Krakow And Kyiv: A Growing Partnership Between Innovation Ecosystems
The past two years have seen a significant rise in collaboration between the innovation communities of Krakow, Poland and Kyiv, Ukraine. The City of Krakow has recently concluded a two year economic development program “Growing Internationally – Kraków’s Economy On The Rise” which identified Kyiv as a strategic partner and financed delegations to establish connections. The Foundation Supporting #OMGKRK, a leading entrepreneurial NGO building the innovation ecosystem in Krakow aims to further develop this dynamic relationship and growing relationship with Kyiv innovators in 2019.
The have been many highlights in the economic partnership thus far, which have focused on building relationships, finding local partners and identifying the optimal sectors of cooperation. This has included economic delegations and business trips between entrepreneurs and IT professionals which are continuing to strengthen.
Partnership History And Highlights
In April 2018, a delegation of Krakow startups and entrepreneurs visited Kyiv being able to see the development of Unit.City, met Kyiv IT Cluster in Platforma Coworking Space , visit the Poilish Ukranian Chmber Of Commerce and have extensive B2B meeting with local Kyiv companies.
A few months later in July, the Foundation Supporting #OMGKRK organized a regional ecosystem summit with leaders from Berlin, Warsaw and Kyiv. Kyiv IT Cluster CEO Nataly Veremeeva delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Kyiv and Ukraine innovation ecosystem to a full room with many Ukrainians living and working in Krakow in attendance.
Then again in October 2018, the City of Krakow and the Foundation Supporting #OMGKRK invited a delegation of Kyiv innovators to Krakow to engage in activities during Krakow Startup Week 2019 and make connection with local startups, IT companies and innovators. Many business cards were exchanged along the way creating new friendships, clients and projects.
Next Opportunity
On Tuesday April 30th, Foundation Supporting #OMGKRK Head of Operations Paweł Kulon will be in Kyiv delivering a presentation on the Polish innovation ecosystem with Krakow as a case study. The presentation will highlight the most innovative achievements of local companies and frame opportunities on where Poles and Ukrainians can innovate together. The Foundation Supporting #OMGKRK formally represents over 20 technology organizations in Krakow and is well connected with much of the city’s innovation ecosystem.
If you are a Ukranian tech entrepreneur and would like to learn more about the Polish and Krakow startup communities, the Poland Prize, interested in exchanging business contacts, matchmaking, finding local partners then make sure to fill out this form to be invited to the event and B2B session.
If you are a Polish entrepreneur who is interested in working more closely with Ukranian partners, please complete the form explaining how #OMGKRK can help you achieve your goals in Kyiv.
