UCL and Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation forge strategic partnership to drive innovation

UCL and the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine (MDT) have entered into a landmark partnership to advance Ukraine's digital transformation and economic recovery through research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.

The partnership, supported by the Strategic Innovation Partnerships team (part of UCL Innovation & Enterprise), aligns Ukraine's ambitious WINWIN Global Innovation Strategy until 2030 - with UCL's Grand Challenges programme, commencing with its "Data-Empowered Societies" theme.

This cooperation positions UCL as a key academic partner in supporting Ukraine's vision to become a global technology and innovation leader by 2030, whilst advancing responsible research that addresses the pressing critical societal challenges arising from war.

Professor Geraint Rees, UCL Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), said: "Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation is pursuing an ambitious strategy to transform the country into a global technology and innovation leader, and UCL is proud to partner with them in support of this vision. Building upon the extensive synergies identified between Ukraine's WINWIN Strategy and our Grand Challenge of Data-Empowered Societies, I hope that this partnership will give rise to a wealth of collaboration opportunities that can make a tangible contribution to Ukraine's recovery, whilst advancing our shared commitment to ensuring that data and technology serve human needs and empower communities."

Oleksandr Bornyakov, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration said: “The partnership with UCL marks a new stage in building cooperation between science, government and technology. We are combining academic expertise with a strategic vision for innovation to strengthen the role of data in public decision-making and enhance the efficiency of governance. Ukraine has already proven its ability to scale innovation even under pressure — now we are doing it on a global level. This partnership will open new opportunities for Ukrainian researchers, professionals and startups.”

Ukraine's WINWIN Strategy, led by the MDT, seeks to transform the country into a regional innovation hub across fourteen priority sectors. The strategy emphasises opening markets, developing innovation infrastructure, strengthening human capital, and fostering international cooperation.

Valeriya Ionan, Advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine for Innovations, Digitalisation and Global Partnerships, said: “Through the realisation of the WINWIN Strategy, innovation for Ukraine is becoming more than a policy - it’s a national idea and a systemic driver of resilience, recovery and growth. The Strategy positions Ukraine as a hub for innovation and collaboration, where government, academia and business co-create solutions with global impact. Our partnership with UCL strengthens this mission by connecting Ukraine’s innovation ecosystem with world-class research and knowledge exchange - ensuring that data, knowledge and technology truly serve people and empower societies.”

The partnership with UCL will initially focus on several complementary areas identified by UCL and the MDT, including government technology and judicial technology, data and artificial intelligence systems, sovereign large language models, and education including educational technologies.

Professor Allison Littlejohn, UCL Pro Vice-Provost (Grand Challenge of Data Empowered Societies) said: “This partnership provides an opportunity to demonstrate how data can be harnessed to empower communities and support a sustainable, peaceful transition for Ukraine. UCL’s expertise in data-informed decision-making and societal resilience places us in a strong position to contribute meaningfully to Ukraine’s recovery and long-term stability. By working together, we can ensure that data serves as a catalyst for inclusive progress and prosperity.”

Launched in October 2024, UCL's Grand Challenge of Data-Empowered Societies aims to foster innovations that empower communities, protect privacy, and promote equity. The challenge brings together interdisciplinary research expertise to ensure that data-driven advances serve human needs whilst addressing concerns about fairness, inclusion, and ethical technology use.

UCL colleagues interested in discussing opportunities to collaborate with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine are invited to express their interest via ukraine@ucl.ac.uk.

Links

• UCL Grand Challenge of Data Empowered Societies
• UCL and Europe
• WINWIN Ukraine’s Global Innovation Strategy until 2030
• Ukraine and international partners launch a digital transformation and recovery initiative for local communities
• Article about UCL MoU signing on Ukraine Ministry of Digital Transformation website (in Ukrainian)

Images

• Featured image: Ukrainian flag above the city of Kharkov. Credit: iStock/sandsun. Additional image: Oleksandr Bornyakov, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration speaks to Professor Allison Littlejohn, UCL Pro-Vice-Provost (Grand Challenge of Data Empowered Societies) on screen at the WINWIN Strategy signing.

Media contact

Sophie Vinter

Tel: +44 (0)20 3108 7787

Email: s.vinter [at] ucl.ac.uk