On December 2, Berlin hosted Ecosystem Connectors | Berlin-Kyiv, a networking and experience exchange event aimed at strengthening ties between the startup ecosystems of Berlin and Kyiv. Kitsoft CEO Oleksandr Iefremov shared his experience of digitalizing public services in Ukraine and presented the Liquio low-code platform.
Image: Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises of Germany, with Oleksandr Iefremov and Michael Hübner.
The Ecosystem Connectors project is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with NGO Enpact with the support of the German Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The initiative aims to develop cooperation, share knowledge, and establish connections between European startup ecosystems.
The event brought together more than 100 participants, including government officials, startup founders, investors, and technology experts interested in opening new markets and creating partnerships.
In his speech, Oleksandr Iefremov noted a huge demand for digital public services in Germany. Complex bureaucratic processes hinder business development and create challenges for citizens. People expect changes, and politicians are increasingly inclined to implement modern digital solutions.
This has been driven, in part, by the experience of Ukrainians who moved to the country after the start of the full-scale invasion. This helped to rethink and change the approach to transforming public services in Germany.
Ukraine has valuable experience in GovTech and can offer effective digital solutions. It is important to understand that our country is not just a recipient of aid, but a thriving center of innovation that can offer even more in the future. Ukrainian innovations are already changing the world, and we are ready to help other countries on their way to digital transformation.
— Oleksandr Iefremov.
One of these digital solutions is Kitsoft's low-code platform for the digitalization of municipal and public services, Liquio. It allows you to quickly launch online services of any complexity, simplifies paperwork, and integrates IT systems. This technology became the basis for the Diia portal, which allowed Ukraine to become one of the leaders in GovTech in the world.
Video: Streaming of the Ecosystem Connectors | Berlin Kyiv Launch event.
Oleksandr highlighted that Liquio is well-positioned to scale to international markets, particularly in Germany, where personal data protection is a key priority. The introduction of solutions such as digital wallets can be a technology that will help preserve privacy while accelerating digitalization.
Together with Michael Hübner, Kitsoft's partner in Germany, Oleksandr Iefremov joined a panel discussion with Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises. They discussed the potential of Ukrainian innovations for digital administration in Germany and the contribution that Kitsoft can make.
Image: Franziska Giffey, Senator for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises of Germany, with Oleksandr Iefremov and Michael Hübner.
Ecosystem Connectors | Berlin-Kyiv proves that even in times of war, Ukraine remains a center of innovation and a reliable partner for international cooperation!