Real Impact in Ukraine: Innovation on the Battlefield and Beyond

A strong start: collaboration and courage

Olha Afanasyeva and Taras Tovstiak from Itera, alongside Kjartan Tveitnes from NUCC, opened the morning by underlining the importance of Norwegian-Ukrainian cooperation in times of crisis — highlighting that innovation is about courage, rebuilding, and partnerships, and that through digital transformation and AI, Itera helps Nordic businesses embrace the potential of Ukraine's thriving tech ecosystem at a time when trade between the two nations is at an all-time high.

Keynotes: innovation in action

Viktoriia Savitska and Iryna Shynkarenko from Epicentr presented Blaho for Communities, a new digital platform developed in partnership with Itera. The platform connects international donors directly to verified reconstruction projects in small Ukrainian communities — ensuring transparency, zero administrative costs, and measurable impact.

Epicentr, one of Ukraine’s largest retail groups, has leveraged its network of over 200 stores and 9,000 suppliers to make local reconstruction more efficient and sustainable. Over 1,000 communities have already registered interest in the Blaho platform — a clear sign of its relevance and power.

From the logistics sector, Tschudi Logistics shared how they’ve turned adversity into innovation. Following severe GPS disruptions caused by the enemy of Ukraine especially, they worked with Norwegian and US tech partners to create a satellite-based navigation and crisis communication solution using Iridium technology. Tested under extreme conditions in Ukraine, the system ensures safety, independence, and reliability for crews and cargo alike — with broad potential across the entire transport industry. The Tschudi Group has been present in Odesa through Tschudi Ship Management since 2008. Tschudi logistics is presently involved in a partnership to establish the Aries Multimodal Logistics Terminal in Kovel, North-western Ukraine.

Panel reflections: innovation shaped by necessity

The panel discussion brought together voices from different sectors, exploring how war has accelerated innovation in Ukraine. Viktoria and Irina shared how Epicentr stepped into new roles as energy hubs during power cuts, and how local production and sustainability have become central to their strategy.

Participants agreed that mindset and flexibility are key. Ukraine has shown remarkable adaptability and speed, while Norway can offer lessons in long-term structure and sustainable growth. Together, these strengths form a powerful foundation for cooperation.

For 17 years, Itera has contributed to Ukraine’s innovative spirit — with our people building technology that connects purpose to progress, exemplified by initiatives like Blaho and Tschudi, where innovation proves its true worth through meaningful, human impact.