techUK and IT Ukraine Association sign a Memorandum of Understanding at Plexal, Here East

techUK members have already taken a leadership role in supporting the Ukrainian government, military, economy and society. From maintaining and repairing critical infrastructure, to supporting the education system through video sharing licensing and as well as cooperation on healthtech, fintech, energy tech, and drones, the support of the UK tech sector is both vast and varied. Our members have assisted, on a commercial and pro-bono basis, in areas such as defence, public services, software, services accreditation and skills, and have outlined several future commitments they plan to make.

In the backdrop of the ongoing Russian aggression, dialogue and collaboration between the UK and Ukraine, on an industry-to-industry, government-to-government, and business-to-business level, has become more important than ever. The UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge is the start of a long-term partnership between the two countries, and the MoU between techUK and IT Ukraine Association, offer an immense opportunity for tech companies to turn vocal support into tangible commitments and collaboration.

In terms of the MoU, it states that the forms of cooperation include:

• Joint activities facilitating industry-to-industry collaboration, through the Tech Bridge
• Webinars promoting commercial opportunities
• Roundtables on best approaches to regulation and tech innovation

Andrew Roughan, CEO at Plexal, says: “It was an honour for Plexal and Here East to have hosted the launch evening of the UK-Ukraine TechBridge. This initiative between techUK and IT Ukraine Association aligns with everything I believe in, which is that by collaborating on innovation, we can work towards a common goal that will create new opportunities for all involved.

“As the citizens and leaders of Ukraine look towards a new future and make plans for rebuilding the nation, the UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge is a powerful campaign that will encourage and enable UK investors and partners to fund and work with Ukrainian technology businesses. Tech businesses in Ukraine are already experiencing impressive growth and, with the support of the UK’s resource-rich innovators, we can elevate this to new heights.”

If any members are interested in further supporting Ukraine, they should contact [email protected]

Sabina Ciofu

Associate Director – International, techUK

Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.

Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.

As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.

Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.

Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.

She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.

Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

+32 473 323 280

Website:

www.techuk.org

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Daniel Clarke

Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK

Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.

Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.

Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.

Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs. 

Email:

[email protected]

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Oliver Alderson

Policy and Public Affairs - Team Assistant, techUK

Oliver is the team assistant for the Policy and Public Affairs teams, joining techUK in November of 2023. He assists the teams admistrative support, communication, and event production.

Prior to working at techUK, Oliver studied at Swansea and Bristol universities, attaining a masters in Policy Research. During this time he competed in debating competitions around the country where he discussed and deliberated various policy issues. Between his studies Oliver acted as a student assistant in mental health research for the SMaRteN student network.

Email:

[email protected]

Phone:

07505 890 596

LinkedIn:

https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oliver-alderson-a51312180

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