demonstrate their innovative solutions and find new opportunities for development and to announce new achievements of Ukraine in the technology sector.
For the third year in a row, our Ukrainian Hub team has co-organized the Ukrainian stand at the Web Summit, where this year our goal was to attract the attention of the global technology community and interest them in the technological progress and opportunities that Ukraine offers today as a reliable partner.
It should be noted that with the growing number of participants from various fields, from media to show business and retail, it is becoming clear that technology is a key factor in all aspects of modern life. A significant factor was the fact that almost 50% of the summit's visitors are women who occupy management positions and expert positions. This indicates a rethinking of the technology industry's attitude towards inclusivity and diversity.
"The Ukrainian stand has become a center for the exchange of ideas, a platform for cooperation and an exciting demonstration space. We gathered the brightest Ukrainian innovators and representatives of technology companies in order to show the world the powerful movement and creativity of Ukraine in the world of technology," Olesya Malyovana, co-founder of Ukrainian Hub, shared her impressions of this year's Web Summit.
As part of the official delegation, Ukraine presented 25 startups working in various fields, from artificial intelligence to ecology and psychology. S.Lab, an ecological packaging company, entered the TOP-10 in the pitching competition and presented its project on the main stage of the summit. In addition, other participants from Ukraine should have had access to the "open microphone" at the Ukrainian stand. Three projects were developed by students of KPI named after Sikorsky, including a bionic hand prosthesis, a drone for the study of reservoirs, and technologies for reconnaissance drones operating in electronic warfare conditions.
The meeting with representatives of the European Commission led by Sofia Moreira de Souza, head of the European Commission's representation in Portugal, was important for the Ukrainian Hub team. They highly appreciated the achievements and work of the Ukrainian Hub. This is a powerful impetus to continue cooperation with the office of the European Commission not only in educational programs, but also in future projects.
During the Web Summit, the Ukrainian Hub team announced the launch of a new brunch in the USA, the work of which will be implemented with the support of the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council, and is aimed at creating a platform for Ukrainian entrepreneurs, startups and innovations. It unites both experienced players and newcomers in business who want to develop their projects in the USA. Sharing knowledge and experience determines success in business. We are currently actively researching our target audience, planning networking events to share ideas and training programs for professional development. But this is only the beginning! Our plans include mentoring sessions and educational initiatives, in particular, the development of startups and support for women's entrepreneurship.
The Ukrainian stand and activities were recognized as one of the best at Web Summit 2023, which is not only a mark of inspired work, but also a confirmation of the potential of the Ukrainian technology sector.