Yan Shapiro: U-Nation for innovation driven reconstruction of Ukraine
During this year’s EU Week of Regions, the EU-Ukraine Partnership Summit took place in Brussels, next door to the Office of the European Parliament. The summit’s purpose was to establish and strengthen new partnerships, support Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, and explore opportunities for project implementation. The event featured an official program, sessions for NGOs, and panel discussions focused on innovations, investments, digital transformation, job creation, and trade missions.
One of the summit’s organizers was U-Nation, the organization actively fostering the innovation-driven development of Ukraine and we invited Yan Shapiro, Founder of U-Nation to elaborate on their activities and how they actively contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine.
- Mr Shapiro, tell us more about U-Nation and its focus areas
U-Nation’s primary focus is on developing and integrating innovations to aid in the recovery of Ukraine’s economy. Amid the challenges posed by the war with Russia, U-Nation recognizes the necessity of rebuilding the country’s economy on a solid foundation that aligns with European and global standards. We aim to transform Ukraine’s economic landscape by promoting local innovations, creating an international collaboration platform, and connecting Ukrainian businesses to global markets.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s resilience has been remarkable. The country’s economy has continued to function, with sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and even tourism demonstrating a level of recovery that is unprecedented in such circumstances. For example, the logistics volume of grain transportation has reached 95% of pre-war levels, indicating the strength of the agro-industry. Additionally, cities like Odesa managed to maintain a tourist season in the summer, attracting not only domestic visitors but also international guests, including Germans who have invested in local real estate. These achievements highlight Ukraine’s capacity to adapt and grow even during times of adversity, underscoring the country’s promising future.
U-Nation focus areas include energy & green tech, agriculture & food tech, technologies for manufacturing, healthcare & rehabilitation, education & social impact, smart city & urbanism, and creative industries. These verticals are quite vital for Ukraine’s economy and they require modernization and further advancement. Emphasizing sustainable energy solutions, U-Nation seeks to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on traditional energy sources while promoting green technologies. We also support innovations in agriculture to make the sector more competitive and resilient. With a growing need for medical and rehabilitation services, especially in war-affected regions, U-Nation aims to integrate cutting-edge healthcare solutions to address these demands. The modernization of the educational system and the promotion of social initiatives are crucial for long-term economic and social development. U-Nation encourages the adoption of technology-driven urban planning to rebuild cities in a sustainable, efficient manner. By supporting cultural and creative sectors, U-Nation contributes to a diversified economic ecosystem
- What has been already done?
To achieve the stated objectives, U-Nation has launched several important initiatives, including the U-Nation Startup Accelerator, which began in September 2024 with support from USAID. This accelerator is the first international innovation program in Southern Ukraine, attracting over 50 mentors, experts, and investors from around the globe. It plays a crucial role in establishing an innovation ecosystem, with its initial cohort featuring startups that aim to enhance competitiveness in various sectors, including agriculture and technology.
In addition to the accelerator, U-Nation has been actively organizing international and local events aimed at fostering partnerships and attracting investments. The organization has hosted multiple conferences in Odesa and across Europe, including in Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, and Brussels. Collaborations with partners such as the Agency for Regional Development of the Odesa Region and initiatives like «The Ukrainian Review» have facilitated strategic relationships, such as the recent partnership discussions between Odesa and The Hague, which aim to implement projects like the European Embankment.
The organization is also developing a platform for attracting global technologies for Ukraine’s restoration, where corporations and startups can test their innovative solutions within the local ecosystem. This presents a «window of opportunity» to create from scratch and establish partnerships with leading global tech firms. U-Nation’s efforts are supported by a growing partner network, which plays a pivotal role in connecting Ukraine with international markets and technological leaders.
The Odesa region serves as a critical corridor for the recovery of Southern Ukraine, thanks to its logistical connections to the EU through Romania and its port infrastructure. As U-Nation pushes forward, its initiatives in tourism – particularly in medical and rehabilitation services – are set to boost economic recovery. Integrating technologies across all focus areas will not only modernize Ukraine’s economic ecosystem but also attract substantial investments. Through these efforts, U-Nation aims to make Ukraine a hub for innovation, economic renewal, and global collaboration, building a resilient future for the nation.
- How do you plan to continue to position innovation at the center of your activities?
U-Nation’s work represents a strategic approach to Ukraine’s economic renewal by leveraging the country’s resilience and potential for innovation. Even amid the challenges of war, Ukraine has maintained crucial sectors like agriculture, logistics, and tourism, demonstrating an ability to adapt and progress. U-Nation aims to build on this foundation by focusing on modernizing key industries, fostering technological advancements, and attracting international partnerships and investments.
As U-Nation continues to drive innovation across energy, agriculture, healthcare, education, smart city planning, and creative industries, it positions Ukraine not just for recovery but for long-term growth and integration into the global economy. By creating opportunities for startups, forging international collaborations, and establishing platforms for testing and deploying advanced technologies, U-Nation is setting the stage for a future where Ukraine emerges stronger and more connected to the world. The organization’s efforts in Odesa and beyond illustrate the transformative potential of combining local strengths with global support, paving the way for a modern, sustainable, and prosperous Ukraine.
